Comma Usage

Forums: Grammar, Comma Usage, Comma Placement
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Given this sentence: Ted's personality shaped the way he approached painting, as he worked slowly, thoughtfully and analytically.

Is it grammatically correct? My main question is should there be a comma before the word "as" or no? Please explain why or why not. Thank you!

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@skoul,

Where there's any doubt at all, Skoul, the trend is away from the comma

However I'd nonetheless use one after "thoughtfully"
Just me

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@skoul,

Probably the sentence is "grammatically" correct as it stands, but the sentence looks like an abomination.

Both of these below seem "better" to me:

Ted's personality shaped the way he approached painting...he worked slowly, thoughtfully and analytically.

Ted's personality shaped the way he approached painting; he worked slowly, thoughtfully and analytically.

It could also be written: Ted's slow, thoughtful, analytic personality shaped the way he approached his painting.

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@skoul,

There's a a phrase for this comma usage - "not a serial comma".

Wiki explains here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_comma

I'm in favor of the serial comma.

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@ossobuco,

Quote:

I'm in favor of the serial comma.

Me too, Oss. Reason: without it the quick mind is expecting a connection between the last two

Clearly you and I have quick minds

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@dalehileman,

Yep..

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