{"id":13964,"date":"2021-07-17T10:46:55","date_gmt":"2021-07-17T10:46:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/?p=13964"},"modified":"2023-04-10T20:18:29","modified_gmt":"2023-04-10T20:18:29","slug":"comma-before-considering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/comma-before-considering\/","title":{"rendered":"Comma Before \u201cconsidering\u201d: Your Go-to Manual"},"content":{"rendered":"

The present world is already facing a lot of problems, and that includes effective communication-related ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

Communication entails the need for language users to speak, write, read, and listen, wherein each of these skills has its can of worms. <\/span><\/p>\n

Language per se is a whimsical entity; hence, the natural occurrence of sense-making challenges, especially in writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, we’ll devote at least three minutes of our time to understand a popular writing concern, which is whether or not a comma should come before the word “considering.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Identifying the cases that ask for a comma before “considering”<\/b><\/h2>\n

A language can be compared to a naughty little child that may endlessly annoy first-time parents.<\/span><\/p>\n

In particular, <\/span>the written language<\/b><\/a> form is quite a hard nut to crack due to the absence of the writer’s voice and facial expressions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even more so, the need to get the hang of the punctuation system further adds fuel to the fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is especially true with the comma, which is one of the most frequently used punctuation marks in writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comma placement<\/a> concerns have been occurring quite a lot over the internet, <\/span>especially before the word “considering.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Besides being a verb and an adjective, “considering” may also function both as a preposition and conjunction as per grammar studies.<\/span><\/p>\n

It serves its purpose as a preposition when it is directly followed by a word or a phrase that functions as a noun.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whereas, it works as a conjunction when it is used to link a subordinate clause to an independent one, forming what we call a complex sentence structure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Placing a <\/span>comma before “hence”<\/b><\/a>, “thus,” or “therefore” are also a common concern over the internet, which is quite similar to the topic being covered in this text. <\/span><\/p>\n

The comma placement before “considering” may depend either on syntax<\/a> or stylistics, thereby suggesting that comma placement is governed both by grammatical rules and writing style.<\/span><\/p>\n

To see these cases more clearly, listed below are the circumstances that dictate the necessary comma placement before the word “considering.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “considering” is used as a parenthetical element<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A parenthesis is a rhetorical device that is used to accessorize a sentence, thereby making it more attractive and persuasive to its audience.<\/span><\/p>\n

As parenthetical elements are not grammatically vital, it means that some linguistic devices are needed to mark their independence from the whole sentence; <\/span>hence, commas<\/b><\/a> work their magic by doing so.<\/span><\/p>\n

Parenthetical information may come anywhere within the sentence, and therefore, it is needless to say that two commas have to be used when it appears midway.<\/span><\/p>\n

Put simply, we need to use a comma before “considering” every time it introduces a parenthetical statement, especially midway or towards the end.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can refer to the next example for clarity.<\/span><\/p>\n

She stopped typing for a minute, considering the next lines for the novel she’s writing.<\/div><\/div>\n

As you may have noticed, the pre-comma has prompted you to read the second part of the sentence with emphasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

That’s how you can attach a parenthetical prepositional phrase towards the end of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, you can also do this halfway through the sentence, as in the example below.<\/span><\/p>\n

I think he’s already mad, considering his tone, and I don’t think this is going to end well.<\/div><\/div>\n

A similar idea can be applied in understanding the necessity of <\/span>the comma in the example<\/b><\/a> above.<\/span><\/p>\n

And, in order to know whether the statement is a parenthetical insertion, we can simply remove it from the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the sentence still makes perfect grammatical sense, albeit with less context, then the comma placement is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n

I think he’s already mad, and I don’t think this is going to end well.<\/div><\/div>\n

You may also refer to our other post that covers comma <\/a><\/strong><\/span>placement before or after a parenthesis<\/b><\/a> in ample detail to fully make sense of this idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “considering” appears after a parenthetical element<\/b><\/h3>\n

Now that we know that about the essentiality of commas in marking parenthetical elements, this particular guideline should be a lot easier to digest.<\/span><\/p>\n

A comma before “considering” is also needed when it appears right after a parenthetical statement that comes midsentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s an example to illustrate the explanation.<\/span><\/p>\n

He sounded awkward during his speech, not to mention anxious, considering the presence of his ex-wife in the same room.<\/div><\/div>\n

Applying the same logic as earlier, the comma before “considering” in the sentence above signals the reader to read the rest of the sentence emphatically.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, again, <\/span>bear in mind<\/b><\/a> that the sentence can still be perfectly grammatical even if it ends on “speech.”<\/span><\/p>\n

This also suggests that the sentence part introduced by “considering” is also a parenthetical element per se.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “considering” is used as a coordinate adjective<\/b><\/h3>\n

The next case that entails a much-needed comma usage before “considering” is when it is paired with another equally crucial adjective to modify a noun.<\/span><\/p>\n

A comma should come between two adjectives that describe a noun in equal strength. These are what we refer to as “coordinate adjectives” in grammar.<\/span><\/p>\n

