Are commas a somewhat subjective form of punctuation?

Answer 1

These days the rules seem to change so often. I used to know where to put commas, but now I question my own judgement. It probably shouldn't be subjective, but I believe it is becoming so.

Answer 2

There are two types of punctuation: open punctuation and closed punctuation. Closed punctuation has been considered the standard for a long time but open is becoming more popular. Open generally uses commas less than closed. For example:

Closed-- He was tall, thin, and blonde.
Open-- He was tall, thin and blonde.

The last comma is technically optional so open punctuation will leave it out.

Having said this, the differences are pretty minute, most of the rules still apply and consistancy is key.

Answer 3

There are at least 19 uses for commas. The use of commas may be subjective if the comma is use to set off coordinate phrases modifying the same noun.
Is that some answer or what ?

Answer 4

A thing about commas is, they normally go wherever a pause would occur in speech. Sometimes they serve the useful function of isolating a phrase, such as this, from the rest of the sentence, improving clarity.

Answer 5

Not really. They're used to separate a portion of a sentence to express another idea. It'd be like not ending what you speak.

Answer 6

I don't think so. I believe there are rules for using them, but people don't know them well.

Answer 7

No. They're needed.