Comma Rule

[vcolts]

E.g., I think to solve the issue, you must reach out to the others in your community.

Q. Do I need a comma before "to solve the issue"? and why/why not?



Thanks in advance.

[Barb_D]

It's a dependent clause that comes before the independent clause, so you should put the comma between them.

[2006]

Originally Posted by vcolts

E.g., I think to solve the issue, you must reach out to the others in your community.

Q. Do I need a comma before "to solve the issue"? and why/why not?
You don't need a comma there. There is no reason to break up the first part of the sentence.
But I would add 'that' after "think".

I think that to solve the issue, you must reach out to others in your community.





Thanks in advance.

2006

[Barb_D]

My apologies - I didn't see that you said BEFORE. I was talking about AFTER that phrase. I agree - no comma before! I'll go get my glasses now.

[vcolts]

I am aware that "that" can be used, but I am asking about a case without the usage of that.

So no comma without "that" right? And the reason is because it is a "that clause"? or is there a better explaination for it?

[2006]

Originally Posted by vcolts

So no comma without "that" right? right
The reason is, as I already said, that there is no need to break up the first part of the sentence with another comma.

2006

[TheParser]

Originally Posted by vcolts

E.g., I think to solve the issue, you must reach out to the others in your community.

Q. Do I need a comma before "to solve the issue"? and why/why not?



Thanks in advance.

***NOT A TEACHER***vcolts, I am probably wrong, but I respectfully suggest that a comma before the infinitive phrase of purpose is fine: (1) I think, (in order) to solve the issue, you must reach out to the others. (2) I think that, (in order) to solve the issue, you must. ... (3) I think, (in order) to solve the issue, that you must. ... (4) I think that you must reach out to the others, (in order) to solve the issue. I believe that the conjunction "that" introduces the noun clause (you must ... your community). Thank you.

[bhaisahab]

I agree with TheParser, I would probably put a comma there. It sets off "to solve the issue".

[2006]

Originally Posted by bhaisahab

I agree with TheParser, I would probably put a comma there. It sets off "to solve the issue".

One could put a comma there if one was inclined to. The propensity to use commas varies from person to person.

Using 'too many' commas can make the sentence choppy.

[bhaisahab]

Originally Posted by 2006

One could put a comma there if one was inclined to. The propensity to use commas varies from person to person.

Using 'too many' commas can make the sentence choppy.

Yes it can, but in this case I think it doesn't.