Quick and Easy Commas
The dreaded comma. Either you use it too much, or you avoid it like the plague. Today's lesson is a crash-course in commas. I will not cover every rule, but some very important ones. Let's get started.
SEPARATING THOUGHTS AND PROVIDING PAUSES
Let's start with something simple:
“You can try to sleep, but you stink.”
In this sentence, we're separating two thoughts: "You can try to sleep" & "You stink." Either one could work on its own, yet we've chosen to combine the two into one sentence because they're closely related. When writing a novel, flow is of utmost importance, which is why commas are sometimes a better alternative to periods. Nobody likes abrupt sentences. "You need a bath. You stink. Go take a bath. Now. You won't be able to sleep." Nasty stuff. Unless you're setting out to establish tension, this is an unsavory path to travel.
And without the comma, we're left with: "You can try to sleep but you stink." This is grammatically incorrect, as we require a little extra help with a comma and conjunctions. We'll get to conjunctions in just a moment.
A simple--although not always accurate--way to check whether you need a comma or not is to speak the sentence aloud. Does it demand a pause? If so, you may just require a comma. Then again, this doesn't always work; some dialects are more abrupt/flowing than others.
A simple--although not always accurate--way to check whether you need a comma or not is to speak the sentence aloud. Does it demand a pause? If so, you may just require a comma. Then again, this doesn't always work; some dialects are more abrupt/flowing than others.
LISTS
Commas are a must when listing off items.
“I want eggs, toast, and orange juice for breakfast.”
In that example, we've used the Oxford Comma. This means you've separated a list of three or more items with a comma before the conjunction of the final item (and).
As an American, I typically use the Oxford Comma. Some of my fellow writers choose not to. It's not technically wrong to forgo an Oxford Comma in lists of three or more items, but it can get confusing. More info & examples on Oxford Commas here.
As an American, I typically use the Oxford Comma. Some of my fellow writers choose not to. It's not technically wrong to forgo an Oxford Comma in lists of three or more items, but it can get confusing. More info & examples on Oxford Commas here.
WARNING: If you forgo the Oxford Comma, this possessed baby doll will haunt your existence, and not even death will grant you peace.
NAMES/NICKNAMES/TERMS OF ENDEARMENT
Commas are useful when addressing someone.
“Sarah, can you get the mail?”
“Sarah, honey, please get the mail today.”
“Yo, S-Dawg, get the mail, son.”
Get the point?
BUT HOW CAN I BE SURE IF I'M USING COMMAS PROPERLY?
All right, this is when it may get a little complicated. Stick with me, though; I believe in you.
We have Conjunctions (Think FANBOYS – For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)
Think of conjunctions as something tiny, like children at a Teen Pop concert. Because they’re so tiny and weak, they usually require help from commas.
But this is not always the case. You must identify all complete sentences, as there may be more than just one in a sentence.
Complete sentences are heavier than others, and if there are more than two thoughts being expressed in a sentence, then they may require some help from commas.
Think of conjunctions as something tiny, like children at a Teen Pop concert. Because they’re so tiny and weak, they usually require help from commas.
But this is not always the case. You must identify all complete sentences, as there may be more than just one in a sentence.
Complete sentences are heavier than others, and if there are more than two thoughts being expressed in a sentence, then they may require some help from commas.
“Alex likes to go to the park, but not for too long.” (Comma necessary)
“Alex wants ham and cheese.” (The comma is unnecessary because only one complete sentence exists)
“Alex wants ham and cheese.” (The comma is unnecessary because only one complete sentence exists)
Subordinates
These connect 2 things: dependent and independent clauses. Think of them as experienced weightlifters.
Although, because, before, however, unless, even though
Subordinates are strong, so they don't rely on the help of commas nearly as much as conjunctions.
These connect 2 things: dependent and independent clauses. Think of them as experienced weightlifters.
Although, because, before, however, unless, even though
Subordinates are strong, so they don't rely on the help of commas nearly as much as conjunctions.
“Truman doesn’t need help because he’s stubborn.” (No comma necessary)
Then again, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes we need to alleviate some of that weight with a comma.
“Although Nancy is a kindhearted individual, she can be a handful every now and then.” (Comma is necessary here, as we have two complete thoughts)
Now that you've a better grasp on the comma, go out there and make all your dreams come true. You've done it, reader. Congrats. I love you. Now buy my books.
As always, thanks for reading. See you at the next Musing!
I wish you all the best,
-V.C. Remus
I wish you all the best,
-V.C. Remus
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