[PATCH] Missing comma in usr_10.txt

[vim]

[PATCH] Missing comma in usr_10.txt

[GoogleCodeExporter]

It reads fine without the comma.

Original comment by [email protected] on 25 Jun 2011 at 11:27

• Changed state: WontFix

[GoogleCodeExporter]

It does not read fine to me and other people:

<rindolf> Hi all. http://paste.debian.net/121122/ - “In chapter 4 several 
ways to make small changes were explained.” - I think there should be a comma 
after the “chapter 4” - am I right?
<Elench> I'd use one, yes
<rindolf> Elench: are you talking to me?
<Elench> rindolf: yes, sorry
<rindolf> Elench: OK.
<rindolf> Elench: thanks.
<Elench> Np

Also see: http://www.google.com/search?q=%22in%20chapter%22 .

Original comment by [email protected] on 27 Jun 2011 at 9:43

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Style guides for English generally recommend using commas for introductory 
phrases of more than four or five words.  Because "in chapter 4" is only three 
words, it's okay to omit it.  Four or five is a general rule of thumb, not an 
absolute.

Your search returned many results about "Chapter X" bankruptcy (where X = 7 or 
11 or 13).  Perhaps a better example search is: 
http://www.google.com/search?q=%22in+chapter+%2A+we%22 (more likely to be found 
in prose)

It's split fairly evenly on the first couple results pages between using the 
comma or not.

Other references:

Yahoo! Style Guide: 
http://styleguide.yahoo.com/editing/punctuate-proficiently/commas (§ Setting 
off introductory elements - uses 4+ as the rule of thumb).

The Economist Style Guide: 
http://www.economist.com/research/styleGuide/index.cfm?page=805695 (comma not 
necessary after a short phrase at the start)

Many more at: 
http://www.google.com/search?q=style+guide+comma+introductory+phrase

Several of the top results in that search point out that short introductory 
phrases often require a judgment call.

Original comment by [email protected] on 27 Jun 2011 at 11:13