Although boring as cocktail conversation, the comma is a necessary tool and an important element in writing. However, as an editor of both fiction and non-fiction pieces, I often see commas used too frequently or improperly. Admittedly, my college English professor proclaimed me the “comma splice queen” and it took several months for her to pound into my skull the rules of the game (thanks, Dr. Huston). Due to her relentless pursuit to quell my affinity for commas, I now recognize commas everywhere and often find myself analyzing each use (sometimes with nail biting suspense). The writer need not fear. In condensed and decidedly less dramatic detail, I will discuss the proper use of the comma and give you another tool for your writer’s toolbox.
The comma did not immediately spring forth with the first spoken word. As oral traditions began to fade and written formats became more popular, the rules of depicting speech became more unified. Our use of speech both orally and in print continues to evolve and there are always exceptions to the rule, but knowledge and practice of the basic rules is essential for all writers.
The first commonly accepted and one of the most popular uses for the comma is as a signifier for a pause in speech. However, this is not a hard, fast rule and there are many situations where a pause does not need to be identified by a comma. Here is an example of an acceptable use for denoting a pause in speech.
“When the professor called, Mary picked up the phone.”
The comma lets us know that there are two separate individuals in the sentence, the professor and Mary.
The first genuine rule of commas is as a separator between an introductory clause and an independent clause. An introductory clause can be either a word or a phrase that cannot stand on its own as an independent statement. An independent clause is a sentence that can stand on its own. Here are some examples:
“After taking several of Dr. Huston’s classes, I now understand the use of a comma.”
“Still, I double check my use of a comma to make sure that I am using it properly.”
Common introductory clauses include conjunctive adverbs such as therefore and furthermore and prepositional phrases. You can find a complete list of what constitutes a prepositional phrase online. (Thanks to my fifth grade teacher I have the entire list memorized to the tune of “Mama’s Little Baby Loves Shortening Bread,” but that’s another story for another time.)
Another necessary use of a comma is when a coordinating conjunction separates two independent clauses. Conjunctions include and, for, but, nor, or, so, and yet. Here are some examples:
“The comma appears to be a simple form of punctuation, yet it has managed to become as overly and improperly used as an ellipses.”
“Quality grammar is the sign of a developed writer, and it helps the reader fully engage and absorb the material in the way it was intended.”
On the other hand, if the independent clauses are short, the comma can be left out. For example:
“I like writing but my husband hates it.”
“I like good books and I like chocolate.”
It is also not proper to place a comma before a conjunction that combines an independent clause with a compound predicate. A compound predicate is two separate predicates joined by a conjunction. A predicate expresses what a subject is, experiences, and does. Sounds complicated, but it’s really quite simple. Here is an example:
“He grabbed my hand and squeezed it gently before pulling me forward.”
“She wrote the article and edited it before sending it to the publisher.”
The predicate describes the independent clause in the beginning of the sentence. Thus, it is not necessary to separate the elements with a comma.
A comma is also used to separate items being listed. Newspapers generally hate this comma (sometimes called the Oxford or serial comma); most classic grammar and punctuation books endorse it. It can be helpful to clear up ambiguity, and some if not most book publishers prefer it. Here are some examples:
“The flowers were pink, blue, and yellow.”
“We ordered cake, ice cream, and sodas.”
Notice how the comma does not precede the list of elements. It does not denote a start of a list, but merely acts a barrier between separate elements or items in a list.
Commas also separate coordinate adjectives which are used successively to modify the same noun or pronoun.
“The tall, dying tree was leaning slightly.”
“Moving toward the frail, pale man, I fought to keep my balance.”
You could say “tall and dying” or “frail and pale,” but the use of a comma allows you another style choice in the development of your sentences.
There are many more guidelines regarding commas and items such as place names, parenthetical elements, and other nonessential elements, but they are beyond the scope of this article. The purpose of this piece is to provide a solid framework for you, the writer, to edit your work and eliminate common grammar mistakes. For a more detailed reference on the use of the comma and other important grammar elements, there are several items available on our Resources Page or you can also visit www.harbrace.com.