We need punctuation in writing to signal where the sentence ends and the other one starts (by using a full stop). We need it to mark a question (by using a question mark) and break down very long sentences (by using comma). We can also express our strong emotions (by using an exclamation mark), like in: I love this blog!
But then there is the troublesome comma! Comma is by far the most confusing of all punctuation marks. Mainly because it is not used consistently, i.e. people forget to put comma in their sentences or put it in the wrong place. Sometimes it is due to the fact that the use of comma depends on whether you are using American or British English. At other times, different punctuation books will have slightly different rules about the use of comma. And if you decide to use the Internet to find out about its correct use, different websites will give you conflicting information. It's a mess!
So I decided to tackle the issue once and for all. I was getting confused too!
I checked my Oxford Advanced Learner's dictionary as well as the Oxford dictionary website. I found a lot of useful information and I created this mind map that summarises what I've learned:
Mind Map created by mariolahejduk with ExamTime
As you can see there are two examples in red.
The first one concerns the use of comma in direct speech. As you know, direct speech is when you quote the exact words that people said (as opposed to reporting what they said). For example, 'I spend my holidays abroad', said Gemma. The words between quotation marks (' ') are direct speech. We need to separate them from the rest of the sentence by a comma. Another example could be: John said, 'I don't like driving'. Again, the words between quotation marks are separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma. However, when we quote a question or an exclamation, we do not separate the direct speech from the rest of the sentence by a comma. For example: 'What time is it?' asked Mary; 'What a splendid surprise!' exclaimed Sue.
The second example in red concerns the use of comma in compound sentences joined by words like 'and', 'but', 'so', 'or', 'yet', 'as'. WARNING: the fact that you can put a comma before 'and' and 'but', etc. does not mean that you always need to do it. Look at the following examples:
- I walked along and turned into the first street. (No comma)
- I saw my friend Andy but I didn't stop to speak to him. (No comma)
- I can't stay here long as I have an appointment in half an hour. (No comma)
Generally, we don't need a comma before those conjunctions when the sentences are short(er).
We do need a comma before 'and', 'but', 'so', 'or', 'yet', 'as' when the sentences are long. Look at the following example:
- I spoke to my landlady who said that she cannot do anything about the broken boiler, and that she wasn't going to pay for the repair, but she offered that I can pay my rent one week later, which was nice of her, I guess.
Here the sentence is much longer and we need commas to break it down into manageable pieces.
Finally, it is also a general rule that you need to break down long sentences (so called complex sentences or compound-complex sentences), even if they don't always contain the conjunctions above. Look at the example:
- If you decide to buy the house, call me and I'll give you some advice.
- When you get there, please go to the main reception desk and ask for John Smith.
- If you keep calm, take your time, concentrate and think ahead, then you're likely to pass your test.
Speaking of tests, how about taking all information that you've learned from this post and put it to test? Below, you have 10 sentences without any punctuation marks. Read the sentences and choose the correct answer (A, B or C)- use my mind map to help you!
Quiz created by mariolahejduk with ExamTime
