Comma or not?

Carmy · Aug 2, 2007

A WIP takes place in different settings. Should there be a comma after the place name?

London, 2005 or London 2005

ResearchGuy · Aug 2, 2007

Carmy said:
A WIP takes place in different settings. Should there be a comma after the place name?

London, 2005 or London 2005

I would use the comma. I believe it properly represents the way the phrase would be spoken, with a brief pause between London and 2005.

My opinion, FWIW.

--Ken

Mandy-Jane · Aug 2, 2007

I agree.

blacbird · Aug 2, 2007

Either works. I've seen it done both ways. I wouldn't worry about it.

caw

Carmy · Aug 3, 2007

Thank you both.

I had a comma originally, then I took it out. I'll put it back in and let an agent or publisher decided.

Arkie · Aug 4, 2007

If "2005" is considered restrictive (that it clarifies the use of London in the sentence) and essential to the meaning of the sentence and classified as an appositive, then it is not set off by a comma.

I don't have a Chicago Manual of Style handy, but I believe the rule reads: Commas do not set off restrictive (essential) clauses, phrases, or appositives.

Carmy · Aug 4, 2007

Thanks Arkie.

There is no sentence, just the place and year for the text that follows.

Comma or not?

Carmy

ResearchGuy

Resident Curmudgeon

Mandy-Jane

venturing ever further into the unknown

blacbird

Carmy

Arkie

a reader's ear and a writer's heart

Carmy