![]() ![]() They did not enjoy preparing food, participating in the scheduled activities, or attempting to engage any unfamiliar people. For example: We ate grapes, berries, apples, and carrots. If a style requirement states that the serial comma is to be used, then it is imperative to use it consistently. The serial comma is the comma used before and or or in a list. ![]() (Rather use a semi-colon or a full stop to separate the preceding clause.)Ī discussion about the comma could never be complete without some reference to the serial comma, otherwise known as the Oxford comma. However, my body weight remains constant. ![]() Correct: I like to eat biscuits regularly.Incorrect: I like to eat biscuits regularly, however, my body weight remains constant.Many people incorrectly use commas to link adverbs or before an adverbial phrase, such as however, as a result or therefore. Using a comma before an adverbial phrase or to link adverbs Correct: My teacher, who had always been strict at school, seemed kinder when I met her socially.Incorrect: My teacher, who had always been strict at school seemed kinder when I met her socially.Defining clauses require no commas, but non-defining clauses always need two commas. Using a single comma for non-defining clausesįirst, we need to recognise whether the clause is defining or non-defining. He drank his coffee slowly but with sheer delight. Incorrect: My father sat on his chair, he drank his coffee slowly but with sheer delight.Common cases of incorrect comma use Using a comma spliceĪ comma splice happens when two complete sentences or main clauses are separated by a comma instead of a full stop. Direct speechĪ comma introduces or ends direct speech: She said, ‘This blog post needs work.’ For example: She walked slowly to the shop, her backpack weighing heavily on her shoulders, to buy the bread her mother needed, absorb the fresh air, and think through what she might say once home. To function as parentheses, commas can be used on either side of a non-defining clause (a clause or phrase that can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence) or to separate a section of a complex sentence to make it easier to read. Primary functions of the comma SeparatorĪs a separator, the comma is used to separate items in a list, adjectives of the same type (qualitative or classifying), introductory words and phrases, such as although or however, and words or phrases in apposition (for example, Ms Dlamini, the copy editor). This post gives the comma its due regard and highlights its functions so that we can judiciously remove it, honour its placement, or insert it where it has its rightful place. It allows us to catch our breath (Pico Iyer). To me, part of the beauty of a comma is that it offers a rest, like one in music: a break that gives the whole piece of music greater shape, deeper harmony. ![]()
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