Ask the Editor: Commas

People seem to find commas confusing.  Most writers either get a little (or a lot) comma happy, or they are comma shy and don't use commas when they should.  So editors like me end up with manuscripts covered in commas (I call these comma pox ms--it's like they have a disease) or manuscripts with a billion run-on sentences.

Here a few tips for using commas correctly:

• If there are two clauses joined by a conjunction (and, but, or, etc.) and both of those clauses would make sense as stand alone sentences if the conjunction were removed, then place a comma before the conjunction.
• Example:  The dog went to the park, and he chased a ball. 
• If a sentence is offset by an introductory word/phrase, then use a comma.  
• Example: Therefore, the dog chased the ball at the park.
• Example: Running as fast as he could, the dog suddenly realized his master hadn't even thrown the ball!
• More explanation:  If you can cross out the first word/phrase and the sentence would still make sense, then you should probably use a comma.
• Use a comma to separate a list of three or more things.
• Example: The dog played with a ball, a Frisbee, and a squishy toy.
• Note:  Technically the Oxford comma is now considered optional.  Therefore, you could write this sentence as follows: The dog played with a ball, a Frisbee and a squishy toy.  I am a fan of the Oxford comma.  I will almost always add it in if the writer chose to eliminate it.
• Use a comma to set of a parenthetical phrase (extra information).
• Example:  Lauren, his six year old daughter, jumped rope in the front yard.;
• Use a comma to set off quotations (someone speaking, for example).
• Example: "Come here boy," the man said to his dog.

Happy National Punctuation Day: Commas

Today is National Punctuation Day.  Silly, I know.  But where would we be without those wonderful sentence stoppers?

 

In honor of National Punctuation Day I've decided to dedicate today's blog to the proper use of commas.  I have been called a grammar Nazi, and I am a bit of a grammar snob.  So here are some common comma-related punctuation errors/tips for those of you who are not so grammatically inclined.

. ? !:  Periods, exclamation points, and questions marks are pretty straight forward. You use them to end a sentence.  If you are having a problem with the use of these simple punctuation marks then seek help immediately, and stop reading now.  This article isn't going to help you, my friend.

Commas (,):  People are afraid of commas.  Many writers are so afraid of commas that they just don't use them.  Under use of commas is bad.  Overuse of commas is worse.  Lots of people are comma-happy.  Don't be comma-happy.  Here are some tips on when to use a comma:

1. To separate items in a series

Example: Brad ate an apple, a cracker, and a chocolate bar.

2. To separate two complete sentences.

Example:  The concert had started, but Michelle was late.

Explanation:  Two complete sentences are connected with a connecting word (but). Both sentences could stand alone. If you said, "The concert had started.  Michelle was late" it would still make sense.

Tip:  The comma goes before the word connecting the two sentences.

3. To offset introductory clauses.

Example:  To get a good grade, you'd better come to class early.

Example 2:  Venus was not worshipped as widely during Constantine's reign.  However, archaeological evidence shows that Venus-worship did not cease completely during this period.

Tip:  If you find that you naturally pause when reading a sentence aloud, you probably need a comma.

There are lots more ways to use commas.  I can write more about it later if you'd like. 

If you have other punctuation related questions, please direct those to my email: jenniferwelbornwrites@gmail.com.