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comma or not? - SM

Posted: Mar 20, 2014

The patient is a whatever-year-old male who was seen today for whatever. OR

The patient is a whatever-year-old male, who was seen today for whatever.

In your example I say either is correct. - I personally would not. (sm)

[ In Reply To ..]
The rule basically says if the *stuff* after the "who" is essential for describing the patient, you do not use a comma. Otherwise, use a comma. I think the above could be interpreted either way.

I can't think of what the specific grammar rule is called off the top of my head, or I would point you towards a resource.

Comma or not - Vera

[ In Reply To ..]
This might help decide.

When Not to Use Commas with Who and Which
There is often confusion about when to use commas with who and which. Unfortunately, there is no simple rule. Sometimes there should be commas and sometimes there should not. The rule is: When the information provided by the clause is required to identify the person (or thing), then there are no commas.

The examples will make this clearer.

Examples:

The boy who broke our window brought some flowers to the door.
(The clause who broke our window is required to identify the boy â�� no commas.)

The driver who stole indicator bulbs for his own car was given a formal warning.
(The clause who stole indicator bulbs for his own car is required to identify the driver â�� no commas.)

Mr Jeremy Buxton of 16 High Street who was born on the Isle of Wight is the second person from the village to represent England at Cluedo.
(The clause who was born on the Isle of Wight is not required to identify Mr Jeremy Buxton of 16 High Street â�� there should be commas around this clause.)

Sarah has always been close to her parents who live in the same village as us.
(The clause who live in the same village as us is not required to identify Sarah's parents â�� comma required before who.)

Read more at http://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons/which_that_who_comma_or_not.htm#629JDZqgukIMbdyB.99

I love the examples in your post! - (Anglophile) (nm)

[ In Reply To ..]
:)

commas - what I do

[ In Reply To ..]
If there is no hard rule or it can go either way, I put a comma if the dictator pauses. For example, if he pauses after the word male, I put a comma, if he does not pause I do not.

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