Commas to indicate omitted words

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Omission of repetitive wording

Use a comma to indicate the omission of repetitive wording in a compound sentence. The use of the comma usually occurs when clauses are separated by semicolons.

Patients age 55 and over are recommended to get a complete physical examination every year; those between 50 and 54, every 2 years; and those under 50, every 3 years.
In this example, the phrase "to get a complete physical examination" is replaced with a comma, rather than repeating the phrase.

Omission of that

In some sentences, the omission of the conjunction that creates a definite break in the sentence. In such cases, insert a comma to mark the break.

Remember, the patient complained of chest pain prior to experiencing the MI.
The problem is, insufficient evidence has been obtained to confirm the diagnosis.

In sentences that are introduced by expressions such as he said, she thinks, we feel or they know, the conjunction that is often omitted following the introductory expression. In such cases, no comma is necessary because there is no break in the flow of the sentence.

We know our hospital is one of the top hospitals in the country.
We believe we offer the best CCU services.