Use of comma for On Earth,

MariaL · Nov 18, 2011

So sorry for this really basic question but normally I would write:

On Earth, he did this or that.

But for the purposes of a sci-fi novel I want to say:

On Earth he's an American unsung hero.

To me this looks and reads better.

(I'd prefer not to swap it to He's an American unsung hero on Earth.)

Any grammar experts to tell me if I can leave the comma out?

seun · Nov 18, 2011

Leave it in. The SF angle doesn't change anything. Your character is still from Earth and you're still stating a fact about him after establishing the location to which that fact relates.

Try saying that after a few pints.

crunchyblanket · Nov 18, 2011

Nitpicking here, but shouldn't it be 'an unsung American hero'?

Anne Lyle · Nov 18, 2011

crunchyblanket said:
Nitpicking here, but shouldn't it be 'an unsung American hero'?

Yes - most specific adjective next to the noun, less restrictive ones further away.

The big red Russian tractor. (A Russian tractor that is also big and red)

My favourite blue sweater. (A blue sweater that's also my favourite)

rainsmom · Nov 18, 2011

Actually, you don't have to have the comma after the leading prepositional phrase, if the phrase is short. It's optional.

MariaL · Nov 18, 2011

Thanks all and it was unsung American hero!
Sorry, too quick typing.

Use of comma for On Earth,

MariaL

seun

Horror Man

crunchyblanket

the Juggernaut of Imperfection

Anne Lyle

Fantastic historian

rainsmom

Feeling like an old timer

MariaL