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February 8, 2000
COMMAS
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One of the most common writing problems involves comma usage. Many of us don't know when to use them--and when not to! For the next few weeks, we'll look at some of the most helpful comma rules.
RULE #1:
Place a comma after each item listed in a series, including between the last two items.
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ITEMS IN THIS SERIES: Pam, Sue, Jim.
WEAK: Pam, Sue and Jim worked overtime last week.
(Did all three work overtime individually, or were Sue and Jim a team?)
BETTER: Pam, Sue, and Jim worked overtime last week.
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Some grammar books claim the comma between the last two items is optional, but the series is easier to read when you DO place the comma there, as it can help readers avoid confusion.
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RULE #2:
Don't place a comma after "coordinating conjunctions" (there are only six of these connecting words--and, but, or, for, yet, so) that are used at the beginning of a sentence.
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NO: Yet, the coach still didn't let George join the team.
YES: Yet the coach still didn't let George join the team.
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NO: And, don't believe everything you hear!
YES: And don't believe everything you hear!
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Some folks were taught not to use a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, for, yet, so) at the beginning of a sentence. In a future edition of GrammarCheck, we'll explain that while it's not wrong to do so, you sometimes shouldn't.
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FOR PRACTICE:
At times we'll include grammar and punctuation exercises for your practice, but the best practice is when you use your OWN writing. Find a letter or page you've written to see if you've violated either of the two rules mentioned above. If so, correct the errors.
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SPELLING HINT:
Know the difference between "stationery" and "stationary"? Here's a way to separate them:
"Stationery" is used to write letters. Think of the "er" in the last syllable, as also used in "paper."
"Stationary" describes something that doesn't move. Stars don't move. The only vowel in stars is "A."
Remember:
StationEry/letters
StationAry/stars
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WRITING TIP:
After we present our series on comma rules, we'll offer two editing techniques that can make your writing "sound" more professional. Stay tuned.
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YOUR GRAMMAR AND WRITING QUESTIONS
Question: Are commas needed after all introductory phrases?
GrammarCheck: Most introductory phrases, like "In conclusion" or "After all" or "To summarize," should be followed by a comma to enhance clarity:
Example: In conclusion, the proceedings were ruled a mistrial.
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