Clauses, and We Don't Mean Santa
By Keira, Textbroker Editor
Using commas correctly can be tricky, and one of the most common errors stems from conditional clauses. So what is a conditional clause?
A conditional clause expresses a condition and an outcome.
"If you are approached by an armored tiger, you should not invoke the power of Grayskull."
Being approached by an armored tiger is the condition. If this condition does not occur, neither will the potential consequence. However, if you are approached by an armored tiger, invoking the power of Grayskull is not recommended.
"If you pick up an article, remember that knowing is half the battle."
The condition here is that you are writing an article. Remembering that knowing is half the battle may be sound advice, but you're only being cautioned to follow it under the previous condition.
One thing you may notice here is that the outcome is always a complete sentence. This makes our comma trick an easy one.
First, look for the trigger word "if." Next, look for the complete sentence.
"|If| you follow this advice, |your comma will be in the right place.|"
"|If| you can break a sentence into units, |this becomes an easy process.|"
We can take this concept further into adverbial clauses as a whole.
An adverbial clause gives us more information about the main clause by explaining when, how, why, how much and to what extent something took place.
"When faced with the terrible scent of durian, Alex found his will to eat it shrinking."
"Alex found his will to eat it shrinking" is a complete sentence, but it fails to express everything we need to know about the situation. With the first part, we know that "it" refers to "durian" and that the situation occurred when he smelled it.
Like the previous rule, look for the trigger word followed by the complete sentence.
"|Because| of volcanic activity, |several flights have been canceled.|"
"Several flights have been canceled" is a complete sentence, and the reason for their cancellation is indicated in the part prior to it.
A list of adverbial triggers can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverbial_clause#Kinds_of_adverbial_clauses
It's important to note that you should only use a comma when these clauses are in the front of the sentence.
"His lip dribbled with glistening strands of sorrow when he first tasted durian."
"He wondered if people who enjoyed its taste acted out of some Darwinian survival effort when consuming it."
"However, Alex offered no apology for his derision if durian appealed to them."
"In fact, Alex felt a bit worried for those poor souls because he was certain that durian equated to culinary death."
Please remember that this is a basic guide to comma usage, designed to cut through the technical explanations of many other guides. There's no "one ring to rule them all" when it comes to grammar, but these tips will help you recognize instances where a comma may be present.
posted on 05/21/2010 - 06.57 | grammar and style | comments: 27
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These blog posts are so helpful. Sometimes the proper punctuation points (the comma, semicolon, the dash) can make or break an article into pieces and change the writer's intended meaning and delivery.
We should all be conscious of these grammar rules but in our haste to publish an article we oftentimes overlook the basics and allow one of these mistakes to escape under the radar.
Reading these blogs has gently reminded me to proofread everything just one more time to insure that I am delivering my best work at all times.
Sincere thanks to the Editorial Team.
added by: author A-037200 on 05/22/2010 - 05.55
If Keira's blog posts had been available when I was in grade school, I would not have ulcerous comma moments today.
They are much appreciated,
Lindaadded by: author A-039117 on 05/22/2010 - 06.33
It is not common to use a comma before the word "and" is it? The purpose of the word is to break up the sentence as Kiera advised. If that is the case then what is the need for the additional help with the comma if "and" does it's job correctly? I see that she uses commas consistently before "and" throughout this blog. Just looking for clarification for future assignments.
Lakeshaadded by: author A-041651 on 05/22/2010 - 08.13
The rule at the newspaper I worked for seemed to be "commas are optional." I appreciate the refresher. Thanks much.added by: author A-041297 on 05/22/2010 - 09.18
This is a good refresher on comma usage, and it is entertaining as well.added by: author A-038332 on 05/22/2010 - 09.38
Ah, the comma, a fine, curly piece of the language, dedicated to separating phrases, clarifying thoughts, increasing comprehension and . . . Hope I followed the rules. Thanks for the informative blog.added by: author A-038790 on 05/22/2010 - 10.50
Lakesha,
The rule is that with compound sentences (two or more independent clauses) you use a comma before the conjunction.
Ex. I unintentionally slammed the car door on Ralph's hand, and now he's planning to sue me. (Omit that comma and the reader will think I slammed the door on Ralph's hand and something else as well.)
If the clauses are short (such as "Omit that comma" in the sentence above), the comma may be omitted.
Ex. Ralph plays trumpet and I toot on a double bell euphonium.
I might qualify Keira's statement about not using a comma when the dependent clause comes after the main clause. If you wish to express an extreme contrast in your concluding dependent clause, a comma is not merely permissible but recommended.
Ex. Slender Suzie doesn't appear strong and athletic, although I have seen her bench press her body weight with several repetitions.added by: author A-036005 on 05/22/2010 - 11.47
@Lakesha - My understanding is that the Oxford comma (I *think* that's what it's called) is that it's optional.
Example//
I took Christina, Keira, and Meaghan to task over their comma usage.
OR
I took Christina, Keira and Meaghan to task over their comma usage.
I generally prefer the latter. My own personal opinion is that using a comma before the word "and" in that example is a bit redundant.
For me personally, I am more interested in helping the reader navigate my sentences. Commas, while necessary, can unintentionally slow a reader down in many cases.
I am by no means a comma expert. Please rely on the expertise of our editors and go over their reviews carefully.
Nealadded by: author Neal on 05/22/2010 - 12.16
Thanks for this laser focused example. I will be putting it to good use. I was amazed to find 9 different kinds of adverbial clauses on the Wikipedia page. So much grammar, so little time.
