Commas before "either" and "anyway"?

Question

I was taught by an editing teacher to write the following:

"I don't like apples, either."

OR

"II'll pick up a loaf of bread for you because I'm going to the store tomorrow, anyway."


(both sentences using a comma)

Often, however, I don't see the comma. What is the rule for or against the comma? Please use concrete examples.

FYI to people who are talking about pauses: I don't know who YOUR teacher was! A comma does not necessarily indicate a pause; likewise, a need for a pause doesn't necessarily warrant a comma!

Yes, that is why I said "necessarily" in both cases, but thanks.

You don't need a comma in this part of your sentence:

"...they immediately understood where a period was called for, and where a comma was needed."

There shouldn't be a comma in there.

Answer 1

There is no comma before or after 'either' but there is a comma when anyway is used at the beginning of the sentence but no comma when it is at the end.
Ex I didn't like the movie either.
Either June or July are good months to travel.
Anyway, you should probably go see a doctor.
You should give that back to her anyway.

Answer 2

Comma Before Either

Answer 3

I don't know who your teacher was, but if you read those sentences out loud, neither one of them sounds right with the comma. If you'd pause when you say it, use a comma. I can't even think of a sentence where I'd use a comma before the word either or anyway.

Answer 4

RE: the "pause" argument:

We use punctuation in written communication to replace all the tools we have in oral communication: volume, tone, gesture, and yes, pauses. You can consult a grammar handbook for all the rules governing commas, but a good rule of thumb is to place one where, in speech, there would normally be a slight pause and possibly a slight change in tone. When my students were encouraged to read their writing aloud and listen to the sound of their own voice, they immediately understood where a period was called for, and where a comma was needed.

In both of your examples, no rule requires a comma and no pause occurs in speech. Hope that settles the question!

Answer 5

Yes, you should put commas before either or too (I'm not sure about anyway) as you illustrated. It's a writing rule. Not everybody follows such rules especially when they're writing informally, but that doesn't change the rule.

Answer 6

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RE:
Commas before "either" and "anyway"?
I was taught by an editing teacher to write the following:

"I don't like apples, either."

OR

"II'll pick up a loaf of bread for you because I'm going to the store tomorrow, anyway."


(both sentences using a comma)

Often, however, I don't see the...

Answer 7

In the first sentence, use of the comma implies that apples aren't the only thing you don't like. (I don't like oranges. I don't like apples, either.)

The second sentence should not have the comma at all.

Answer 8

To me, neither one of those sentences make sense. Why would you pause after the word apples? or tomorrow?
Say it out loud and you can hear how wrong they both sound.