Thread: Do you have trouble using commas correctly? Here’s a tip or a trick.

Commas indicate pauses.

Commas in writing are used the same way they are used when having a conversation. If you use normal speech patterns, you pause for emphasis, or for breath, when conversing, and you use the identical technique when writing.

That’s all there is to it.

So, if you’re having trouble with commas, simply say your written passage either in your head or aloud (depending on your ability or lack thereof to “hear” your voice in your head), and put the commas at the same places you pause for breath or emphasis. Easy-peasey.





Of course, if you don’t use normal speech patterns, there’s not much hope for you. Although you could always become a poet, and write free verse.

Haha, cute. I still get it wrong, often.

I can see that being a problem for someone who has breathing difficulties.

Good tip, though. I'm sure it will help a lot of people. I'll remember to link this thread on pieces that show a difficulty in using commas correctly.

That is a pretty good rule of thumb, Ox.

Of course, if you don’t use normal speech patterns, there’s not much hope for you. Although you could always become a poet, and write free verse.

Yes, a good fall back.

I've written so much copy for radio and tv that I tend to overuse commas, providing pauses for the news reader to breathe. Many of my commas get tossed by magazine editors, but, after all, that's what editors are paid to do.

This is generally what I do when I'm not otherwise sure.

Thank you for verifying that I'm not actually crazy.

I pause a lot I guess, lol.

I fail with commas, so this helps. Thanks.