Such a small but tricky piece of punctuation. So innocuous, yet it governs our sentence structure, and more often than not, it can tip the meaning of our writing into very different directions. To this end, it can reduce ambiguity in sentences.
Uh, not advisable.
This, however is okay.
We’re going to learn to cut and paste, kids.
Another example:
Again, probably not the best decision you could make.
This, however, is safer for everyone involved:
I like cooking, my family, and my pets.
Commas save lives!
I was contacted by a lovely RWA member, Annette, just over a week ago, with a request to write a post on commas. The dos and don’ts. The when to use, and when to leave the sentence alone.
Annette, this post is for you!
I won’t profess to be an expert. It’s the reason I always ALWAYS have my books edited by a professional editor. But, here are a few simple rules to guide you into the correct use before you get your work checked by someone who polices commas for a living.
So, to comma, or not to comma . . .
Sometimes the use of a comma is obvious, when separating items in a list, for example. Yet other times, there can be an element of doubt as to whether the comma is needed.
Before we start, let’s clarify a couple of terms I’ll use below:
Noun = a name, person, place or thing/object
Adjective = a word to describe a noun
Verb = an action or doing word
Clause = a part of a sentence that contains a verb or doing word
Introductory word = this is a word that comes at the beginning of the sentence, eg, however, yes, so, etc.
Coordinating conjunction = a joining word placed between two sentences, eg, and, but, etc.
Coordinating adjectives = these are two adjectives that are used in sequence to describe one noun
Dependent clause = this is a sentence that is dependent on another sentence for it to make sense, eg, When I went running . . . This sentence needs something else after it for it to make sense. It even sounds incomplete, right?
Independent clause = this is a sentence that can stand on its own and make sense, eg, I went running
Nonessential clause = this is a clause that can be removed from a sentence without removing meaning
Here are some simple guidelines around the use of this powerful piece of punctuation.
IT IS NECESSARY TO USE A COMMA
1. To separate items in a list
There are times in writing, where we may need to list several items. In this case, use a comma. Most of us get this part right, until we reach the ‘and’. Then what? Here are a couple of examples to show when to and when not to use what is referred to as the Oxford comma before the ‘and’.
I saw a snake, a wallaby, and a dragon when I went running.
This suggests that on 3 separate occasions the runner encountered 3 separate animals. This can be compared to:
I saw a snake, a wallaby and a dragon when I went running.
Here the runner has only 2 encounters, one with a snake, and the second with both a wallaby and a dragon.
Is this starting to make sense now?
2. After an introductory word or phrase
There are times we might choose to open our sentence with:
a) an introductory word such as when, while, however, meanwhile, so, yes, no, etc.
b) an adverb, often an ‘ly’ word, such as consequently, surprisingly, unsurprisingly, etc.
c) a phrase such as ‘on the other hand’, ‘as a consequence’, ‘in response’, ‘in this case’, etc.
When we do this, we must add a comma immediately after this word/phrase, before we continue on with our sentence.
Surprisingly, I saw a dragon when I went running.
Yes, I really did see a dragon when I went running.
3. Before a quotation
The runner said, “I saw a dragon.”
“I saw a dragon,” said the runner.
Here are two different examples where a comma is required in relation to a quotation.
In the first, the comma comes immediately before the quotation, outside the quotation marks.
In the second, the comma comes immediately after, and inside the quotation marks.
4. Between a dependent clause and an independent clause
Remember, a dependent clause needs to be paired with another clause to make sense, whilst an independent clause can stand on its own.
When a sentence opens with a dependent clause, it is necessary to follow this with a comma before we add our independent clause.
When I went running, I saw a snake.
5. To join 2 independent clauses
This includes joining 2 independent clauses that are linked by a conjunction, ie, and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet, etc.
I went running, and I saw a snake.
I saw a snake, when I went running.
6. To bracket a nonessential clause in a sentence
Remember, a nonessential clause is a clause that when removed doesn’t alter or affect the meaning of the sentence.
I saw a dragon, not a unicorn, when I went running.
These days you can also use em dashes in place of the commas.
I saw a dragon—not a unicorn—when I went running.
However, if that nonessential clause comes at the end of the sentence, only one comma is used.
