The question of whether to use a comma after “shortly” is a common one, and the answer, like many grammar questions, isn’t always straightforward. It depends heavily on how “shortly” is being used in the sentence. This article will delve deep into the various scenarios, providing clear guidance and examples to help you master the art of using “shortly” correctly.
Understanding The Different Roles Of ‘Shortly’
“Shortly” functions primarily as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or even another adverb. Its core meaning revolves around time, signifying “soon,” “briefly,” or “in a little while.” However, the precise nuance and placement within a sentence greatly influence the need for a comma.
‘Shortly’ As An Introductory Adverb
When “shortly” begins a sentence, it often introduces a time frame or sets the stage for an upcoming event. In this position, it’s generally followed by a comma. The comma helps to separate the introductory element from the main clause, improving readability and preventing potential misinterpretations.
For example: “Shortly, the train will be arriving at Platform 5.”
The comma after “shortly” clearly indicates that the adverb is modifying the entire statement about the train’s arrival, not just the verb “will be arriving.” Omitting the comma could make the sentence feel slightly rushed or ambiguous.
Another example: “Shortly, we will announce the winners of the competition.”
Again, the comma creates a pause that allows the reader to process the introductory element before moving on to the main point of the sentence.
‘Shortly’ Within The Sentence: When To Comma, When To Omit
The rules become more nuanced when “shortly” appears within the body of a sentence. Whether or not to use a comma depends on whether “shortly” is essential to the meaning of the sentence (restrictive) or provides additional, non-essential information (non-restrictive).
Restrictive Use: No Comma Needed
When “shortly” is crucial to understanding the sentence’s core meaning, it’s considered a restrictive element and should not be set off by commas. In these cases, removing “shortly” would significantly alter the sentence’s meaning.
Consider this example: “He arrived shortly after the meeting began.”
Here, “shortly after the meeting began” specifies precisely when he arrived. The timing is essential information, and removing this phrase would leave the sentence incomplete and unclear. Therefore, no comma is needed.
Another example: “The email will be sent shortly before the deadline.”
Similar to the previous example, “shortly before the deadline” provides vital information about when the email will be sent. Omitting this phrase would leave the reader wondering about the timing. Hence, no comma is necessary.
Non-Restrictive Use: Commas Required
When “shortly” provides additional, non-essential information, it’s considered a non-restrictive element and should be set off by commas. This means placing a comma both before and after “shortly” if it appears in the middle of a sentence, or a comma before “shortly” if it’s at the end. Removing the phrase wouldn’t fundamentally change the sentence’s meaning.
For instance: “The speaker, shortly after beginning his speech, lost his voice.”
In this case, “shortly after beginning his speech” provides extra detail about when the speaker lost his voice, but it’s not essential to understanding the core message that the speaker lost his voice. The sentence would still make sense without this phrase. Therefore, commas are used to set it off.
Another example: “She completed the project, shortly, and submitted it on time.”
Here, “shortly” simply adds emphasis to the speed with which she completed the project. It’s not critical to understanding that she completed the project and submitted it on time. Therefore, a comma precedes “shortly.” Note that a comma follows “shortly” as well, to close the non-restrictive clause.
‘Shortly’ At The End Of A Sentence
When “shortly” appears at the end of a sentence, a comma usually precedes it, especially if it’s being used as an afterthought or to add emphasis.
Example: “They will be here, shortly.”
The comma signals that “shortly” is providing additional information about their arrival time and creates a slightly more casual or conversational tone.
Another example: “The results will be announced, shortly.”
Similar to the previous example, the comma indicates that “shortly” is adding extra detail and emphasis to the announcement’s timing.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Misusing commas with “shortly” is a common pitfall. Here are some frequent errors to watch out for:
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Adding a comma when “shortly” is restrictive: Avoid inserting a comma before “shortly” when it’s essential to the meaning of the sentence. This is particularly common when “shortly” is followed by a prepositional phrase indicating a specific time frame.
Incorrect: “He left, shortly after the argument.”
Correct: “He left shortly after the argument.” -
Omitting a comma when “shortly” is introductory: Always use a comma after “shortly” when it begins a sentence and introduces the main clause.
Incorrect: “Shortly the movie will begin.”
Correct: “Shortly, the movie will begin.” -
Forgetting the second comma for non-restrictive clauses: When “shortly” appears in the middle of a sentence as a non-restrictive element, remember to enclose it with commas on both sides.
Incorrect: “The rain, shortly stopped.”
Correct: “The rain, shortly, stopped.”
Practical Examples And Exercises
To solidify your understanding, let’s examine more examples and provide some exercises for practice.
Example 1: “Shortly before midnight, the power went out.” (Correct: Introductory adverb)
Example 2: “He will be arriving shortly.” (Correct: Restrictive use, no comma needed)
Example 3: “The package, shortly after being shipped, was delivered.” (Correct: Non-restrictive use, commas needed)
Alternative Words And Phrases
Sometimes, rephrasing a sentence can eliminate the need for awkward comma placements or make the meaning clearer. Consider using alternatives to “shortly” such as:
- Soon
- Briefly
- In a little while
- Momentarily
- Quickly
For example, instead of “They will be here, shortly,” you could say “They will be here soon.” This eliminates the need for the comma and often sounds more natural.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the use of commas with “shortly” involves understanding its role in the sentence and whether it provides essential or non-essential information. By paying attention to the context and applying the guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently use “shortly” correctly and enhance the clarity and readability of your writing. Always consider whether the removal of “shortly” fundamentally alters the meaning of the sentence – that’s your key indicator for comma usage. Remember to proofread your work carefully to catch any errors.
