RE: Comma preferences

["Rock, Megan" <Megan -dot- Rock -at- fanucrobotics -dot- com>]

Sierra,

My Technical Editing book (by Carolyn D. Rude, copyright 1991) says on page
133 that "if the dependent clause is made dependent by a subordinating
conjunction, a comma is appropriate between clauses."  But it goes on the
clarify that statement:  "A comma should be used if the dependent clause
comes first in the sentence.  A comma is not necessary if the dependent
clause follows the independent clause."

So, to answer your question, no, you should not include the comma.  "As" is
a subordinating conjuction that introduces a dependent clause at the end of
an independent clause in the sentence you gave.  The book also says that
even though we have a tendency to want to insert commas where we pause or
"breathe" while reading a sentence, "punctuation is logical--not
biological!"  :)

Hope that helps.
Megan

-----------------
Megan E. Rock
Technical Writer, Product Information
FANUC Robotics North America, Inc.
    Voice:    1-248-377-7948
    Fax:       1-248-377-7363
    E-mail:   megan -dot- rock -at- fanucrobotics -dot- com
    Web:      http://www.fanucrobotics.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Sierra Godfrey [mailto:kittenbreath -at- hotbot -dot- com]

Hi,

I recall my instructor in my technical editing class saying that sometimes
commas were a matter of personal preference. I've always been of the opinion
that if you say a sentence outloud and your tone implies a comma, then the
written version should have a comma. 

Example:
There is no need to separate the source from this mounting plate, as the
assembly will be replaced as a whole.

Is the comma necessary? One engineer here feels it is not, but I like it
there because it sounds better. 
Do any of you have any handy rules for this? I'd like some justification if
possible.