I saw a dragon when I went running, not a unicorn.
OR
I saw a dragon when I went running—not a unicorn.
7. To separate two coordinate adjectives
Remember, adjectives are words that describe a person, object or a place, ie, a noun.
When we are describing our noun, often we will use two or more describing words to do this. In this case, we must insert a comma between these adjectives, but not between the last adjective and the object.
I saw the big, scary dragon when I went running.
But beware, there are times when a comma is not called for.
I saw a big Mandalayan dragon when I went running.
Think about this sentence. At first glance, it seems as if we have two describing words. But look again. If we were to place an ‘and’ where we would otherwise place a comma, would this sentence still make sense?
I saw a big and Mandalayan dragon when I went running.
As opposed to:
I saw a big and scary dragon when I went running.
Can you see how the second sentence makes sense, but the first doesn’t? In the first example, the adjective ‘big’ describes ‘Mandalayan dragon’ as one entity. So the rule? If it doesn’t make sense when you replace the comma with ‘and’, it won’t make sense with a comma.
DO NOT USE A COMMA
1. Between 2 independent clauses (in the absence of a conjunction)
I went for a jog. I saw a green dragon.
In this case, you might even like to use a semi-colon:
I went for a jog; I saw a green dragon.
If you really want to join these two clauses together to make one sentence, then insert a conjunction or joining word between them:
I went for a jog, and I saw a green dragon.
2. To separate a two nouns referred to as a collective
Sometimes we may write about two people or objects, referring to them as one in our sentence. In this case, we should never use a comma to separate them.
Incorrect
Wind, and rain pelted down on me.
Rain pelted down on Fred, and Ashley.
Correct
Wind and rain pelted down on me.
Rain pelted down on Fred and Ashley.
So, there we have it! The comma in all its glory.
And that’s all folks!
I hope I’ve managed to shed some light on comma use, then whens and when nots J If you have any questions, make sure you post them in the comments beneath the blog and I’ll be sure to get back to you. Or if you have any insights or examples of great or not so great comma use, please post them too!
Firstly, thank you all for coming back this month. I really appreciate every one of you reading, commenting and sharing my posts.
And, there’s no better time than now to announce January’s winner for the 30 minute skype session:
Drum roll . . .
And the winner is:
Ruth Morgan!!!!
Congratulations Ruth! Please email me on info@michelle-somers.com to discuss redeeming your skype session.
And if you haven’t won yet, don’t despair. Once again this month, I’m offering one lucky commenter a half hour skype session to discuss anything writing related. It could be your query, your synopsis or 300 words from your current work in progress. Yes, you heard right. We get to chat, face-to-face—or computer screen to computer screen—about whatever it is about your writing you’d like to discuss.
To enter the draw, please comment below and share the most surprising or useful thing you’ve learned since reading my Simply Writing blogs. Any ideas on what you’d like to see featured on future blogs will be gratefully received. Or perhaps you’d like to share how you’ll start to incorporate a more active voice into your current WIP.
Any and all comments welcome! I love reading your feedback and input each month J and much as this blog isn’t set up for notifications, I always ALWAYS answer your comments. So make sure you pop back to check my replies!
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A name will be drawn in time for next month’s blog so please pop back next month to see if you’re a winner!
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SIMPLY WRITING WORKSHOP UPDATE For those of you who might be interested in my upcoming workshops, dates are as follows: Simply Synopsis Mon 2nd March to Friday 3rd April (includes a 1 week break in the middle for catchup) http://www.michelle-somers.com/product/2020-simply-synopsis-online-workshop-expressions-of-interest/ Characterisation Through Narration Monday 6th April to Friday 8th May (includes a 1 week break in the middle for catchup) http://www.michelle-somers.com/product/characterisation-through-narration-online-workshop/ Bookings are now open for SIMPLY SYNOPSIS, and I am still taking expressions of interest for limited spots in CHARACTERISATION THROUGH NARRATION. If you have any questions, concerns or if you are a returning participant, please contact me on info@michelle-somers.com before you book. I hope to see some of you there! |
Thanks so much to you all for stopping by. Have a fabulous month, and I’ll see you all again in March!
Michelle xx