How To Use The Comma
Simple rules and hints that help you stop comma abuse
The comma is an often misunderstood punctuation mark. It's been used and abused by the best. Here are some simple rules to keep your comma clean.
The comma has to be one of the most abused punctuation marks. It is either overused, placed haphazardly on the writers whim, or not used enough. I think it’s safe to say that most of us have been guilty of this at one time or another.
There are some simple rules to follow concerning the use of the comma. Maybe simple isn’t the right word, since most people can’t seem to follow them.
The Comma As A Separator
One of the most obvious ways the comma is used is as a separator. It’s used to separate parts of a series, such as this example –
I went to the bank, the store, and the car wash.
There has been some debate about whether the comma should be used before the and in these kinds of sentences. The consensus hasn’t been unanimous, but most people want it there. There are some teachers and editors that say to leave it out. If you run across them, I advise you do want they say.
The comma separates compound sentences that are joined using a conjunction, like this example –
I wanted to go out for lunch, but everyone brought their food.
The comma also separates interjections as seen in this example –
Hey, get out of the way.
Other Comma Uses
You will want to use a comma if you have a phrase before the subject. That way the reader knows the subject is about to appear. It would look like this –
When we pass the old water tower, I know home is around the corner.
Taking a break from work, Joe rested on the steps.
Sometimes you want to put something in a sentence that will interrupt the flow. This could be anything from a name to a description. The following sentences are examples of this –
Brian introduced his wife, Jill, to the principal.
The mouse, dirty from years of use, didn’t work very well.
A comma can be used to show contrasts as well. Take a look at this sentence –
He wanted to have fun this weekend, not work.
Common Comma Abuses
One of the main comma abuses is throwing in a comma when there is no need for one. You do not want to impede the flow of the reader. Do this too much and they will become annoyed. No one wants an annoyed reader.
Adding a comma to separate words joined by and or or is another way the comma is misused. It’s easy to do and can be confusing. Take a look at this wrong sentence –
I walked to my car, and drove home.
An addition or subtraction of a comma can change the whole meaning of the sentence making it comma abuse. As the title of the wonderfully named book Eats, Shoots, and Leaves shows us, one little comma, or in this case two, can have a totally different meaning. For those not in the know, the title is referring to the eating habits of koala bears.
Mastering The Comma
These really are the basics of using the comma, but should get you by in everyday writing. Mastering any aspect of the English language is never easy to do. Hopefully we are all learning and growing.
