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Goronsky Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Can I ditch the comma in all of these?

Pencils, papers, protractors, etc., are needed for the project.
(Can the comma be omitted after 'etc.' here?)

Pencils, papers, protractors, and so on, are needed for the project.
(Can the comma be omitted after 'and so on' here?)

Pencils, papers, protractors, and so forth, are needed for the project.
(Can the comma be omitted after 'and so forth' here?)

John, Joe, et al., will attend the symposium.
( Can the comma be omitted after 'et al.'?)

She loves to read non-fiction (e.g., reference books and how-to books).
---Can the comma be omitted after 'e.g.'?

He had one obvious flaw (i.e., his laziness).
---Can the comma be omitted after 'i.e.'?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

1. I'd ditch it, just because of the period that comes before. 2.

— Philip

  • 1.
  • I'd ditch it, just because of the period that comes before.
  • 2.
  • I'd keep it because it isn't encumbered by other punctuation as in #1.
  • 3.
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2 Answers
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1. I'd ditch it, just because of the period that comes before.
2. I'd keep it because it isn't encumbered by other punctuation as in #1.
3. See #2.
4 See #1.
5 & 6. I'd omit them until someone complains, and maybe even then
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