Writing Topic Summary Rules for Writers Chapter 32 Commas

Writing Topic: Chapter 32 The Comma

I have always struggled with the correct placement of commas.  I read the chapter three times about commas in “Rules for Writers” and was more confused than ever.  I did some research and found information that I comprehended easier.  Please accept this writing as my writing topic information.

The comma helps the reader understand sentences.  If a comma is not used, or used incorrectly it is possible that the sentence will be confusing or not clear.

There are a few tall tales that go along with the use of commas.  Long sentences always need a comma not true.  Whenever the writer is reading a sentence and there is a pause a comma should be used, not true.  Mystery is the name of the game with commas. (This is true in my eyes, but getting clearer.) This is really not true if commas are put in logical places the sentence becomes clearer. An introductory word or phrase cannot stand alone it must be set off by a comma.  FANBOYS is an acronym for coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. This is an easy way to remember these conjunctions.  Commas should always be used before FANBOYS that join two independent clauses.  If there are not two subjects, two verbs, or two complete thoughts a comma is not needed. There are fake FANBOYS also called conjunctive adverbs i.e. however, therefore, moreover and some other words.  A semicolon would be used after the first complete thought if it was not two independent clauses, or if the sentence could be broken down into two complete sentences a period would be used.   If writing a list commas should always be used to separate the items. If there is two or more words that describe in a sentence separate with a comma. If a reader can take out a section of a sentence and it still makes clear sense commas should be used around the part that could be left out.

This was very helpful to me.  I am really trying to remember what FANBOYS stands for. For, And, Nor, But, OR, Yet, So.

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/commas.html