How to Use Commas in Writing.
Contents at a Glance
What good does Comma Usage provide for Writing?
Its never done a thing for me.
Or has it? Without the gracious comma to stand in the way, lists would run into each other, which would cause confusion the world over. Perpositonal phrases would be at a loss, and names wouldn't get the respect they deserve.Commas do great things for us every day, without asking for a thank you, and what do we do? We become confounded by its use, and swear off them for life; leaving the comma to mope, watch the telephone all day and hope for your call, and that's no way to treat a friend. Commas are very useful, and it's not a brain teaser how to do it.
Names:
Commas allow emphasis for names in sentences, which allows it to hold its nose high, and be the proper noun it should. Take this for instance: "Will you take the trash out, Daniel?" is completely different than, "Will you take the trash out Daniel?" After giving emphasis to the comma, you'll see it's place, and know what it does. It gives a nice flow, allowing a nice rest without rushing the noun. Example:
"I'm done Mr. Brown" doesn't give the right emphasis to the proper noun, but "I'm done, Mr. Brown" gives the slight needed pause between the sentence and name.
Pace:
Commas are often used by professional writers to control pace, giving emphasis to an important scene, breaking up the action to make it discernable, and allow two sentences to join happily together. Without commas, this list would be a horrifying jumble of who-knows-what. You wouldn't know where one detail ended and another began, merging them all together, keeping you from getting the meaning of the sentence. Example:
Instead of "I walked to the corner. I ran to the store. The store was closed." It would be better to use "I walked to the corner, ran to the store, but it was closed." Notice, the first breaks up the action, but the second continues a running pace, until the disappointment of the store being closed.
Compound Sentences
Without a comma, compound sentences become run-on sentences, and this forces them together, giving them no room to breathe. Think of it as, two angry pitbulls put into an open-topped square and don't intercede. This is what a run-on sentence is to publishers, horrifying and brutal, but the comma is the wall in-between the two, which provides them peace. No dogs were hurt in the production of this lens. Example:
"I walked to the store I ran back home." WRONG. Unless the two complete a rythym, this is unacceptable. "I walked to the store, and I ran back home." You can read how much happier the two sentences are, separated.
Prepositional Phrases:
These are another friend of the comma, but sometimes, it can come by itself. Usually this is because the comma would ruin the pace of the sentence or phrase, if they are closely related. Often, the comma is under the author's discretion within this domain, for sometimes the last thing you want is to provide a pause, say for a suspenseful scene, or when the comma would detract from the quality of the sentence. This is usually hard ground, but it can easily be solved, by just reading the sentence out loud. If the words feel they need a pause, they'll show you then. Example:
A better way to pause with a preposition is, whenever you are going to place ,that; see if ,which will work in its place. "I know a well, that gives fresh water." It doesn't seem to fit with the pause. "I know a well, which gives fresh water." A better flow encompasses the sentence, giving it a better mood.
Dependant Clauses:
When a clause is dependant, it cannot stand up on its own. If it does, it make no sense, so it needs a comma to attach the Dependant to the Independant Clause, which would give them the needed strength. This style of sentence is often referred as complex, because of the added detail of the dependant clause. It's a win-win for both parties. Without the comma, it would be considered a run on sentence, but there is a way to tell if you need a comma, to seperate. If the word after, although,...etc. is present, it is a dependant clause that needs the support of a comma and independant clause. Example:
"The dog couldn't walk, when it was tired." This is a dependent clause. Notice if you brought "When it was tired" out, you would have no idea what it's talking about. When what was tired? But the comma steps in, bringing the two comfortably together.
Gerunds:
Ah, the awe inspiring gerund. It comes in taking the place of an adjective or adverb, adding detail to a number of sentences. Such as the sentence before. The key is to know when a comma is right, for if it's describing a noun or a verb, it follows the respective rules. Only using a comma if it and the descriptive word after are interchangeable: Example:
"The cooling, pleasant breeze blew, rustling the leaves of trees." If you'll notice, the other comma usage for a gerund is present, which allows the thought to be more defined and detailed. What's wrong with that, I say?
In Conclusion:
Well, now that you two are finally introduced, I think it's time for your first date. Commas are a good friend to have, because they control pace, give emphasis to proper nouns, seperate ferocious run-on sentences, help prepositional phrases, and let the dependant clause hold independant clause's hand. With so many things, what good doesn't the comma do? Writing and Things:
My Blog:
What Do Commas Mean to You?
It's okay, you're safe.
I do not descriminate comments, suggestions, or queries. My hope is, we can all become friends, to share openly.
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Werkpaardje
Apr 1, 2010 @ 1:06 am | delete
- For Dutch speakers like me, this lens is a great help. The other day, reading an article which was loaded with commas, it was kind of confusing. Now that I know more about the comma, I think I will understand this article better.
In section Pace of this lens, you mentioned "discernable". Do you mean "discernible" or do you mean something else?
I will mark the "Notify me by email.." box, because I really would like to know the answer.
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wilddove6
Feb 4, 2010 @ 8:57 pm | delete
- I think commas are our friends :)
Sometimes I wonder if I'm overdoing them, but it's nice to see them regain their proper place in sentences.
Very helpful, thank you!
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arncyn
Jan 22, 2010 @ 9:03 am | delete
- I remembered how much I loved this page the first time I saw it so I'm back with a little something extra. Please keep writing, I enjoy reading your lenses (and I learn so much from them)! *blessed by an angel*
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Mart903
Jan 10, 2010 @ 4:24 pm | delete
- Hi, Clint. I frequently get confused when wanting to establish a long pause, wether to use a comma, semicolon, or period. This useful lens will be quite helpful to me in the use of commas. Thank you.
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hayleylou
Dec 22, 2009 @ 2:34 pm | delete
- Good lens, well written. I dont always get my commas in the right place so thanks for the info. 5 stars
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danielca0720
Dec 22, 2009 @ 12:14 pm | delete
- GuyB: Thank you for the comment
Stazjia: I've made the corrections you've suggested, and thank you for the blessing.
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GuyB Dec 18, 2009 @ 7:50 pm | delete
- Very useful information, thanks
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A Few Links About Commas
- The Complete guide to commas.
- Gives twelve directions on Comma Usage.
Professional Comma Useage
Let's give 'er a look.
A Few Great Places to Visit
A few sites to see as well.
A few other things by me; squidoos and my blog. As well as some friend's sites.
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by danielca0720
Hello all. My name is Clint Daniel, and I'm a college student, working my way to internet fame. My major is an AS, but I want to be an English teacher... more »
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