Commas: When in Doubt, Leave it Out

It can sometimes be rather difficult to know when the proper time and place is to put a comma in order to break-up your sentence. The best rule of thumb to follow is “when in doubt, leave it out.” There are quite a lot of options for the proper use of commas, and it can be rather hard to be sure on how to take advantage of the proper use of how and where to use a comma.

Understanding the Comma

The first step in learning on how to properly use a comma is to understand what it is used for and why. A comma is used to break-up the flow of a sentence. It is sometimes used in place of a period, or to signify a pause in a piece of writing. Many people used to comma incorrectly. They are not trying to signify a pause or using it to separate a conjunction. They simply are just not sure if one belongs or not, and many people feel that the use of a comma makes the piece of writing appear to have more structure. The truth is that it is difficult to tell when you should and should not use a comma, but it is better not to have a pause or your sentence broken up when it should not have a break.

Commas Used for Separation

Almost everyone knows that you use a comma when trying to make an extensive list. Using a comma when listing items will help to prevent the items from running together. The rule of thumb is to use it whenever you are listing at least three items. You can avoid adding the comma before the “and” and the last remaining item in your list. You should use the comma to separate all of the items.

Conjunction

A conjunction is probably one of the most confusing ways that you can use a comma. It can be confusing to know if you are creating a true conjunction or if you are just creating a sentence that may contain the words “and” or “but.” A proper conjunction that will require a comma separation will contain a noun and a verb in both parts. They will form two complete sentences that will be separated by a comma and one of the words and, but, or, yet, nor, not, so, or yet.  The two parts will flow better in your writing using a conjunction than it would to separate them as two sentences. For example: I went to town. I realized I forgot my wallet. Use a comma in a conjunction to change those two sentences to: I went to town, but realized I forgot my wallet. Your writing will flow more smoothly and it will be easier to understand what you are trying to express.

Introduction or Explanatory Phrases

A comma is also used to separate a section of a sentence that is meant to create an introduction into a sentence or topic. You will also use a comma when separating an explanatory word or phrase.
Any other situations are extremely questionable when it comes to the use of commas. You will find it difficult at times to try and figure out if a comma is truly necessary or not. It is a lot easier for a reader to spot an out of place comma than it is to spot when a comma is missing. Separation and conjunctions are a little bit easier to figure out over the introductory or explanatory commas, but with a little bit of practice you will soon be well on your way to properly learn how to use your commas.

Do you know when the proper time to use a comma is?

How often do you receive an email or letter and secretly edit it in your head while you are reading it?

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