Rulebase

Comma with 'Together With,' 'As Well As,' 'Accompanied By,' etc.

The Comma

Rulebase Summary

When a phrase introduced by 'accompanied by,' 'along with,' 'as well as,' 'besides,' 'in addition to,' 'plus,' or 'together with' comes between the subject and the verb, set the entire phrase off with commas. If the phrase occurs elsewhere in the sentence, the commas may be omitted.

Morson's Rule 71 · p.44 BGGP Setting-Off Comma.23 · p.231

Examples

A. The plaintiff together with her attorney appeared at the hearing.

A. The plaintiff, together with her attorney, appeared at the hearing.

Set off 'together with' phrase between subject and verb.

A. The original contract as well as the amendment was entered into evidence.

A. The original contract, as well as the amendment, was entered into evidence.

Commas around 'as well as' phrase between subject and verb.

Transcript Notes

Intervening elements beginning with 'along with,' 'together with,' 'as well as,' or 'like' are surrounded by commas when they come between the subject and verb (out of natural word order). When these elements are at the end of the sentence in their natural position, they take no punctuation.

Style Guide References (2)

Morson's

Rule 71 Page 44

BGGP

Setting-Off Comma.23 Page 231
See also (1)