{"id":20596,"date":"2022-10-21T13:34:29","date_gmt":"2022-10-21T13:34:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/?p=20596"},"modified":"2023-03-19T12:49:16","modified_gmt":"2023-03-19T12:49:16","slug":"comma-before-via-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/comma-before-via-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"Comma before “via” \u2014 All You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Having good comma skills show how attentive to details we are. It goes to show that we care a lot about how we communicate through writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

One comma-related concern that has come up these days is its usage together with the word “via,” particularly right before it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Luckily, that’s what we are going to talk about today.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shall we begin right away?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When should we use a comma before “via”?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A comma before “via” is used when it comes after an introduction and a direct address. A pre-comma is also necessary when “via” introduces a side comment in the middle or at the end of a sentence. Meanwhile, no pre-comma should be used when “via” acts as a regular preposition and a proper noun.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An intensive guide to placing a comma before “via”<\/b><\/h2>\n

It’s quite a myth to say that Latin is dead. In fact, we still use a lot of Latin expressions today – we probably just don’t know it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The abbreviation “e.g.,” which we know of as “for example” in English, actually stands for “exempli gratia” – a Latin phrase, obviously enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

As you may have noticed, a <\/span>comma after “e.g.”<\/b><\/a> in the previous example is used. You probably know that a comma is indeed necessary there but not exactly “why.”<\/span><\/p>\n

In case you want to have a wide breadth of know-how on this topic, you may also check out<\/span> when a comma should come before “for example”<\/b><\/a> in writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

The same thing can also be done with “via.” Don’t worry because the nitty-gritty of the rules that govern the comma usage<\/a> before “via” shall be explained a bit later.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Via” is a also word of Latin origin that means “by way of.” In layman’s terms, “via” is a very close relative or synonym of “through” – perhaps even a first-degree cousin.<\/span><\/p>\n

On a side note, the phrase “by way of” is not used the same as “by the way” because the latter is a transition device more technically known as a conjunctive adverb.<\/span><\/p>\n

When writing sentences, a <\/span>comma after “by the way”<\/b><\/a> is almost always needed, but a comma after “by way of” isn’t. That’s also another key difference that we have to remember.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, using a comma before “via” could be a piece of work for some. <\/span><\/p>\n

But, with the guidelines listed in the next section, it shouldn’t be that confusing anymore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knowing when to use a comma before “via” in writing<\/b><\/h2>\n

The preposition “via” is something you would use when you want to describe the way in which something is done or passes through.<\/span><\/p>\n

In actual usage, “via” is often used in discussions related to communication, transportation, technology, as well as electronic devices.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, you could say something like the following statement if you want to use “via” in the context of communication<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHe uncompromisingly expresses his political opinions <\/span><\/i>via Twitter<\/i><\/b>.<\/span><\/i>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

And, you could also use “via” in the context of transportation such as in the next example sentence:<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nYou could go to the Caribbean <\/span><\/i>via plane or ship.<\/i><\/b>\n<\/div>\n

 
\nAs you have noticed, no comma comes before “via” in the last two examples. If that’s the case, what then are the conditions that should prompt us to use a pre-comma?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma before “via” after an introduction<\/b><\/h3>\n

Introductory words and phrases are separated with commas from the rest of the sentence. By and large, this is done to make reading much easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introductory elements help readers digest ideas more effectively, especially in longer texts, because they drive contextualization and transition.<\/span><\/p>\n

With this in mind, we can already understand that a comma before “via” should always be used when it comes after any introductory expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

The phrases “during this time” and “by the way” are examples of introductory phrases that can be used to start off sentences.<\/span><\/p>\n

It follows that using a <\/span>comma after “during this time”<\/b><\/a> or “by the way” should be carefully observed when they are used in such a manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s take a closer look at the next example which uses “via” after an introductory word for better visualization:<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nPrecisely, <\/span><\/i>via<\/i><\/b> remittance payment, you can easily send gifts to your loved ones abroad.<\/span><\/i>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Precisely” is used as an interjection that suggests agreement in the example above. Since “via” is used after it, a comma should separate the two words.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma before “via” in the middle of the sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

A comma before “via” should also be used when it introduces what we call <\/span>parenthetical expressions<\/b><\/a> somewhere in the middle of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Parentheticals are interruptive thoughts that we normally insert within spoken conversations when we want to express comments about a topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

We might as well call these parenthetical insertions “afterthoughts” or “side comments” for easier understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

As side comments normally occur in speech, it is expected that the greatest scholars have also looked for ways to express them through writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Commas, as well as parentheses, are two kinds of punctuation marks that we use to clearly show side comments in writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, we can already guess that a comma should also come before “via” when it introduces a side comment in midsentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nFeel free to reach out to me anytime when you need to,<\/span><\/i> via <\/i><\/b>email preferably, so I can assist you further. <\/span><\/i>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you can see, “via” introduces a quick interruptive suggestion of how the communication had better be done, and thus, it requires a pre-comma.<\/span><\/p>\n

