This chapter is dedicated to snowflakes. (I'm sorry it took so long for me to update!)
When it comes to commas, there is only one thing you have to remember: a comma is a breather. Meaning, you take a short breath or a short break whenever you see it, not as long as a semicolon or period.
Don't know when to use it? Just ask yourself, "Do I want my readers to pause for a second? Will they be able to take in my words more if they do?" If yes, then add it! If not, replace it with a different punctuation mark.
Rule #1: To separate independent clauses (parts of a sentence that can stand alone) linked by coordinating conjunctions (FANBOY: for, and, nor, but, or, yet).
She won’t go to the meeting today, but she’ll follow up on the group’s discussion later.
Many people go to school, yet not everyone finds a stable job.
Exception: If the sentence is short, there’s no need to put the comma.
We must go to the airport early or we might miss our flight.
Annie found the chalk and Jonny retrieved the board.
Rule #2: To set off introductory elements.
An introductory element modifies or describes a word/word s in the independent clause that follows. In other words, the dependent clause comes first, then the comma, then the independent clause.
Jealous, the girlfriend stormed out of the room.
Pleased with the outcome, the teacher praised his student’s work.
Although the experiment was not concluded, the government decided to reveal information on it.
Exception: the comma can be removed if it is not needed to clarify the sentence.
Unnecessary - As a child he was a loner.
Necessary – In 1941, America joined WWII.
Rule #3: With appositives.
An appositive is a description/noun or noun phrase which adds meaning to the noun before it.
The popular scientist, Albert Einstein, died at the age of 76.
Albert Einstein, the popular scientist, died at the age of 76.
Note: Notice that you can interchange the beginning and middle parts of the sentence. Remember, if you put an appositive in the start, there is only one comma after it. Put it in the middle, however, and you need a comma before and after. See example above.
Rule #4: With parenthetical expressions.
Use commas to set off expressions that explain by providing additional information.
You may, if you agree, issue a law suit.
Please dry your clothes, if you wouldn’t mind, outside the house.
Rule #5: With transitional devices.
These include the following terms: however, therefore, indeed, consequently, as a result, of course, for example, in fact, nonetheless , etc. See my blog post for a complete list of transitional markers and when to use them.
She never knew, however, that he was to come back home the next day.
Still, they have no right to judge anyone.
Rule #6: To separate items.
The Jenkins are a fun, enchanting, and hospitable family.
They typically sell rice, vegetables, and anything agriculture-related.
Note: The last comma which comes just before “and” is called the Oxford Comma, the Harvard Comma or the Serial Comma. It does not have to be added. The decision is entirely up to the writer. As a result, adding the Oxford Comma or not is generally accepted.
She enjoys eating doughnuts, pizza and pie.
She enjoys eating doughnuts, pizza, and pie.
Rule #7: To separate parts of dates, addresses, locations, titles of people and long numbers.
Dates
Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941
Pearl Harbor was bombed on 7 December 1941
Both are acceptable.
Addresses
Her friend lives in 36 Avenue, Maple Street, New York City.
Location
He lived in Seoul, Korea, for 17 years.
Titles of People
This is Noynoy Aquino, President.
That man in the picture is William Shakespeare, The World’s Greatest Dramatist.
Long Numbers
The population of Tokyo, Japan, is 13,000,000.
Rule #8: To set off a quote.
“I thought you wouldn’t say yes,” he admitted.
She replied, “How could I not agree to your proposal?”
“To be frank,” he stated while smiling, “this is the best day of my life.”
Rule #9: To send a greeting and to close a personal letter.
Dear Antonio,
Very truly yours,
Rule #10: To denote omitted words in a sentence.
Original Sentence – Beth is studying Literature while Toby is taking up Science.
With Comma – Beth is studying Literature; Toby, Science.
Just remember that a comma is a breather, and you'll do fine!
credits: The Random House Guide to Grammar, Usage, And Punctuation.
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thirtysehunds on says about chapter 5:
thank you very much for the angst writing tips. I have an idea for angst and till now I've written only fluff and basically nothing serious (in AFF) so now I want to try angst but had no idea what should I include or point out more in the plot and characters. It's a good thing that this tips exist here *bows* ♥
ctmgonzaga on says about chapter 9:
WOW this is great! Thank you for this. :) I really appreciate it ^^
MarkTuan on says about chapter 9:
Woah this is useful! :)
unfamiliar on says about chapter 9:
wow thank you!
this is very useful < 3
especially brainstorming and this one ヽ(；▽；)ノ
sobs i'm glad i opened this story (ᅌᴗᅌ* )
ChanRiB on says about chapter 9:
Can you make chapter about how to make sentences more exciting?
I would really like it if you could write about how to make 'he said, she said' more exciting. Because its hard for me to write some thing better than he said when im stuck.
e.g. 'I don't care about you anymore. It was you who just... well.. you know...' she said.
please put up a chapter for that. I need your help.
-iucunda on says about chapter 7:
Not trying to offend you, but I think saying "5Ws and 1H" may make more sense than "6Ws". I'm just putting that out there. Though, I do understand where you can get that from.
coffeeplease on says:
absolutely useful~
yingjumeihua on says:
How about writing a genre that most FFO users (I think we usually write about bullying or romance) don't normally write like action, mystery, etc.
--dalnim on says:
This is a very useful guide for writing. Thanks! ^w^
-sarang on says:
Affies? c;
// The Swan Corner Writing Tips!
http://www.fanficoverflow.com/story/view/719/the-swan-corner-writing-tips-tools-for-success-writing-writingtips
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