When “considering” is used as a coordinate adjective particularly in the latter <\/span>position, a comma should automatically come before it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grandma’s empathetic, considering gaze never fails to calm me down.<\/div><\/div>\n

In the example above, both “empathetic” and “considering” refer to the noun “gaze” in equal strength, and <\/span>thus, the necessity of the comma<\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “considering” appears after an introductory element<\/b><\/h3>\n

Lastly, we also need to use a comma before “considering” when and if it comes after an introductory element.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introductory elements are set off with a comma to let the context of the main part or parts of the sentence sink in.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a nutshell, the same comma should precede “considering” if it immediately comes afterward, just like in the example below.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fingers crossed, considering her overall situation, I don’t think she’ll give up that easily.<\/div><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Understanding the ungrammatical comma placement before “considering”<\/b><\/h2>\n

Since we’ve already covered the essential pre-comma placement, we’ll also look into the cases in <\/span>which a comma<\/b><\/a> should not come before “considering” in this section.<\/span><\/p>\n

Placing a comma before “considering” would create an ungrammatical sentence if it is used as a grammatically important element.<\/span><\/p>\n

We can do so when it functions particularly as a verb, preposition, conjunction, or adjective in a non-parenthetical manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, no comma should come before “considering” if it follows any of the guidelines listed below, so long that the necessary pre-comma conditions listed previously aren’t met.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “considering” is used as a restrictive verb<\/b><\/h3>\n

We can use “considering” as a verb in any progressive tense, which means inflecting a verb in its continuous form.<\/span><\/p>\n

The progressive tense can be inflected in the past, present, and future forms, depending on the timeline that we want to represent.<\/span><\/p>\n

No comma should come before “considering” when it is used in the manner explained in the last two sentences, for it is a highly crucial element of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

He is considering your offer.<\/div><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “considering” is used as a restrictive preposition<\/b><\/h3>\n

A pre-comma would also make the sentence ill-formed if “considering” is used as a grammatically essential preposition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, “considering” has to be followed by a noun phrase in order to function as a preposition that means “in view or light of.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Without considering all possible risks, engaging in huge-scale cryptocurrency investments can be a mistake.<\/div><\/div>\n

Putting a comma before “considering” in the example above entails ungrammaticality because of how the meaning of “without” is linked to “considering.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “considering” is used as a restrictive conjunction<\/b><\/h3>\n

Thirdly, a comma should not appear before “considering” when it functions as a conjunction that attaches a subordinate clause to the main clause that comes beforehand.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a conjunctive device, “considering” is also often followed by “that” which is essential in completing the thought of an argument.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s an example to show that.<\/span><\/p>\n

The director is disappointed considering that the project’s timeline has not been successfully followed.<\/div><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

When “considering is used as a restrictive adjective<\/b><\/h3>\n

Lastly, a comma is not to be placed before “considering” when it is used as an adjective that single-handedly pre-modifies a noun.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just like how ordinary adjectives behave, a pre-comma would entail ungrammaticality in the sentence below because “considering” is an essential part of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

She always speaks in a considering tone.<\/div><\/div>\n

Again, you would only need a comma before “considering” if it is used as a coordinate adjective, meaning it is adjacently paired with another equally vital adjective.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, let us wrap up what we just learned in this article. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When do we need to place a comma before “considering”?<\/strong>
\n<\/b><\/h2>\n

A comma should be placed before “considering” when it introduces parenthetical information or comes after it, appears after an introductory expression, or is used as a coordinate adjective. But, a pre-comma must not be used if it functions as a restrictive grammatical element in the sentence.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions on “Comma Before ‘Considering’”<\/b><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

What does “considering” mean?<\/b><\/h3>\n

As a progressive verb, it means “thinking something through.” As a preposition and conjunction, it means “in light or view of.” As an adjective, it means “in a manner that depicts careful thinking.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How can we use “considering” in a sentence?<\/b><\/h3>\n

We can use “considering” as a preposition, a verb, a conjunction, and an adjective in a sentence. The most widely used sense of “considering” is the one that means “in light or view of” something.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is a synonym for “considering the situation”?<\/b><\/h3>\n

“Considering the circumstances” or “all things considered” can be used in place of “considering the situation.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n

The written language makes use of punctuation marks like commas to assist readers in the interpretation process.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the same time, commas also allow writers to represent their thoughts more thoroughly and accurately.<\/span><\/p>\n

For these reasons, reading a blog or two about comma placement will always be beneficial to anyone who uses writing as a relevant skill, just like our <\/span>comma cheat sheet<\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The present world is already facing a lot of problems, and that includes effective communication-related ones. Communication entails the need for language users to speak, write, read, and listen, wherein each of these skills has its can of worms.  Language per se is a whimsical entity; hence, the natural occurrence of sense-making challenges, especially in …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13969,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"_convertkit_action_broadcast_export":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1119,35,1116],"tags":[80],"class_list":["post-13964","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-comma-rules","category-english","category-grammar","tag-comma"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13964","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13964"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13964\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24644,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13964\/revisions\/24644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13964"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13964"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}