{"id":19561,"date":"2022-09-07T15:10:53","date_gmt":"2022-09-07T15:10:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/?p=19561"},"modified":"2023-04-12T06:53:05","modified_gmt":"2023-04-12T06:53:05","slug":"comma-after-eventually","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/comma-after-eventually\/","title":{"rendered":"Comma after “eventually” \u2014 Here’s What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Recently, people have been wondering when exactly a comma comes after the word “eventually” – an adverb of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

In reality, achieving flawless punctuation skills requires a decent amount of practice and time; it is not something we get to learn overnight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hence, taking things one step at a time is crucial. In today’s post, we focus on discussing the details of when a comma should and should not be used after “eventually.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s begin with a quick answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When does a comma come after “eventually”?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A mandatory comma comes after “eventually” when it is used at the beginning of a sentence, comes before a coordinating conjunction, used in a reversed complex sentence, used in a parenthetical comment, used before a direct address, and used at the end of a quoted speech.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The adverb “eventually” in more detail<\/strong><\/h2>\n

“Eventually” is an adverb of time that simply carries the meaning “ultimately” or “in the end.” It is particularly used when an event or action has been delayed or postponed for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

This word can be used in different parts of a sentence, depending on the intent of the speaker or writer.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a regular adverb, “eventually” can be used to modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Most of the time, however, it is used to modify verbs.<\/span><\/p>\n

When used this way, “eventually” often comes before the verb that needs to be modified, such as in the example below:<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

The company is suffering because of the recession, but the founder is positive that the situation will <\/span><\/i>eventually improve<\/i><\/b>.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Apparently, many <\/span>adverbs can be used before or after a verb<\/b><\/a> within a sentence. So, it is also possible to say “the situation will improve eventually.”<\/span><\/p>\n

At other times, “eventually” is also used as a transition device or conjunctive adverb in more technical terms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conjunctive adverbs<\/b><\/a> make idea transitions smooth and tightly connected. They also help in making written words more “visible” to readers.<\/span><\/p>\n

When “eventually” is used at the beginning of a sentence, it gives such kind of effect, thereby making it even more useful than its regular adverb sense.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that we already know the basics, let us proceed with the comma usage guidelines after “eventually” in more detail.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Correct comma usage after “eventually”<\/b><\/h2>\n

Correctly using a comma after any word or phrase can only be done if and when constant practice is observed – not to mention reading.<\/span><\/p>\n

As expected, certain “rules” or conventions related to grammar and style guide how punctuation marks should be used together with words and phrases.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is also true with the adverb “eventually.” The next several subsections discuss the situations in which a comma is necessary after “eventually.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma after “eventually” at the beginning of the sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

“Eventually” may be used as a transition word at the beginning of a sentence. When this happens, the default rule is to place a comma after it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using “eventually” at the beginning of a sentence also means it is being used as an introductory word, or again, a conjunctive adverb.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introductory words and phrases serve as excellent transition devices because they offer initial context to readers, making reading more efficient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

The rain lasted for hours, and the kids enjoyed playing outside. <\/span><\/i>Eventually<\/i><\/b>, it stopped and forced the kids to get inside the house.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

In less formal writing scenarios, the conjunction “but” could be used to start off a sentence. This means that the phrase “but eventually” may also be used to introduce an idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

A comma after “but eventually” at the beginning of a sentence is also necessary to make the idea transition flawless and the sentence more meaningful.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

In the beginning, the idea of traveling for work thrilled me. <\/span><\/i>But eventually<\/i><\/b>, I came to hate it.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you may figure, the same informal writing style approach is taken when a writer uses <\/span>“also” at the beginning of a sentence<\/b><\/a> such as in blogs or other social media posts.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma after “eventually” before a coordinating conjunction<\/b><\/h3>\n

Coordinating conjunctions<\/b><\/a> that link two independent clauses entail a necessary comma usage too. Clearly, this rule is also applicable to “eventually.”<\/span><\/p>\n

What this means is that a comma is necessary after “eventually” when it comes before the coordinating conjunction in the middle of a compound sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

In simpler terms, coordinating conjunctions<\/a> are also known as the FANBOYS which stands for “for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>comma usage with FANBOYS<\/b><\/a> in compound sentences is a widely-known grammar-based rule that people seem to find confusing.<\/span><\/p>\n