To know that an expression is inserted parenthetically, feel free to peel it off from the sentence. If what remains still works, then commas should go around the expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma before “via” at the end of the sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

As side comments are just additional elements that enrich sentences, they can actually be used anywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that a side comment can also come at the end of the sentence. When that happens with “via,” a pre-comma is also necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

When choosing to use “via” to introduce extra information at the end of the sentence, take note that this might as well be considered a “delaying tactic.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The next example aims to show this writing strategy in the context of cultural appropriation or exploitation – a little-known consequence of racism.<\/span>
\nExample:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCultural appropriation has become rampant these days without us knowing or paying attention, <\/span><\/i>via <\/i><\/b>the excessive marketing in the sports industry.<\/span><\/i>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The noun phrase introduced by “via” in the example above shows an example of a way of doing cultural appropriation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Putting it toward the end of the sentence makes the statement more emphatic, thereby creating a rhetorical effect.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma before “via” after a direct address<\/b><\/h3>\n

A direct address can also be a good indicator of comma usage. A direct address is also known as a vocative expression in language studies.<\/span><\/p>\n

We use commas around direct addresses to signal the idea that we are “talking directly to” as opposed to “talking about” a person or any message receiver.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>comma before a vocative<\/b><\/a> expression is needed when the message is mentioned before the addressee’s name.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a <\/span>comma before and after a direct address<\/b><\/a> is used when it is used somewhere in the middle of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

As you may figure, a comma comes after the direct address when the message comes after it as well as when it is used at the beginning of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

From this vantage point, we could already assume that a comma should also come before “via” when a direct address comes before it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nSir, <\/span><\/i>via<\/i><\/b> the expressway, you can get there in just an hour.<\/span><\/i>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Take note that direct addresses are not limited to names only because honorifics and terms of endearment are also considered as such.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knowing when not to use a comma before “via” in writing<\/b><\/h2>\n

Now that we already know the conditions that guide the necessary comma usage before “via,” knowing when to drop the comma is also helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

This section shouldn’t be as complex as the previous one because there are only two things we have to remember.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No comma before “via” as a regular preposition<\/b><\/h3>\n

The first thing to take note of is to leave out the comma when “via” is only used as a regular preposition followed by its object.<\/span><\/p>\n

As this is almost always the case, there should be nothing to worry about when using “via” in a sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember, though, that this can only be done when all conditions under the necessary pre-comma section are not met.<\/span><\/p>\n

When using “via” as a regular preposition, we can describe it as a “grammatically restrictive” word – something that is critical to complete the wholistic meaning of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, whatever phrase introduced by “via” should be necessary to complete what you want to say, or else, the sentence would be pointless without it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nPlease subscribe to our newsletter<\/span><\/i> via <\/i><\/b>the attached link below.<\/span><\/i>
\n 
\n[link]<\/span><\/i>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you can see, the prepositional phrase “via the attached link below” is needed to guide the reader on what step should be taken.<\/span><\/p>\n

And, even though it is grammatically possible to just write “please subscribe to our newsletter,” the campaign would be useless without the “via” phrase.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No comma before “via” as a proper noun<\/b><\/h3>\n

The other condition that signals leaving out the pre-comma is when “via” is deliberately used as a proper noun.<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that no comma should come before “via” when it is used as a proper name, such as a company name, for instance.<\/span><\/p>\n

This also makes “via” a grammatically important element in the sentence, so long that the necessary pre-comma conditions, again, are not met.<\/span><\/p>\n

To make things clearer, here’s an example showing the explained condition:<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

Let’s meet and dine at <\/span><\/i>Via<\/i><\/b> Caelum this weekend.<\/span><\/i>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Via” is intentionally used as a part of a restaurant’s name in the last example, which makes it a grammatically important element of the sentence above.<\/span><\/p>\n

This comma rule can be applied no matter where you want to use “via” as a proper noun, so long that it is necessary to complete, and not enrich, your sentence’s meaning.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

“Via” is used as a preposition to suggest the meaning “by way or means of” in a sentence. Since it is a preposition, a noun word or phrase should come after it. It is also another way of saying “through.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Is “via” a formal word in English?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Relatively speaking, “via” is a more formal synonym of “through” in English. While “through” can be a general choice when suggesting something that means “by way of,” “via” is largely limited to more formal writing contexts.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is a good synonym for “via”?<\/b><\/h3>\n

“Through” is a well-known and widely-used informal synonym of “via.” Meanwhile, “by means of” and “by virtue of” are more formal ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

No matter where we are or where we go, writing remains to be an important part of everything that we do.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Commas save lives,” as they say, “and reputation too.” So, you should not be afraid or hesitant to use “via” in a sentence together with a pre-comma anymore.<\/span>
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