How and When to Use a Comma.

If this is your first visit to The Write Suite, I invite you to start with the first posting and catch up!

Did you know there are only about seven instances in which you should used a comma in writing? We will look at them, and hopefully, you will become an expert and never again be caught guilty of comma splicing or writing run on sentences.

Point number one:

A comma is the weakest form of punctuation. It is basically used to create a slight pause or to separate items. Using a comma incorrectly at the end of a complete thought( a simple sentence) creates a run on sentence. Using a comma incorrectly in other places creates a chopped up sentence. This process is know as comma splicing. A comma should never be used to end a complete thought, aka, a simple sentence. A comma at the end of a complete thought is like trying to stop a car by pressing on the gas pedal instead of the brakes. There are only two types of punctuation that indicate the end of a complete thought (simple sentence). One is a period and the other is a semi colon. A period means you are finished with this thought, and it can stand a lone, A semi colon means 'I know I am finished with this complete thought, but I am going to pause and add another closely related complete thought.' The period signals the end of the first complete thought, and the comma signals the pause to add the closely related complete thought.

For Example:

I am an only child; I wish I had brothers and sisters. "I am an only child." is a complete thought. "I wish I had brothers and sisters." is closely related to that thought because it relates to being an only child.

Next time we will look at the other  ways in which a comma should be used. See you then.

Enjoy your tea!

Loretta