This confusion is linked to the tricky comma rule with complex sentences or those that make use of subordinating conjunctions in linking a dependent to an independent clause.<\/span><\/p>\n

For clarity, a comma should always come before FANBOYS or coordinating conjunctions. The same comma is needed when the word used before the conjunction is “eventually.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

She got used to living alone <\/span><\/i>eventually<\/i><\/b>, and it even compelled her to move to another country.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

If the emphasis of “eventually” is intended to be directed towards the verb, the sentence can also be restructured as follows minus the comma:<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

She <\/span><\/i>eventually <\/i><\/b>got used to living alone, and it even compelled her to move to another country.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again, “eventually” may also be conveniently used as an introductory word in the sentence above. If and when this is the intent, a comma should come after it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma after “eventually” in a reversed complex sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

A complex sentence is a type of sentence that makes use of subordinating conjunctions. This sentence type is made up of at least one dependent and one independent clause.<\/span><\/p>\n

Subordinating conjunctions<\/b><\/a> include words like “because,” “although,” “before,” “if,” “lest,” “unless,” and “so that.”<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two main ways to build a complex sentence; the independent clause can come before the dependent clause and vice versa.<\/span><\/p>\n

The regular structure is when the independent clause comes before the dependent clause. This means that the conjunction comes in the middle of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a regular complex sentence structure, no comma should come before the subordinating conjunction used mid-sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

You don’t need to worry about that<\/span><\/i> because<\/i><\/b> things will fall into place eventually.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a reversed complex sentence structure, however, a comma is already necessary at the end of the frontal dependent clause headed by the conjunction.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the frontal dependent clause in a reversed complex sentence ends with “eventually,” a mandatory comma should be used after it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Since Darla will come to the USA <\/span><\/i>eventually<\/i><\/b>, there’s no need for you to worry.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you can see, the necessary comma placement<\/a> is driven by the grammatical structure of the sentence rather than style.<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, this comma rule is also applicable to all other words that come at the end of a frontal dependent clause in a complex sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the <\/span>differences between clauses and phrases<\/b><\/a> aren’t too familiar to you, please feel free to check out their nuances for better comprehension of today’s topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma after “eventually” in the middle of a sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

Apart from grammatical structure, a necessary comma also comes after “eventually” due to stylistic reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

For creative writing purposes, we sometimes insert what we call “parenthetical information” somewhere within the sentence to make it more meaningful.<\/span><\/p>\n

These pieces of parenthetical information are to be enclosed with commas when they come in the middle of the sentence, and they can be as short as a word or as long as a clause.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clearly enough, when this style-based approach is applied using the word “eventually,” a comma is required after it.<\/span><\/p>\n

We just have to make sure that “eventually” is the last word of the parenthetical information in order for the post-comma to be mandatory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

If not now, perhaps <\/span><\/i>eventually<\/i><\/b>, you will learn to love him dearly.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you can see the parenthetical phrase deliberately uses “eventually” as the last word, hence the comma placement.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma after “eventually” before a parenthetical comment<\/b><\/p>\n

As parentheticals entail comma placement around when they come midsentence, this also means that a comma after “eventually” is needed when it comes before a parenthetical phrase.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

 You’ll get to that point<\/span><\/i> eventually<\/i><\/b>, which is expected, and you’ll thank me for what I said.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you may figure now, parentheticals are really good rhetorical devices in the world of written language. Without them, persuasive writing may not take place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using parenthetical interruptions is also a great tool for making a writer’s idea more visible to readers because of its descriptive features.<\/span><\/p>\n

In writing, both language structure and style work hand in hand to convey intention and meaning to the message receivers.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma after “eventually” before a direct address or name<\/b><\/h3>\n

To continue, a comma is also needed after “eventually” when it comes before a direct address or name of the message receiver.<\/span><\/p>\n

In language studies, the use of a direct address is also known as the “vocative case.” Using a <\/span>comma before a vocative<\/b><\/a> entity is required – especially in formal writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

The comma before the direct address or vocative entity is important in telling the reader that the message is directed towards the recipient.<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, the comma helps the writer convey the idea that he or she is not “talking about” a person but rather “talking to” a person.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

