Comma question from a Newbie

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ShadowChaser

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Comma question???

Hello, fellow scribes :)

I am new to the forum, but I have been a fan for months now. I could use your help on a comma question. Lately, I have been trying to get some advice on the proper use of the comma. Some writers added them after “said” and some do not. I would appreciate any help on the subject. Thank you all.

Which is correct, and why?
Example:

“I am glad to see you,” he said as she entered the room.
“I am glad to see you,” he said, as she entered the room.

“A pleasure to meet you, sir,” she said shaking his hand.
“A pleasure to meet you, sir,” she said, shaking his hand.
 
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maestrowork

maestrowork

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ShadowChaser said:
“I am glad to see you,” he said as she entered the room.
“I am glad to see you,” he said, as she entered the room.
Click to expand...

No comma needed. "As" is a subordinating conjunction. It connects two clauses together ("he said" and "she entered the room").

“A pleasure to meet you, sir,” she said shaking his hand.
“A pleasure to meet you, sir,” she said, shaking his hand.
Click to expand...

There should be a comma. "Shaking his hand" is a participial clause. There's no conjunction and there are two clauses: "he said" and "shaking his hand." So there should be a comma separating the two clauses.
 
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blacbird

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One useful trick is to read the sentence in question aloud. If you pause at some point, maybe a comma is practical. Maestro is correct in his comment, but there are instances where it becomes a bit of a judgment call.

caw
 
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SC, it's not the word "said" that determines whether or not there's a comma. It's the structure of the sentence, which is why Maestro said no to the first example and yes to the second. Listen to him. He knows what he's talking about. (Except, of course, when I disagree with him. Then you should listen to me.) ;)
 
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