Is it better to write lengthy sentences with commas or to write many short, clear sentences?

Question

Do people often overuse commas?

Answer 1

I am a teacher in a middle school and have taught kids from grades 4 through 12. There is no one conclusive answer to your question but I teach my kids to write a variety of sentences: simple, compound and complex. Writing that contains varying sentence lengths is far more interesting to read than writing of all one sentence type and length. Fiction writing lends itself well to playing around with language.

As for commas? Yes, they are over used sometimes. Some of us use commas where a period should be placed. Your comment about writing "clear sentences" is well taken. All sentences, regardless of length, need to be clear.

(Some of the stuff written on this forum is truly terrible: incomplete and even incoherent thoughts disguised as sentences; awful spelling; and ignorant comments that add nothing to the discussions and debates.)

Answer 2

It is best to write using varied sentence length, though each sentence has its own innate logic. Short clear sentences are good, yet too many short sentences in a row may sound staccato and choppy.

Commas often help clarify one's meaning, though too many long sentences with commas may create ponderous-sounding prose such that the reader forgets the first part of the sentence before he gets to the last.

Finally, it depends upon your audience as well. If you are writing a technical manual it is probably best to use short, clear sentences only. If you are writing a novel, you might want to vary your style. I recommend the classic authority: William Strunk & White's "Elements of Style."

Answer 3

Either of those options are preferable to some of the questions I've read on here that have 9 lines of text with neither a comma nor period in sight. I'd rather see overuse of commas than no punctuation at all. My punctuation may not be right everytime but at least I try!!

Karma.
x

Answer 4

a mixture is often maximum suitable to maintain the reader fascinated. too loads of something is...nicely, too plenty. sufficient short sentences in a row and that they are going to replace into repetitive, beating the reader like a jackhammer. Too many long sentences would be arduous. you will on no account bypass incorrect with the formal regulations of punctuation, yet as a shortcut, attempt analyzing what you have written out loud. pay interest to the place interior the sentence you certainly pause. the possibilities are terrific that a comma belongs in those pauses. (caution: do no longer attempt this for a suitable term paper or different artwork which would be scored for grammar and punctuation.).

Answer 5

E.B. White has wonderful advice for the writer.
I heartily recommend him.

Once you've acquired some confidence with how to deliver your meaning thoughtfully; its time to consider the variety of "voices" at your disposal.

Listen carefully as you read. In Hemingway, you may notice the short sentences of a journalist. But listen longer and perhaps you'll notice a kind of poetry. He chooses words and phrases not just to convey meaning; but he also loves their sounds.

Steinbeck may use a dialect or a special voice to help create a mental picture of the character. He goes beyond the simple act of describing what they look like.

Once you've found your way with words you may even discover the art within all the meaning.

Answer 6

It depends on what you are writing. Descriptions of scenes, for example, are more readable with long sentences. In general I would go for short sentences with less punctuation, as these are clearer to the reader. Avoid being too staccato, however. If all your sentences are of the same length and the same rhythm, the effect is not very pleasing.
My father, who taught me much of what I know about writing, assured me that the less punctuation a sentence contained, the better its style. I think he was largely correct.

Answer 7

Best writing utilizes a nice balance of both. Some people do overuse commas, myself at times included. However, most accomplished authors get it right.

Answer 8

It takes a lot for me to conclude someone is unreadable, but it does happen. Extra commas and complex sentences don't bother me much, but can become tiresome. Too much of the "short, clear sentences" approach can also become tiresome. I stand with the others in advocating for a mixture of those approaches.

Answer 9

It isn't how long or short the sentences are it the Quality of them.

Answer 10

Every thing isOVER used And You should answer in 25 words or less and be able to get your point across.