Just when I think, “I’ve got it!” I punctuate it incorrectly. Usually, it’s because of that dreaded, sneaky, and misleading piece of
punctuation—the comma. How can anything so miniscule be so problematic?
What’s the purpose of punctuation, anyway?
Perhaps like me, you have questioned the purpose of punctuation when deep in the process of revising your work in progress (WIP). You
may have even asked, “Outside of an occasional comma or period to alert readers to slow down and catch their breath, what’s the point?”
It’s a good question really, and one we will tackle in this column.
For a moment, imagine that visitors from a foreign country will stay in your home for the weekend. Naturally, you will be sure to place
clean towels, soap, and perhaps new toothbrushes in the bathroom. To avoid confusion, you’ll likely advise them of planned activities
and meal times, and even alert them to the alarm system—just in case they decide to take a late night stroll. In the end, you’ll do
your best to ensure that your guests enjoy their visit to your home.
Punctuation does the same thing—it helps avoid confusion. Think of punctuation as using “company manners.” With punctuation, your goal
is to guide your readers through your literary world; thereby avoiding confusion and misunderstanding.
What are the mistaken beliefs about comma usage?
- Comma Overuse
Overuse typically occurs by the writer who is taught “pause for breath, use a comma”. But writers quickly realize that pausing for
breaths won’t help them meet the challenges they face when developing their writing skills.
Here’s a perfect example of the incorrect way to use the comma:
Wrong: Recently, my ninth-grade daughter, shared her English teacher’s advice, about comma placement, “Don’t sweat it, Mom. Just
place a comma, where you need to pause, for breath, or break up a long, sentence.”
Right: Recently, my ninth-grade daughter shared her English teacher’s advice about comma placement, “Don’t sweat it, Mom. Just
place a comma where you need to pause for breath or break up a long sentence.”
Correct over-punctuation by becoming familiar with some simple punctuation rules, rather than relying on inadequate methods.
- Comma Splices
Comma splices occur when two complete sentences are linked together with only a comma when a different punctuation is more adequate.
Wrong: “Old habit of mind is one of the toughest things to get away from in the world, it transmits itself like physical form and
feature...”
Right: “Old habit of mind is one of the toughest things to get away from
in the world; it transmits itself like physical form and feature. . .” (Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court )
- Run-on (fused) Sentences
Run-on sentences occur when two or more complete sentences are fused together without punctuation.
Wrong: “When I’m playful I use the meridians of longitude and parallels of latitude for a seine and drag the Atlantic Ocean for
whales and scratch my head with the lightning and purr myself to sleep with the thunder!”
Right: “When I’m playful, I use the meridians of longitude and parallels of latitude for a seine, and drag the Atlantic Ocean for
whales. I scratch my head with the lightning and purr myself to sleep with the thunder.” (Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi)
Can these common mistakes be easily fixed?
Yes. There are three ways to correct comma splices and run-on sentences: semi-colons, periods, or by placing a comma before FANBOYS. FANBOYS is a mnemonic device that
stands for the following coordinating conjunctions:
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
When using any of the FANBOYS, keep these tips in mind:
- Use commas before coordinating conjunctions that join two complete thoughts (complete thoughts have a subject and verb).
- Don’t use a comma before FANBOYS if the second phrase is not a complete thought with a subject and verb.
So what’s the correct way to use commas?
- Use commas with introductory words or phrases:
“When I’m playful, I use the meridians of longitude and parallels of latitude for a seine, and drag the Atlantic Ocean for
whales...” (Mark Twain)
- Use commas with clauses that begin with although, if, as, in order to, when.
“As I was just telling you, if there was a horse race, you’d find him flush or you’d find him busted at the end of it.”
(Samuel L. Clemens, Jim Smily and His Jumping Frog)
- Use commas in a series of items or actions:
“He never smiled, he never frowned, he never changed his voice from the quiet, gently-flowing key to which he turned the initial
sentence.” (Samuel L. Clemens)
- Use commas in the place of “and” when linking coordinate adjectives:
“...an experienced, industrious, ambitious, and often quite picturesque liar.” (Mark Twain)
And remember, if you’ve been taught to place a comma every time you pause for breath, you’ll have to double check your work before
sending it of to the editor-in-chief.
For more on the use of commas and other punctuation, pick up a copy of Working with Words, Brooks, et al, Woe Is I
by Patricia T. O’Conner, Handbook for Writers,
by Simon & Schuster, The Grammar Bible,
by Michael Strumpf, or any good grammar book.
About The Author:
Vicki Talley McCollum is a columnist, freelance writer, and visual artist. She also co-moderates FCW’s online critique
groups when she's not busy spending time with her husband and three children.
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