Is the comma here needed?

Question

So I just saw this quote:

"If anyone needs me, I'll be in the corner crying."

Is the comma here needed? And if so, why?

Possible duplicate of Comma after introductory phrases – May 05 '16 at 14:09 — , May 05 '16 at 14:09
@Rathony Not in this case, I don't think. – Araucaria - Him May 16 '16 at 00:42 — Araucaria - Him, May 16 '16 at 00:42

score -2 · Answer 1 · answered Nov 02 '16 at 03:42

-2

Yes, it is needed.

It's all about representing what you would do when you speak, with a comma indicating a pause.

If you were speaking your sentence, you would pause after "If anyone needs me". Therefore, you need the comma.

answered Nov 02 '16 at 03:42

Richard Kayser

And the reason for the down vote? – Richard Kayser Jun 14 '17 at 00:28
Because what you are saying is a common misconception of what a comma is. The comma is represented by a pause in speech, but a pause in speech is not represented by the comma. – Max Oct 29 '17 at 16:12
@Max Thanks. What's your source? – Richard Kayser Oct 29 '17 at 16:38
Every source dealing with punctuation. There are many style guides. One of the most popular of such is the Chicago Manual of Style. – Max Oct 29 '17 at 16:43
@Max Thanks. I'll check it out. How would you have answered this question? – Richard Kayser Oct 29 '17 at 17:05
No problem. I would have said that if the dependant clause is before the independent clause, a comma should be used to separate them. In fact, I'd also point out that there should also be a comma before 'crying' - as it is used as a gerund here, meaning it forms a list with the verb 'be'; all list items are separated with commas. – Max Oct 29 '17 at 17:26

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