Writing: Commas and the Short Phrase

Most grammar references discourage writers from setting off short introductory words or phrases that refer to time or place. Short usually means one to three words. Some references say one to four words. Some organizations’ style manuals direct writers, editors, and proofreaders to place a comma after these short phrases. Be sure to be consistent.

Here are examples of short phrases of time and place that should not be followed by a comma.

• In 1999 we received a supplemental appropriation to enforce the new regulation.
• On Tuesday we will meet to discuss the proposed downsizing.
• In my office I have the client’s most recent draft of the proposal.
• Today we received the material that should have been delivered yesterday.

The exceptions to this rule include sentences that could be misread without the comma and sentences beginning with three-part dates. Note that the year in a three-part date should always be set off with commas, no matter where it is in a sentence. When two numbers are next to each other, they should be separated by a comma.

Here are examples of short phrases of time and place that should be followed by a comma.

• In 2000, 300 people attended the retirement workshops.
• On October 28, 2000, the committee met to discuss the risks of drug XYZ.

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