Rules for Writers Chapter 32/33 Punctuation (commas)
I have trouble with punctuation so that is why I picked these two chapters. Commas are a pet peeve of mine.
Comas were invented to help readers. They are used to prevent confusion. Commas should be used before a coordinating conjunction joining independent causes, after an introductory clause or phrase and between all items in a series. Grammar checkers do not always flag missing or misused commas so knowing where they belong is important.
A comma is used between coordinate adjectives not joined with and. You do not need a comma between cumulative adjectives. Commas are used to set off non restrictive elements, transitional and parenthetical expressions, absolute phrases and elements expressing contrast. Commas are used with dates, addresses, titles and numbers. They are also used to set off direct quotations.
Often writers use unnecessary commas, because they don’t know the grammar rules. Commas are not needed before the first or after the last item in a series; they are not needed between cumulative adjectives, between an adjective and a noun, or between an adverb and an adjective. Commas are not used to set off restrictive elements or separate a verb verb form its subject or object. Other places where commas are not used are after a coordinating conjunction, after such as like, before than, after although, before a parenthesis, to set off an indirect quotation or with a question mark or exclamation point.
There are many rules involved with the use or non use of commas, for me they are confusing so this text will be a valuable tool with my writing.
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