Comma before 'such as'
I have searched the Internet and know about using or not using commas before 'such as'. If the phrase is nonrestrictive, then a comma is needed otherwise not. However, at certain times I am still confused.
Please see the following sentences - I would like to know if a comma is needed before 'such as' in the following two sentences. Can the intent of the writer also decide whether a comma is needed before 'such as'? What if in the first sentence, I specifically want to refer to 'dogmas', 'doctrines' and 'beliefs'? Do I still need to use a comma before 'such as'?
Humanity has been enslaved by man-made concepts such as dogmas, doctrines, theories and beliefs.
The big basket contained a wide variety of fruits such as mangoes, bananas, apples and grapes.
Top answer
You can't use "such as" like that. It is literal at its heart and introduces a list of examples no matter how much you want it to be doing something else. Take the first sentence.
- You can't use "such as" like that.
- It is literal at its heart and introduces a list of examples no matter how much you want it to be doing something else.
- Take the first sentence.
- "Such as" means that your list is incomplete, but it is too long for that, and the reader strains to find other concepts that belong in it.
- " The reader knows that the list is incomplete without being told, and he is sure you will go on to explain yourself more fully.
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You can't use "such as" like that. It is literal at its heart and introduces a list of examples no matter how much you want it to be doing something else.
Take the first sentence. "Such as" means that your list is incomplete, but it is too long for that, and the reader strains to find other concepts that belong in it. Say what you mean, maybe "Humanity has been enslaved by the man-made c
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