The comma is without doubt one of the most generally misused punctuation marks.
For such somewhat punctuation mark, the comma causes an terrible lot of confusion.
Some writers are too liberal with commas, sprinkling them about like nuts on an ice cream sundae. Different writers hoard their commas and keep away from utilizing them each time potential.
Why are these punctuation marks so extensively misused? Why are we, collectively, so inconsistent about the place we place them? One type information says use them, one other says don’t use them. Even the specialists can’t agree!
However there are some guidelines about comma utilization that we will all observe and agree on.
Punctuation Marks
A comma usually signifies a pause, however some pauses happen with none help from commas. In reality, one of many largest errors folks make is to easily place a comma wherever they need the reader to pause. In pure speech all of us pause at totally different locations, so this isn’t a prudent solution to resolve the place your commas go. As an alternative, let’s look to the principles.
Sadly, the principles surrounding commas aren’t at all times clear. Comma placement is usually a matter of fashion and private (or editorial) selection. One might write a complete ebook on easy methods to use commas successfully and appropriately. Right now, we’re simply going to take a look at the fundamental guidelines.
Commas are largely used to separate, join, and set off parts in a sentence:
- Use a comma to separate three or extra parts in a sequence (together with objects in an inventory). The comma that comes earlier than the conjunction in an inventory known as the serial comma, and it’s beneficial however solely required if it’s mandatory for readability.
- A comma must be used to separate coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives are a sequence of adjectives that modify a single noun (in “the massive, black canine,” huge and black are coordinate adjectives).
- Use a comma to separate contrasting parts and if-then statements. Right here’s a contrasting assertion: I’m writing a ebook, not an essay. Right here’s an if-then assertion: If I write a ebook, then I should promote it.
- Use a comma earlier than a conjunction to attach unbiased clauses. A straightforward solution to bear in mind easy methods to establish an unbiased clause is that it could possibly stand alone as a sentence (a dependent clause can’t). Right here’s extra info on commas and clauses.
- Commas must be used to set off introductory parts, quick phrases that introduce sentences. Right here’s an instance with the introductory ingredient in italics: As I used to be writing, I gave cautious consideration to comma placement.
- Use commas to set off parenthetical parts. A parenthetical ingredient usually offers further however pointless info and could possibly be deleted with out altering the core which means of a sentence. Right here is an instance with the parenthetical ingredient proven in italics: The author made an inventory of books she needed to learn, largely books on grammar, after which proceeded to get them organized. Parenthetical parts consists of names: The author, Jane, needed to learn plenty of books.
- Commas are closely used with citation marks. They need to be positioned after a dialogue tag when the dialogue follows the tag and must be positioned on the finish of the dialogue when the tag comes after the dialogue.
The most important mistake writers make is utilizing a comma for a pause. Some persons are truly taught to learn their work aloud after which simply place commas the place all of the pauses go (simply desirous about it makes me shudder). That’s surefire solution to get your manuscript all marked up in purple by your editor. And for those who don’t have an editor, it’s a surefire solution to drive readers loopy.
Too many punctuation marks in an editorial are like rocks within the readers’ sneakers. They’re distracting and uncomfortable. Too few punctuation marks are like sporting sneakers with out traction on a slippery flooring. Readers will slide in every single place and have bother following your concepts.
