Comma, Comma, Comma, Comma-chameleon!
The comma is an important element to your grammar knowledge. We sometimes overlook its value as both a punctuation device as well as a structural improvement mechanism. It not only helps us read things easier, but it helps us separate our sentences into manageable chunks to understand.
Let’s take a look at our little friend: the comma. It has a few different jobs and it can be used differently depending on the context.
Use commas to separate independent clauses
This is done by using a combination of a comma and a conjunction such as…
Common Conjunctions
Examples
Something else to keep in mind is the use of common starter words. These words begin the introductory clauses which is then followed by a comma and the main clause.
Common Starter Words
Examples
If the main clause is followed by a dependent clause, do not use a comma. For example “the toothfairy came to pick up her tooth, while she was sleeping” would be incorrect. It could just be written as “The tooth fairy came to pick up her tooth while she was sleeping”.
Common introductory words should also be followed by a comma…
Common Introductory Words
Use a pair of commas to set off a clause that is not essential
Example
For this instance, the commas act almost as brackets, separating the non-essential content. Non-essential content would be something in the sentence that is extra information and the sentence would still correctly function without it there.
Use commas to create lists
This is a very common usage of the comma, when it is used to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses creating a list or series.
Example
Commas can be used to list nouns, verbs and adjectives. As well, they can be used near the end of the sentence to show a pause or refer back to the beginning or middle of a sentence.
Example
Commas also have common usage with geography and their names (New Delhi, India) as well as when creating a gap to prevent confusion (To Sam, Bonnie had been the best dog ever).
Commas are a very useful part of our English punctuation. With proper usage, a comma can both strengthen your writing and help you ace your SATs.
Wow ! It's just simply great.
thanks for the lesson.It is a good lesson
Thanks. Commas make me break out in a sweat. I am always unsure about using the nasty, little things.
Comma, Comma, Comma, Comma-chameleon? A comma joke! English nerds unite!
I actually don't like the use-the-comma-when-there's-a-pause rule. It's very widely used, but it too often leads to unnecessary, incorrect and potentially confusing commas in the middle of very long sentences.
My pet peeve is seeing random commas between the subject and verb of a sentence because the writer felt like the reader needed to take a breath. For example, "The tall green apple tree at the foot of the hill at my grandfathers farm, is dying." Even more common, people tend to put a comma before a conjunction in a simple sentence when there are two verbs. For example, "The tall green apple tree is at the foot of the hill, and grows badly in the partial shade."
As you explained (very well, I thought) commas set off dependent clauses and separate independent clauses from each other. I think a good rule of thumb for comma usage is that, unless commas are used in a list, a date, or an address, you should be able to remove the part of the sentence set off by commas and still have a complete sentence. For example, "The apple tree, which my grandfather planted at the bottom of the hill, is dying" makes sense if you take out the part offset by commas and just have "The apple tree is dying."
When commas are used correctly, they are a great way to help the reader break a sentence up into digestible blocks and figure out which parts are the most important. I think American schools often do a disservice by teaching that commas are stage directions instead of meaningful structural elements.
In the German language there is a quite useful rule of thumb for dealing with commas:
"You can/should use a comma after a word in a sentence if you would make an - even if little - break while speaking the sentence."
Does this rule of thumb also apply to the English language?
Yes, it is definitely used in the same way. This often prevents run-on sentences, confusion for the reader as well as simplicity of the message. Also, in terms of others reading your work, the commas help to monitor the speed at which they read what you've written. There are many formalities on how and on what to use commas for, and this rule of thumb is a great way of simply remembering their use. Thank you!
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