See Advanced Grammar Checking in Action!
« Sugarcoating Bad News | Home | How To Tighten Your Copy »
Five Ways To Use A Comma
Still having a hard time figuring out the use of commas in your writing? You’re not alone. Everyday, I come across emails and blog posts that either need more of the punctuation or use too much of it. Like most of writing, though, there are very straightforward guidelines to using commas and they aren’t all that difficult to master.
1. To separate a series of words and phrases of the same kind
When you’re listing words and phrases, it is mandatory to punctuate with a comma to show the separation between items. This is true when listing nouns as with verbs, adverbs and others figures of speech, as with a sentence like this:
“I wrote, produced and directed the play.”
If it’s intended to itemize, always punctuate for clarity.
2. At the end of a list (before the word “and”), use a comma only when it’s necessary for legibility.
The last item on a list should be done without a comma (although most English writing software will let it pass). The only exception to this is when a comma clarifies the statement such as with the following sentence:
“Breakfast choices include salad, bacon and eggs, and fruits.”
3. Words that address someone or something
When a word or phrase addresses an audience or an object, use a comma to separate the intended subject, such as in:
“How are you today, dear readers?”
4. Use a comma between two sentences joined by a conjunction when you want to force a pause
When combining two sentences that are linked by a conjunction (e.g. “but”, “because”), always add a comma between them.
“He wanted to leave the party, but I begged him to stay.”
5. Use a comma to mark off introductory words, phrases and clauses
When a part of the sentence is used to introduce its actual body, use a comma to force a pause. These two examples illustrate it clearly:
“However, we knew it wasn’t true.”
“Despite the resulting uproar, we knew it wasn’t true.”
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.