What is the proper way to punctuate a sentence with verb phrases that include progressive verb form? Example: "The company first introduced its product in 1956 increasing its market share to 75 percent."

Question

anonymous · Answer

Um, this may not be what you mean. I believe there is a semicolon after "1956."

anonymous · Answer

Forgive me if I am thinking differently... :P

anonymous · Answer

I don't think there is a semi colon after 1956 because the remainder of the sentence is not an independent clause. I am stuck between a comma or no comma. If the sentence said, "in 1956 and increased its market share" there would be no question that no comma would be used. But where "and" is not present and the progressive form of and "ing" verb is used, it seems more like a verb series - i.e. running, jumping, playing.

anonymous · Answer

Ok, I see what you mean. I would say there is a comma there then. I said semicolon because I interpreted "...increasing it's market share by 75%." as a complete sentence. Sorry. :)

anonymous · Answer

Thanks.

anonymous · Answer

No problem.

anonymous · Answer

You don't have to add a semicolon after 1956. Just add a comma after 1956.

anonymous · Answer

Yes, but can you explain the rule WHY you say a comma after 1956? What makes the comma correct?

anonymous · Answer

We use commas, in this case, to set off a parenthetical comment, or an aside, if it is closely related to the sentence or if it modifies the main clause. We also use commas after an introductory phrase or clause.