Comma or no comma - Writers Forum

AdrienneW · 07-20-2006, 08:51 AM

Should I place a comma after the word "So". Thanks

So he ran as fast as his legs would carry him,...

Mike C · 07-20-2006, 08:53 AM

No comma. But it might vary depending on the context of the sentence preceding and the end of the 'so' sentence.

FrankBlissett · 07-20-2006, 09:03 AM

Often, you'll find that a comma is optional - you can take it or leave it and still be okay grammaticly (though one or the other may "feel" better). IMHO, this is one of those cases. I'd base it on the rhythm of the preceding prose.

-Frank

ps: Your line feels clumbsy - not often that it feels right to start one with "So".

kad barma · 07-20-2006, 10:42 AM

i'd observe that it depends on whether "so" is used as an adjective, adverb or conjuction (generally speaking, no comma), or as an interjection. (comma generally appropriate).

e.g. the sentence was so long so commas were so used. so, what do you think?

Straylight · 07-20-2006, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankBlissett

ps: Your line feels clumbsy - not often that it feels right to start one with "So".

I think it depends on the preceding sentence. Stand-alone you're right, but if the preceding sentence contains a reason to run, then the sentence would flow fine. A little herky-jerky, but in a tense-situation that can be just right.

~SL

mammamaia · 07-20-2006, 05:50 PM

i would use a comma there for 2 reasons:

1. a pause after 'so' makes for a better read of that sentence, imo...

2. in this context, 'so' introduces a phrase/clause, as the equivalent of 'thus' or 'therefore'... both of which call for a comma...

but i guess it's okay to be optional, since comma rules are so flexible these days...

Mike C · 07-21-2006, 01:12 AM

My rule of thumb - based entirely on the fact that most people just use too many commas - is

If in doubt, leave it out.

A comma left out seldom makes a piece of writing look bad. A redundant comma always does. Apply this to all things.

Fantasy of You · 07-21-2006, 07:39 AM

Is the so even necessary?

Mike C · 07-21-2006, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fantasy of You

Is the so even necessary?

Good point.

aspiring · 07-21-2006, 05:39 PM

Either is correct depending on the context.

Example 1
There were only two options, as far as he could see. Staying still had little appeal, given the circumstances. So, he ran as fast as his legs would carry him.

Example 2
'Quickly, go get help,' she ordered, wincing.
'But - '
'This ankle is not going to mend on its own. Hurry up!'
The storm clouds were gathering and it was only a matter of time before the lightning struck again. So he ran as fast as his legs would carry him, hoping against hope that Adam and the others were still at the quarry.

Example 1 suggests a pause after the 'so' (which could be replaced with 'instead') and also has a humorous edge. Example 2 has a faster flow to the line without the comma, suggesting urgency.

Either could suit, depending on the rest of your paragraph. Hope that helps. Apologies for cliches in the examples.

mammamaia · 07-21-2006, 06:17 PM

whatever your comma choice, editors will have the final say, so relax and just keep writing...

martysings · 07-25-2006, 10:03 PM

do remember you're schoolhouse rock:

Interjections (Hey!) show excitement (Yow!) or emotion (Ouch!).
They're generally set apart from a sentence by an exclamation point,
Or by a comma when the feeling's not as strong.

hahaha. yeah, well... anyways, i agree with mammamaia, the editors ought to take care of a missing comma or two, so don't worry about it.