Geographical names which explain other names and dates which explain other dates:
- The convention met at Madison, Wisconsin, on March 24, 1916.
Words in apposition:
- We arrived at Austin, the capital of Texas.
- It was Archie, my best friend in boyhood.
- [Exception.]—The comma is omitted (1) When the appositive is part of a proper name. Right: William the Silent, Alexander the Great. (2) When there is unusually close connection between the appositive and the noun it modifies. Right: My one confidant was my brother Robert. (3) When the appositive is a word or phrase to which attention is called by italics or some other device which sets it apart. Right: The word sequent is derived from Latin. Right: The expression "That's fine" is one which I use indiscriminately.
[Note.]—When the parenthetical element occurs in the middle of a sentence, "set off by commas" means punctuate before and after.
- Wrong: I was, madam at home yesterday.
- Right: I was, madam, at home yesterday.
- Wrong: I am to say the least, provoked.
- Right: I am, to say the least, provoked.
[f.] Consecutive adjectives that modify the same noun are separated from each other by commas. If, however, the last adjective is closely linked in meaning with the noun, no comma is used before it.
- Right: A short, slight, pitiable figure.
- Right: A shrewd professional man. [Shrewd modifies, not man alone, but professional man.]
- Right: A bedraggled old rooster. [Old rooster has almost the force of a compound word. Bedraggled modifies the general idea old rooster.]
[Note.]—The commas in a series of adjectives are used to separate the adjectives from each other. No comma should intervene between the final adjective and the noun. Wrong: He was only a frail, unarmed, frightened, youngster. Right: He was only a frail, unarmed, frightened youngster.
[g.] Words or phrases in series are separated by commas.