Okay, so my teacher last year told me that before the word "so" you have to put in a comma, unless it's like a description or something (Ex. It was so hot) And I just noticed (i was reading a book) that the author doesn't put a comma before "so". I don't get it. Should I or shouldn't I put a comma before "so" I've went to google and typed up Grammar but it's not helping. I appreciate all you help. thanks ^_^
2007-10-22 04:59:16 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Polls & Surveys
If I were you I wouldn't go by authors as they use their own styles. What your teacher says seems right though, but I think you should read over your sentence and see how it feels--if a pause is needed then put it in, it's really up to you.
2007-10-22 05:04:30 · answer #1 · answered by keefbeef 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, the English language is tricky like that. Many authors and poets choose not to follow grammar or punctuation rules to make a point or to make their writing stand out, but for the basic point of learning, your teacher is right. If you become a writer, you can basically do whatever you want, and you might become critically acclaimed; but in school, it's a different ball game. Make your teacher happy for now and put that comma in after so, and when you leave class, leave it out. :D
Now we're all happy.
2007-10-22 12:04:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see a place anywhere in that sentence where a comma belongs.
Sometimes, I will put in a comma if I write
"So, what's happening?" Or if I write "He was so, so, so hot that ..." ( these aren't proper sentences, anyway)
I don't think your teacher was correct. Remember, teachers are human, too. They can make mistakes, just like the rest of us.
2007-10-22 12:08:31 · answer #3 · answered by kiwi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on how the sentence is structured. I believe when you're starting out a sentence with a phrase like okay, then that's when the comma should come before the word "so."
2007-10-22 12:05:43 · answer #4 · answered by creshawis"05" 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would definitely place a comma after "so", when I'm using it as a conclusion or as a way to go from one step to another. For example: (I just talked about what I was thinking of doing) "...so, finally, I ended up going to.....". I would agree with your teacher. The comma after "so" makes it very clear what your intention is.
2007-10-22 12:04:02 · answer #5 · answered by hulda 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Teachers do not know every damn thing. I just had a pow wow with my son's teacher a couple weeks ago, for questionable punctuation marks that she had taken tons of points off for. She felt one way and I felt the opposite I would say no it does not make sense to put one there. After reading what Emily said, it sucks but she is the teacher and you will have to go at it her way, but i was never the type.
2007-10-22 12:08:28 · answer #6 · answered by Yanni 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should. Authors are credible enough where they don't have to follow the standard writing conventions. If you become a published author, you will have the same rights. But don't do it now. Use the comma.
2007-10-22 12:02:28 · answer #7 · answered by mrr86 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is good grammar to place the comma before so because you're separating two fragments of sentences or two sentences that are linked together. Sometimes people don't do so, but that's their prerogative.
2007-10-22 12:22:20 · answer #8 · answered by Agent D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rule that I follow is that if you say the sentence in your head and you pause after a word, then you need a comma. I hope that helps.
2007-10-22 12:02:44 · answer #9 · answered by burghgirl 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Always put a comma before the word 'so' except when it is describing something.
2007-10-22 12:02:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