You will forgive your father <\/span><\/i>eventually<\/i><\/b>, Jake.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you can see, the comma after “eventually” in the example above helps in letting any reader know that “Jake” is the direct receiver of the message.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma after “eventually” at the end of a quoted speech<\/b><\/h3>\n

Last but not least, a comma should also come after “eventually” when it is used at the end of a quoted speech or remark.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

“You’ll get along with her <\/span><\/i>eventually,<\/i><\/b>” Martin said.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

A quoted or direct speech is what we use to convey the idea that the message is directly coming from the source.<\/span><\/p>\n

From another angle, the use of direct speech is helpful in distinguishing indirect speeches or those messages that are already rephrased or reported.<\/span><\/p>\n

In writing, direct speeches are enclosed with quotation marks. They also come with “attributions” or references to the source of information.<\/span><\/p>\n

In American English, the comma usually goes before the closing quotation mark, but it is the other way around in British English.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using a <\/span>comma after a quotation<\/b><\/a> or before it is a topic that requires another extensive discussion for clarity. So, feel free to read more about it in your free time.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Incorrect comma usage after “eventually”<\/b><\/h2>\n

If there are conventions on the mandatory comma placement after the adverb “eventually,” there are also rules that guide when to remove it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the main things we should remember when deciding to drop the comma after “eventually.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No comma after “eventually” if it is a regular adverb<\/b><\/h3>\n

As explained early on in this post, “eventually” can also act as a regular adverb to mainly modify verbs in a sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

When “eventually” is used this way, using a comma after it is incorrect – not unless the usage of “eventually” falls under any of the guidelines for necessary post-comma placement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like any other regular adverbs out there, “eventually” can bear meaning that is restricted or limited to the wholistic meaning of the sentence where it is used.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, this condition is the same as when we use “quickly” to modify “close” in “She quickly closed the door.”<\/span><\/p>\n

In the example above, using a comma after “quickly” would definitely not make any sense at all because its meaning is dependent on the verb it modifies.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the same thing happens with “eventually,” using a comma after it is also incorrect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

You will <\/span><\/i>eventually<\/i><\/b> get used to the weather in Alaska.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you can see, the sentence above would never make sense with a comma after “eventually” because of grammatical restrictions.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No comma after “eventually” in a regular complex sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another case that guides the omission of the comma after “eventually” is when it is used in a regular complex sentence structure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, no comma should come before the dependent clause placed in the latter part of a complex sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

What this means is that no comma should come after “eventually” when it is the last word of the frontal independent clause in a complex sentence structure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Dory got over the heartbreak <\/span><\/i>eventually <\/i><\/b>because of her friends’ support.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the example above, “eventually” means “in the end” and modifies the main verb phrase of the first clause “got over the heartbreak.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No comma after “eventually” at the end of a sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

Logic would tell us that no comma should come at the end of the sentence at all because that’s the job of a period or full stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although this rule needs no further explanation, this is included here to show that “eventually” can also be used at the end of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

Dedication, patience, and effort will pay off <\/span><\/i>eventually<\/i><\/b>.<\/span><\/i><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

“Eventually” is an adverb that mostly means “ultimately” or “in the end.” It is a time expression typically used when things get delayed or postponed for some time. It can also be used in wishful thinking scenarios to mean “sooner or later.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How do you punctuate “eventually”?<\/b><\/h3>\n

A comma is often used after “eventually” when it is used as an introductory adverb in a sentence. A semicolon<\/a> may also be used after it when it ends the first clause in a compound sentence that aims to get rid of coordinating conjunctions.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Is there always a comma after the word “eventually”?<\/b><\/h3>\n

More guidelines dictate the necessary comma placement after “eventually,” such as when it is used as an introductory word or a parenthetical interruption. When it is used, however, as a regular adverb, no comma should be used around it.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Recently, people have been wondering when exactly a comma comes after the word “eventually” – an adverb of time. In reality, achieving flawless punctuation skills requires a decent amount of practice and time; it is not something we get to learn overnight. Hence, taking things one step at a time is crucial. In today’s post, …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19570,"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":[80,1152,1094],"class_list":["post-19561","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-comma-rules","category-english","category-grammar","tag-comma","tag-comma-after","tag-comma-after-eventually"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19561","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=19561"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19561\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24819,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19561\/revisions\/24819"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19561"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19561"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19561"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}