Commas can drive you crazy. These memory aids will keep you sane.
I like commas in my writing, my boss hates the way I write.
Remember:
Your writing is best when readers rest.
When you join two independent sentences with a comma, that's a comma splice.
It’s tiring to read. It’s hard to follow. It weakens your message.
Make two sentences (they're FREE!) Or join your thoughts with a conjunction from this list: and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet. Or, if the thoughts are short and connected, use a semi-colon.
The fixes:
I like commas in my writing. My boss hates the way I write.
I like commas in my writing and my boss hates the way I write.
I like commas in my writing; my boss hates it.
Should I put a comma before the last item in a list?
Remember:
Which style guide are you following?
This comma question comes up with short lists, such as, “She preaches faith, hope and charity,” and with long ones, too: "He had cocktails, wine, an appetizer, a meat course, a seafood course and dessert."
It’s called the Oxford or serial comma, and it can make people very angry.
Canadian Press Style does NOT use the serial comma, unless that creates confusion. Many other style guides insist on it. Arguments about it are heated, frenzied and lengthy.
(See what I did there?)
Here’s where not using the comma would be confusing:
Sarah ate with her childhood friend, an Olympic athlete and a magician.
It's hard to know if Sarah ate with three people, or if her friend is quite accomplished. So even Canadian Press advises using the serial comma in cases like this.
Where does the comma go in a quote?
Remember:
If you are in North America, stick it inside the quote mark. Always.
“The swells are likely to be life-threatening waves,” a spokesperson said.
The man was described as a “volunteer,” even though he said he was an employee.