Frequently Asked Question 1: When Is A Comma Required After ‘shortly’?
A comma is generally required after ‘shortly’ when it introduces an independent clause. This happens when ‘shortly’ acts as an introductory adverbial phrase modifying the verb in the main clause that follows. The comma signals a slight pause, separating the introductory element from the core statement, thereby enhancing readability and preventing misinterpretation of the sentence’s structure and meaning.
For example, in the sentence “Shortly, the train will depart,” the comma after ‘shortly’ is necessary because it separates the adverb ‘shortly’ from the main clause “the train will depart.” Without the comma, the sentence might be read as ‘shortly the train,’ creating ambiguity. This rule applies irrespective of the length of the introductory phrase, as ‘shortly’ on its own constitutes a sufficiently distinct introductory element to warrant separation.
Frequently Asked Question 2: Are There Situations Where A Comma Is Optional After ‘shortly’?
Yes, in some cases, the comma after ‘shortly’ can be considered optional, although its inclusion is generally recommended for clarity. When ‘shortly’ is followed by a very short and closely connected clause, particularly when the intended meaning is unequivocally clear without the comma, it might be omitted. This is more common in informal writing styles where a stricter adherence to grammatical rules may be relaxed.
However, even in these scenarios, it’s often best practice to include the comma. The comma after ‘shortly’ usually adds a slight emphasis and enhances the flow of the sentence, preventing any potential momentary confusion for the reader. The absence of the comma is more justifiable when the sentence is simple and the intended meaning is readily apparent from the surrounding context.
Frequently Asked Question 3: How Does Sentence Length Affect The Need For A Comma After ‘shortly’?
Sentence length influences the need for a comma after ‘shortly’ primarily because longer sentences are generally more complex and therefore benefit more from clear punctuation. In longer sentences, the comma after ‘shortly’ helps to break up the sentence, making it easier for the reader to process the information. This is especially important when ‘shortly’ is followed by multiple clauses or phrases.
Conversely, in very short and simple sentences, the absence of a comma after ‘shortly’ is less likely to cause confusion. However, as a general rule, inserting the comma, regardless of sentence length, provides improved clarity and maintains consistency in your writing style. Therefore, even in shorter sentences, the use of a comma is often preferable for maintaining good writing habits.
Frequently Asked Question 4: Does The Position Of ‘shortly’ In The Sentence Impact Comma Usage?
Yes, the position of ‘shortly’ significantly impacts comma usage. When ‘shortly’ appears at the beginning of a sentence, functioning as an introductory adverb, it’s typically followed by a comma. This separates the introductory element from the main clause. However, if ‘shortly’ appears later in the sentence, it is generally not preceded or followed by a comma unless it’s part of a nonrestrictive clause or phrase.
For example, consider “The meeting will begin shortly.” In this case, ‘shortly’ modifies the verb ‘begin’ and does not require a comma. However, in “Shortly, the meeting will begin,” the comma is necessary. The placement of ‘shortly’ determines whether it acts as a simple adverb within the clause or an introductory element setting the stage for the rest of the sentence.
Frequently Asked Question 5: Are There Specific Style Guides That Address Comma Usage After ‘shortly’?
While specific style guides may not explicitly dedicate sections solely to the word ‘shortly,’ they all address the general principles of comma usage with introductory adverbs and phrases. The Chicago Manual of Style, AP Stylebook, and MLA Handbook all emphasize the need for commas after introductory elements to improve readability and prevent misinterpretation. Understanding these general principles can be applied to ‘shortly’ and similar adverbs.
Typically, style guides recommend using a comma after introductory adverbs, especially when they introduce an independent clause. However, they also acknowledge that exceptions may exist, particularly in shorter, simpler sentences. Ultimately, the writer must consider the overall clarity and flow of the sentence to decide whether the comma is necessary based on the style guide’s principles for comma usage with introductory elements.
Frequently Asked Question 6: What Is The Risk Of Omitting A Comma After ‘shortly’ When It’s Needed?
Omitting a comma after ‘shortly’ when it is grammatically required or stylistically beneficial can lead to ambiguity and momentary confusion for the reader. It may cause the reader to pause or reread the sentence to understand the intended meaning, disrupting the flow of communication. The absence of a comma can also alter the intended emphasis, potentially leading to misinterpretations.
In some cases, omitting the comma may result in a sentence that appears grammatically incorrect or awkward. This can detract from the credibility of the writing and make the text less engaging. While the omission might not always cause significant confusion, it is often a small detail that contributes significantly to the overall clarity and polish of the writing.
Frequently Asked Question 7: How Can I Easily Determine If A Comma Is Needed After ‘shortly’?
A simple trick to determine whether a comma is needed after ‘shortly’ is to try reading the sentence aloud. If you naturally pause slightly after ‘shortly,’ then a comma is likely required. This pause indicates that ‘shortly’ is functioning as an introductory element and needs to be separated from the main clause. This method works because commas often reflect natural speech patterns.
Another approach is to consider whether removing ‘shortly’ would significantly alter the meaning or structure of the remaining sentence. If the sentence still makes complete sense and retains its intended meaning without ‘shortly,’ then ‘shortly’ is acting as an introductory element and should be followed by a comma. If removing ‘shortly’ causes the sentence to become grammatically incorrect or incomplete, then ‘shortly’ is likely integrated into the main clause and a comma is not needed.