30 replies to this topic

[dabblingmum]

Okay, I just learned a few months back that I put commas in all the wrong places! I have been working my butt off to get it right.

The problem is that in my high school English teacher taught us to put a comma everywhere you pause (take a breath) when you read a sentence out loud.

My old high school buddy just informed me that she learned it that way too, so now we chuckle everytime we place a comma in a sentence.

So....

What is the trick and proper way to remember where to place a comma?

Alyice

[dannysullivan]

I would get a copy of The Elements Of Style by Strunk and White (he of Charlotte's Web fame). I cannot remember if it deals with commas specifically (and can't find my copy). However, it's a classic for good writing. It's a small book; an easy read.

[Ron Carnell]

Danny's advice is sound. The comma is, by far, the MOST used punctuation mark in the English language, with at least a score of different uses. Such as setting off the parenthetical elements in that sentence?

The "breath equals comma" rule is not a bad rule of thumb to follow, but should probably be accompanied by one additional rule. Do not ever use a single comma between a subject and its verb. For example:

"Trusting completely and positively in one's mate is necessary in marriage."

There is a strong tendency for many readers to pause slightly between "mate" and "is," but that pause does NOT equate to a comma. The only thing that can separate subject and verb is a coordinate clause, and that always requires at least two commas.

Yep, Danny's right. Either buy the book or use the on-line version.

[Jill]

I've always tended to over-comma (did I use the hyphen right?) also. It really helps to spend a little bit of money on a good proofreader if you're a copywriter or content writer. I've learned a lot by seeing the corrections my proofreader makes, and I find I'm better at correcting the writing of others now because of it. Still really tough to correct your own for some reason.

Jill

[copywriter]

You may also want to try Webster's Guide to Punctuation and Style. I paid about $9 for it at Office Depot of some such store. It comes in very handy and is really easy to understand.

[Ron Carnell]

I've always tended to over-comma (did I use the hyphen right?) also.

LOL @ Jill.

Not only did you use it correctly, but I think you just created a new verb in the process.

Over-commaing, for me, is less irritating than over-ellipsing, though. (And aren't neologisms fun!)

[dragonlady7]

I guess I'm just more advanced; I over-semicolon. Compulsively.

[compar]

Still really tough to correct your own for some reason. 

The problem with correcting your own writing is that you know what you meant when you wrote it. The trick, and it's certainly not easy, is to relate to a first time reader who comes to your text without the knowledge of what you meant. Will s/he understand it?

The other components of correcting your own writing are time and effort. Neither of which we seem to have enough of these days.

Writing is like so many other endeavors, 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration.

[copywriter]

Man! I am world-famous for screwing up if I proof my own work! I read what it is supposed to say, not what it really does say. That gets me every time.

Things like setup and set up get me, too.

[qwerty]

Let's see.... (uh oh, he used an ellipsis)

Setup is a noun, and set up is a verb: "I can't seem to set up this new system properly, because the setup of the owner's manual is incomprehensible."

I rarely see people using the ellipsis too much, except in cases of emails. However, advertising overuses and misuses everything. What gets me is the way they turn a word or two into a sentence:

You want to refinance. But can you? Really? Easily?
Yes. You can. Really. Easily.

[copywriter]

Hahahahahahahahahahaha!

Well, the reason "advertising" does it that way is to be conversational. Yes, copywriters (myself included) break up sentences. To most people, it makes the reading "lighter" and more friendly. The goal is to write like most people talk.

Sorry if I've ever offended you indirectly through copy I've written on sites you've visited!

[Scottie]

LOL-

My punctuation is horrible in forums. I do know how to do it properly but I tend to write as I think and not pay attention. It's more like talking to me and I punctuate as I go. Sorry about the ellipses, Ron! I'm a huge offender. I like semi-colons too; I probably use them more than I should. And then there are hyphens- I like to have variety in my punctuation.

[deborah2002]

Guilty Guilty Guilty

I am the worst offender for the ellipsis transgression (if it's more than one, is it ellipsi?).

I never use the semi-colon, as I don't THINK with semi-colons. Like Scottie said, I just type the way I'm thinking. Although I am starting to notice my fondness for commas..................


deb

[qwerty]

One ellispis, two ellipses. And at least the way I was taught, an ellipsis is three periods. This.................... is probably technically referred to as a whole lot of periods.

And Karon, you're forgiven.

[copywriter]

Yes... it is 3 periods. However, the debate goes on as to how and where they are positioned.

I've always done 1 2 3 space. Many others do space 1 2 3 space. And some do no spaces... just 1 2 3 and keep on going.

Thanks, Bob. I feel much better!