Pause

Where The Comma Doesn't Go
A Guide For The Perplexed

PAUSE

Rule

Don't put a comma where you happen to pause when speaking--unless the pause coincides with a reason to put in a comma.

Test IF
You pause to take a breath while speaking

and

There is no other reason to insert a comma

THEN Do not insert a comma.

Examples of Speaking Pauses

What our elaborate reorganization and renewal, of the company's people and plants means for the planning department, is hundreds of hours of planning.
That your car was damaged in our shop and you had to spend over three thousand dollars to restore it to its original condition, is too bad.