Comma with a Nonessential Participial Phrase
The Comma
Rulebase Summary
Use a comma or commas to set off a nonessential (nonrestrictive) participial phrase. If the participial phrase comes at the end of the sentence but refers to the subject, use a comma to separate it from the rest of the sentence.
Examples
A. The officer drew his weapon believing the suspect was armed.
A. The officer drew his weapon, believing the suspect was armed.
Nonessential participial phrase at end — comma before it.
A. Ms. Rivera having reviewed all the documents signed the settlement agreement.
A. Ms. Rivera, having reviewed all the documents, signed the settlement agreement.
Nonessential participial phrase set off with commas.
Transcript Notes
A nonessential participle is separated from the noun it modifies whether the participle immediately follows that noun or appears later in the sentence. If the sentence continues after the participle, it is surrounded by commas.
Style Guide References (7)
Morson's
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP