The comma is one of the most abused and misused punctuation marks in the English language. The comma gives us the dreaded run-on sentence, the confusion of verb separation and odd sentence fragments, and—when missing altogether—some of the most hilarious misunderstandings in the grammar world.
How are commas misused?
One of the most common comma mistakes is not using a comma before a coordinating conjunction (such as “but”) when the conjunction connects two independent clauses: Incorrect: The man ate the pie but he didn’t pay the bill. Correct: The man ate the pie, but he didn’t pay the bill.
Is there such thing as comma overuse?
Although we often hear about run-on sentences and people who neglect commas, it’s also entirely possible to use far too many commas. Luckily, there’s a perfect and grammatically correct way to include commas in any piece of writing. Using our list of comma rules, it’s time to say goodbye to your unnecessary commas.
What are 3 common comma errors?
The Five Most Common Mistakes
- Mistake #1: No comma after an introductory element.
- Mistake #2: No comma in a non-restrictive element.
- Mistake #3: Unnecessary comma with a restrictive element.
- Mistake #4: No comma in a compound sentence:
- Mistake #5: Comma Splice.
What is it called when a comma is used wrong?
If you’re one of those people whose writing gets corrected by someone else, you may sometimes get called out for using a comma where what’s technically called for is a period or a semi-colon. It’s called a comma splice (or comma fault, comma blunder, comma error, or don’t do that with a comma).
Why do people struggle with commas?
Because they don’t understand the simple fact that a comma stands for rising intonation after a word within a sentence. It’s that simple. Trying to account for punctuation with a lot of grammatical gobbledegook is a fool’s errand.
Why are people against the Oxford comma?
Many opponents of the Oxford comma claim that it makes a piece of writing sound more pretentious and stuffy, and that it can make things seem cluttered and redundant. Many magazine publishers renounce its use as well, because sentences loaded with commas take up valuable page space.
Why do people overuse commas?
A lot of the overuse of commas in English writing comes from a reading aid we’re taught in school, one which is often flipped on its head and internalized as a writing rule. That thing about commas being a pause.
What are unnecessary commas?
You should also be careful that you aren’t using commas unnecessarily around information that is essential to the sentence. The comma rule is that non-essential information should be set off with commas, but essential information should not.
Is the Oxford comma unprofessional?
While the Oxford comma is technically grammatically correct, it is most often unnecessary and pointless. Thus, writers and editors should eliminate the comma unless it is absolutely essential for comprehension.
Which of the comma rules is the most widely misused?
The Unnecessary Comma
This mistake is everywhere. A comma should never separate a verb from its direct object, separate paired elements joined by a coordinating conjunction, or come between an independent clause and its dependent clause.
What are two situations when a comma is not appropriate?
Some writers omit the comma if the clauses are both quite short: Example: I paint and he writes. Rule 3c. If the subject does not appear in front of the second verb, a comma is generally unnecessary.
Is there a comma after I’m sorry?
No, there shouldn’t be a comma there. This is how you should punctuate your message: “Sorry I haven’t written for so long. I was very busy with revising for my exams.” There is no comma because the first sentence is a shortened version of ‘I’m sorry that I haven’t written for so long’.
Is not using Oxford comma wrong?
Are Oxford commas grammatically correct? Contrary to what most students believe, the Oxford comma isn’t grammatically correct. But that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to use it. Instead, it’s grammatically optional.
Is the Oxford comma pretentious?
The blue-blood punctuation mark, named after the Oxford University Press, acts as a social signifier, a sieve for the bookish and studious (and, perhaps, pretentious). It suggests personality traits that extend far beyond punctuation preferences. There are other ways of doing this in your Tinder profile, of course.
What does it mean when someone uses inverted commas?
Inverted commas are used to show where direct speech or a quotation begins and ends in a sentence. There are single and double quotation marks which are printed as’ ‘ or “ ”. Sometimes, inverted commasare used to define the play, song or book that’s being spoken about.
What is the comma controversy?
This practice is controversial and is known as the serial comma or Oxford comma, because it is part of the house style of Oxford University Press.” There are cases in which the use of the serial comma can avoid ambiguity, and also instances in which its use can introduce ambiguity.
What is the fear of commas?
Virguphobia is the fear of commas.
How can we avoid overuse of commas?
18.2 Avoiding Unnecessary Commas
- Do not use commas before a conjunction when the sentence is not compound.
- Do not use a comma before the first and after the last word in a series.
- Do not use commas around an appositive if it adds clarity, or new information, to the sentence.
Is Oxford comma American or British?
The Oxford comma did not actually originate at Oxford University in England. One can trace its origin in English guides from the early 20th century. The Oxford comma is “correct” in American Standard English but does not exist in other languages, nor is it mandatory in British or International English.
Are Oxford commas grammatically correct UK?
Despite being named after a British University, the Oxford comma (the comma used before “and” in lists (e.g., I like wookies, ewoks, and droids)) is not considered standard in UK English because only one style guide (Oxford) recommends it.