I have been afraid to use them ever since I took a college writing course as a freshman years ago. My professor and I were going over one of my papers in his office and he said to me a few times, "Why did you use a comma here?" Would a paper come off as more clear, concise, and compelling if you use proper grammar, but keep punctuation (such as commas) to a minimum? Is it possible to write a complex sentence without using commas and semicolons?
2007-01-11 11:17:34 · 4 answers · asked by bootstrap 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Other - Arts & Humanities
Is it, possible, for a writer, to overuse commas?
Don't be afraid of commas. They can't hurt you.
The problem most people have with understanding how to use commas is that they don't know how a sentence is put together. If you understand basic sentence structure, you can understand how to use commas.
I'd recommend exploring a few websites or books to help you. There are a few out there that explain it simply, and it is really easy to grasp. I recommend Diana Hacker's Pocket Style Manual.
Or you can just ask me, and I'll give it my best shot. :)
2007-01-11 11:24:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's possible to write a complex sentence without commas or semicolons. The legal definition for 'reasonable doubt' is a single 3-page sentence. It's also possible to overuse commas. Here, this is one way, it is possible to overuse commas, you see? You should check out the AP Stylebook. It's pretty helpful when it comes to explaining the best use of punctuation.
2007-01-11 11:22:38 · answer #2 · answered by Mickey Mouse Spears 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is quite possible to both use, and underuse, commas.. Improper use of them, though, can cause confusion, and change the meaning of what you are typing.
2007-01-11 11:22:13 · answer #3 · answered by chuckufarley2a 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-01-11 11:21:39 · answer #4 · answered by sidekick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