The Comma, Clarified.

I could spend a very long time to write in my own words what so many people have already written about comma usage.  In fact, I just spent an hour trying to do just that, which was far more than any sane human should.  It was when I realized that I sounded like my 7th grade English teacher that I decided it was a great time to call it quits.

Here are three excellent sites that explain in technical terms where and when to properly use a comma:

Purdue University OWL:  Quick Comma Rules –  A quick explanation of the basics.

Grammarbook: Punctuation rules – Comma – A very clear explanation of ALL comma rules.

Wikipedia: Comma – in addition to all the many usage rules and examples, it has a nifty history section.

So yes, there are definite rules that are followed; but you can use a comma anywhere you feel it will clarify the meaning of a phrase.

My biggest comma pitfalls are –

• Using a comma to join two mini sentences together without one of the  “joiner” words (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet). In that instance one would use a semicolon.
• Forgetting where the commas go when punctuating dialogue.  Use a comma to separate the text from the quote, and punctuation ALWAYS goes inside the quotation marks.
• Thinking that a long sentence needs a comma even when it is technically correct without.
• Forgetting to offset a name or title with commas when someone is directly addressed.  “June, will you pass the peas?” or, “Will you, Sir, take off your hat?”
• Getting comma happy to add dramatic pauses in a sentence.  A little drama here and there is alright, but use it too often and you start sounding like William Shatner.  “Must, get off, this confounded, planet…”

As always, Happy Writing!

< To see last week’s language usage post, click here

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