What's better- To write lengthy sentences with commas or to write many short, clear sentences?

Question

Do people often overuse commas? I've always been confused about when or when not to use them. I almost avoid them entirely.

Answer 1

Commas can be overused, and used improperly. Think of a comma as a breathing space - in many instances, it gives pause to a thought.
They do have an important place in writing, but if you feel like a sentence is going on and on, it is time to put an end to it.
One punctuation mark that many people forget about is the semicolon. (;) It is very useful to join two related sentances (these have to be able to stand on their own) with out having to make it sound like a run on thought.

Answer 2

A mix is always preferable to keep the reader interested. Too much of anything is...well, too much. Enough short sentences in a row and they will become repetitive, beating the reader like a jackhammer. Too many long sentences will be exhausting.

You'll never go wrong with the formal rules of punctuation, but as a shortcut, try reading what you've written out loud. Pay attention to where in the sentence you naturally pause. The odds are very good that a comma belongs in these pauses.

(WARNING: do not try this for a formal term paper or other work that will be scored for grammar and punctuation.).

Answer 3

A sentence is, by definition, a complete thought or idea. You should end the sentence with the end of the thought or idea. If you put in a comma where there should be a period, the result will be a run on sentence, which is never a good thing to have. Trust your instinct. If a sentence sounds awkward, try to break it down into two or more shorter ones, or rephrase so it flows better.

Answer 4

When you write you want to use a combination of sentence types so that your writing flows. Have someone else read what you have written and you will hear what I mean.

It is important to be able to write and be able to express yourself whether it be in business or personal. Your writing skills represent you when you are not there in person. How do you want to be perceived?

Find the rules for punctionation on line, take a class, consult a teacher, improve yourself.

You seemed to know to put a comma between two adjectives. Is this the only question you could come up with?

Answer 5

use a comma after conjunctions to join phrases and clauses. FANBOYS is the mnemonic (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) are the conjuctions of the English language. If you are unsure just use short sentences, and don't create a run on, or put a comma after the words above when joining short phrases together.

Answer 6

What's better is writing at the level of your reader. Adults don't read children's writing and children *can't* read adult writing; the same goes for technique and punctuation.

Though there's a myriad of ways to use commas, you need but three and they will be sufficient in most circumstances and for all levels of reader ability:

1. In a list.

> Red, blue and green are primary colours.

2. With a conjunction (eg. and, but, or) to join phrases.

> I like fish, but I don't like squid.

3. As a pseudo-parentheses.

> Go to the store, if you have time, and buy some milk.
> Go to the store (if you have time) and buy some milk.


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Answer 7

Use a comma when you are listing ideas. Like ( I like, Purple, Red and Orange.
Use a comme when combining thoughts. Like (Before I go shopping, I gotta get gas.)
That is a very noce comma phrase where the parts before and after the comma can be switched. Like (I gotta get gas before I go shopping.)
So when you are listing and when you are combining two thoughts is good.
When you find yourself going on and on and on and on . . .break the sentance with a PERIOD. Only one and per list of thoughts.

Commas are a good thing. Don't avoid. Try it out, then read it ALOUD back to yourself. That's when you will know that your thoughts are put on paper that way you want.

Answer 8

It depends on the type of document you are writing. For the most part, though, it is good to have a mix of different types of sentences (especially when writing an English paper!)

Answer 9

I easily have consistently got here upon that the perfect author is human being who can get the most concepts throughout contained in the smallest quantity of words. stick with the source link for guidelines about even as to apply commas.

Answer 10

That depends upon your audience. You can have your own style. Does it matter if the audience is entertained? Does it matter if the audience easily and quickly understands the subject matter? Answer those questions. Then enjoy writing.