Asked by: Rob Lacy

Comma misuse is a common occurrence. If a writer leaves out commas, then too much information in the sentence runs together, reducing clarity. If a writer puts in too many commas, then information that should be connected becomes separated, confusing the reader.

How much is too many commas?

If you have sentences like, “Bob walked, to, the store, slowly” then yes, there are too many commas. But a sentence that contains a list could legitimately have many commas. Like, “He found a bottle, three coins, two keys, a small metal box, a pack of matches, some scraps of paper, and a patridge in a pear tree.”

What is it called when you use a lot of commas?

Polysyndeton and Asyndeton: Definition and Examples.

Is it possible to overuse commas?

Conclusion. Although we often hear about run-on sentences and people who neglect commas, it’s also entirely possible to use far too many commas. Luckily, there’s a perfect and grammatically correct way to include commas in any piece of writing.

Is there a limit to how many commas you can use?

1 Answer. There’s no set limit, but it has to make sense, and their use can affect the meaning.

How many commas do you need for 3 words?

Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional.

Can you put 2 commas in one sentence?

However, you may not be satisfied with the results. 3. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

Are comma splices OK?

Comma splices are also acceptable in fiction. In dialogue and first-person narration, for example, a character might be excited or upset and thus speak in a rush. The minimal pause conveyed by a comma can clarify sentence structure while conveying the character’s state of mind.

What is asyndeton example?

Asyndeton is a writing style where conjunctions are omitted in a series of words, phrases or clauses. It is used to shorten a sentence and focus on its meaning. For example, Julius Caesar leaving out the word “and” between the sentences “I came. I saw. I conquered” asserts the strength of his victory.

What is a weak interruption?

The bracketing comma

Bracketing commas usually come in pairs. They are used to mark information which is not essential to the meaning of a sentence. Such non-essential information is called a “non-restrictive phrase” or a “weak interruption”.

What are the comma rules?

Commas (Eight Basic Uses)

• Use a comma to separate independent clauses. …
• Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. …
• Use a comma between all items in a series. …
• Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses. …
• Use a comma to set off appositives. …
• Use a comma to indicate direct address. …
• Use commas to set off direct quotations.

What is the third comma rule?

COMMA RULE #3 – THE COMMA IN A COMPOUND SENTENCE: Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet to join two independent clauses that form a compound sentence. What is a compound sentence? A compound sentence is a sentence that has 2 independent clauses.

What is the Oxford comma rule?

The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction at the end of a list of things. For example, in “the flag was red, white, and blue”, the Oxford comma would be the one appearing before “and”. Proponents of the Oxford comma say it’s necessary for removing ambiguity in sentences.

Are Oxford commas grammatically correct?

Contrary to what most students believe, the Oxford comma isn’t grammatically correct. But that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to use it. Instead, it’s grammatically optional. As mentioned in the section above, whether or not you use the Oxford comma will depend on the style guide you follow.

Why you shouldn’t use the Oxford comma?

Regardless of the order, a proper noun and a common noun would be next to each other in a list, and an Oxford comma would allow readers to mistake one as a clarification of the previous noun. Another reason to skip the Oxford comma is to save time, both for the writer and reader.

Why is the Oxford comma controversial?

This practice is controversial and is known as the serial comma or Oxford comma, because it is part of the house style of Oxford University Press.” There are cases in which the use of the serial comma can avoid ambiguity and also instances in which its use can introduce ambiguity.

Is it grammatically correct to put a comma before and?

It is grammatically correct to use a comma before “and” (and other coordinating conjunctions such as “but”, “or”, “nor”) only when it splits two independent clauses (i.e. if you remove the “and” you will be left with two complete sentences), or if you’re using it as an Oxford comma.

Why is there no Oxford comma in journalism?

Newspapers, in general, do not use the serial comma. The Associated Press Stylebook says to use a serial comma only when leaving it out would cause confusion. Many book publishers use it, including Oxford University Press, which is why it’s also called the Oxford comma.

Does Chicago style use Oxford comma?

Chicago has a few rules about commas that are easy to overlook. The most important is that Chicago “strongly recommends” using a serial (or Oxford) comma for lists of three or more items.

Does MLA use Oxford comma?

The Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), and Oxford University Press all support the Oxford comma.

Does the NY Times use the Oxford comma?

(In most cases, The Times stylebook discourages the serial comma, often called the Oxford comma because it was traditionally used by the Oxford University Press.)

How does a comma cost a million?

For those of you who don’t believe punctuation matters, here’s a news flash; indeed, it does. In one particular case a comma cost Maine’s Oakhurst Dairy $5 million dollars at the conclusion of a $10 million dollar lawsuit that hinged on overtime pay.

Why is it called the Oxford comma?

The Oxford comma is the final comma that comes before the conjunction in a list of three or more items. Its name comes from the Oxford University Press (OUP), where for over a century it has been standard in the Oxford Style Manual.

What style of writing does the New York Times use?

The Associated Press has long been the gold standard for uniformity among most international news publications. But for over a century, The Times’s stylebook has set a parallel course when it comes to journalistic style. The stylebook largely consists of rules dictating renderings, syntax and abbreviations — Gov.

How do you write a journalist like a New York Times?

To write a good feature story, follow the same guidelines for writing a persuasive essay:

1. Identify your audience.
2. Pick your angle, and decide how you want your audience to feel about your subject.
3. Put your subject in context, and make the story relevant to your audience. …
4. Anticipate questions and criticism.

Does New York Times follow AP style?

Many newspapers, magazines and public relations offices across the United States use AP style. Although some publications such as the New York Times have developed their own style guidelines, a basic knowledge of AP style is considered essential to those who want to work in print journalism.