So what?
Punctuation can seem tricky and tedious, but it is so important! Punctuation helps writersconnect and separate ideas to form easily readable sentences and paragraphs. Incorrect or confusing punctuation can be a distraction for readers, which takes away from the important ideas a writer is trying to communicate. Furthermore, incorrect punctuation can make one'swriting seem unprofessional or unpolished, which reduces a writer's credibility.
Summary Explanation
- Do not use a comma to join two complete ideas; instead, a semicolon or a period must be used.
- Use a comma after most introductory words, phrases, and clauses.
- Use a comma to join two complete ideas with a connecting word such as and/but/or.
Detailed Explanation
Comma Splices | |
A comma splice occurs when a comma gets incorrectly wedged between two complete ideas in an attempt to join them. However, a comma cannot be used to connect two complete ideas. Instead, a semicolon or period must be used. A semicolon is used to emphasize the relationship between two complete ideas, and a period is used to emphasize each individual idea. | |
Incorrect | Correct |
Using correct punctuation is easy, you just need to avoid the common errors. | Using correct punctuation is easy; you just need to avoid the common errors. Or Using correct punctuation is easy. You just need to avoid common errors. |
Punctuation can make or break your writing, make sure to use it well. | Punctuation can make or break your writing; make sure to use it well. Or Punctuation can make or break your writing. Make sure to use it well. |
Writing well involves using effective punctuation, it is an important element of all texts. | Writing well involves using effective punctuation; it is an important element of all texts. Or Writing well involves using effective punctuation. It is an important element of all texts. |
Run-on/Fused Sentences | |
A run-on or fused sentence occurs when NO punctuation is used to connect two complete ideas. As explained above, a semicolon or period must be used. Again, a semicolon is used to emphasize the relationship between two complete ideas, and a period is used to emphasize each individual idea. | |
Incorrect | Correct |
Punctuation is an integral part of good writing the two cannot be separated. | Punctuation is an integral part of good writing; the two cannot be separated. Or Punctuation is an integral part of good writing. The two cannot be separated. |
The readability of a text largely depends on effective punctuation writers must remember this. | The readability of a text largely depends on effective punctuation; writers must remember this. Or The readability of a text largely depends on effective punctuation. Writers must remember this. |
Writers should care about the effectiveness of every aspect of a text punctuation is no exception. | Writers should care about the effectiveness of every aspect of a text; punctuation is no exception. Or Writers should care about the effectiveness of every aspect of a text. Punctuation is no exception. |
Missing Commas (Introductory Information) | |
This error occurs when commas are missing after introductory information (words, phrases, clauses) in a sentence. Introductory information may be one or two words (however, similarly, in fact, etc.) or much longer. Longer introductory information might begin with words such as: when, although, because, before, if, whether, despite, depending on, considering, etc. | |
Incorrect | Correct |
Depending on the sentence punctuation usage can become quite complex | Depending on the sentence, punctuation usage can become quite complex. |
However most sentences are easy to punctuate. | However, most sentences are easy to punctuate. |
Although punctuation can seem intimidating it becomes easier with practice. | Although punctuation can seem intimidating, it becomes easier with practice. |
Missing Commas (Connecting Words) | |
This error occurs when commas are missing before connecting words that join two complete ideas in a sentence. Connecting words are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (remember F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.). | |
Incorrect | Correct |
Proper punctuation is the foundation for good writing so it must be taken seriously. | Proper punctuation is the foundation for good writing, so it must be taken seriously. |
They say practice makes perfect and this is true for learning to punctuate correctly. | They say practice makes perfect, and this is true for learning to punctuate correctly. |
A text may be profound and compelling but poor punctuation can easily sidetrack a reader. | A text may be profound and compelling, but poor punctuation can easily sidetrack a reader. |
Note that a comma is NOT needed when a connecting word does NOT join two complete ideas—for example: | |
Incorrect | Correct |
Proper punctuation is the foundation for good writing, and must be taken seriously. | Proper punctuation is the foundation for good writing and must be taken seriously. (“Must be taken seriously” does not include a subject and is, therefore, an incomplete idea. Therefore, no comma is needed before "and.") |
An effective writer must know how to edit for punctuation, or find someone who can. | An effective writer must know how to edit for punctuation or find someone who can. (“Or find someone who can” does not include a subject or a clear main verb and is, therefore, an incomplete idea. Therefore, no comma is needed before "or.") |
