Places to Use a Comma
The correct use of the comma remains a grand mystery and topic of debate among writers of all skill levels. Where one person may feel a comma is perfectly justified, another may decide it doesn’t fit at all. When it comes to editing the use of commas, there are many instances where it must be included in order for the sentence to make sense to the reader. The misplacing of a comma can effectually ruin an entire sentence of work by creating a false impression of the meaning.
The main use for a comma is to create a pause of sorts. This can often be a dramatic pause, for example in the course of fictional dialogue or during a speech given by a politician. Of course, the comma must be placed in the correct spot in order to achieve that kind of pause effect. This use of the comma can be very effective during a sentence that is full of strength and meaning. A dramatic tone is used and the comma creates a smooth flow of words.
Another appropriate time when commas should be used involves a sentence where it is necessary to add to one current thought. Instead of two very short sentences one can use a comma to turn it into one longer sentence that is appropriately broken up. If you’re uncertain about how to do this, consider the use of English grammar software to point you in the right direction. The punctuation checker will assist with comma related queries.
When listing items for any reason a comma should always be used to separate them. To neglect the addition of commas in between listed words is to allow them to jumble together into an unintelligible mess. A comma not only makes it make sense, it also clarifies the sentence for the reader.
An occurrence when commas tend to be forgotten is during an introduction of some kind. When listing a name or source, a comma is often used to add something descriptive immediately after, such as a job title or other informative detail. Proper placement is necessary for the description to be accurately written.
The best way to gain experience with commas is to do a lot of reading and writing. While reading, note where and how the commas are used. Books have gone through substantial amounts of editing and the punctuation should be correct. Plenty can be learned about the use of commas through studying published text.
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