The "one ring to rule them all" reference sailed over my head until I found out it is from the Lord of the Rings. Am I one of the very few people that have not seen those movies?
Lakesha - I recommend reading the previous comma post for more information about Commas and Coordinating Conjunctions. It should help clear up your questions.
http://www.textbroker.com/blog/content/commas-and-coordinating-conjunctions-fanboys-.htmladded by: author Andrés S. on 05/22/2010 - 01.37
In your last example, I'm not sure you are correct:
"In fact, Alex felt a bit worried for those poor souls because he was certain that durian equated to culinary death."
These are two independent clauses. There's no reference in the 2nd clause to the objects or actions in the first. Both parts are able to stand on their own:
"Alex felt a bit worried for those poor souls." and "He was certain that durian equated to culinary death." In this case, wouldn't this be considered a compound sentence and a comma used before "because"?added by: author A-036288 on 05/22/2010 - 02.42
The conjunctive adverb "because" can not be ignored. It renders the second clause subordinate or dependent. "Because he was certain that durian equated to culinary death" by itself would be a sentence fragment. (I assume I am A-036005.)
Obviously we also need commas before nouns in direct address.
"May I undress, Grandma."
"May I undress Grandma." That little squiggle can really affect meaning.
A teacher in the wild and crazy 1960s, I remember being asked by a certain perpetually giddy student for a signature in his yearbook. I wrote, "To Maximillian Postlethwait,"(disguising his name for obvious reasons); "always high" (here I penned in a large and exaggerated comma before concluding) "in my estimation."
added by: author A-036005 on 05/22/2010 - 10.01
I just want to say THANKS for this blog. The whole thing is so helpful. I really enjoy reading other people's thoughts. It make me feel like a member of a community.added by: author Jule on 05/23/2010 - 08.35
Keira, these posts are incredibly helpful. Keep them coming!
Carenadded by: author cchelms on 05/23/2010 - 10.21
Textbroker is a great site for aspiring writers and has never wasted my time.
I always have trouble with commas because I love to write long sentences.added by: author Machinc on 05/24/2010 - 01.35
I'm still a little confused about using a comma before "because". I have always done this:
I have to go to the store now, because I need the milk before I start cooking.
I don't like John, because he's very rude.added by: author A-032122 on 05/24/2010 - 03.25
Hey guys and gals, thanks, now I'm totally confused! Just kidding!
Thanks for all the great info. I probably still won't get it right, but at least now, I may know why. :)
Good day,
Dave
P.S. As a general rule, is the use of commas different in an article, than in say a blog, where it tends to be a little longer and more informative, and you may want it to be perhaps, a little bit more free flowing, so as not to lose the readers attention?
Also, are there any errors in my comma use in this comment?
Thanksadded by: author A-041729 on 05/24/2010 - 08.16
Great post. Commas drive me nuts sometimes. For some of my other clients outside of TB, I agonize over whether to use commas in certain situations or not. I think I know the general stuff people learn in school English, but I seemed to be riding my looks and charm when I was in college-level English.
Do you have a suggestion for a quick reference guide we could purchase to keep handy for sticky comma situations?
Samanthaadded by: author SamanthaG on 05/25/2010 - 04.37
Commas are absolutely over-rated by many and something that shouldn't make or break an article. People reading an article aren't going to stop reading it because there is a comma or two out of place, nor are they going to stop and say, "Oh my God, there should be a comma there" or "I can't believe the writer missed a comma in that sentence". Making consistent comma errors could become a problem, but stressing over every instance where a comma should be or shouldn't be can detract from the actual flow and substance of the article.
I have an excellent command of the English language and know the basic rules of grammar and still end up making some stupid comma mistakes here and there. One definition of a comma is "the punctuation mark, indicating a slight pause in the spoken sentence and used where there is a listing of items or to separate a nonrestrictive clause or phrase from a main clause". I remember my Creative Writing teacher stating that you may find some authors that use commas as a tactic to emphasize something even though the comma may not apply to the formal rules of grammar.
Since we are all writing creatively, shouldn't this be taken into consideration? If I want to emphasize a point by including a comma to have the reader pause, even though it doesn't apply to "the rules", do I compromise my creative skills because of a grammar rule? Isn't the important thing creating an article that people will want to read, even if a comma or two is out of place?
90 percent or more of the people that read an article aren't going to even notice if there are a couple of comma mistakes. Unfortunately, as writers we are expected to be perfect, but as long as the article has quality content a comma or two out of place isn't going to change the overall quality of the article.added by: author A-022178 on 06/02/2010 - 04.20
@22178
"We are all writing creatively." Yes and no. You are usually writing informative, neutral pieces. While this requires some creativity, your content needs to be clear more than anything else. A reader will not stop and say, "There needs to be a comma there." They will stop and ask themselves, "Wait, does this go with the first part of the sentence or the second part?" Believe it or not, this is usually how I detect most comma errors. I'm reading along with the writer and expecting the sentence to continue in a specific direction due to their grammar. When it goes another way and I have to circle back, I know they made a mistake.
Grammar, especially commas, direct your reader the same way stop and yield signs direct traffic.
We do not rate someone down for one comma error. We rate someone down for multiple comma errors that interrupt the flow of their piece or comma errors combined with other grammatical errors. If we give you one comment, that is usually a symptom of errors in your work.
Both of these topics have been covered in other blog posts. Please see our posts http://www.textbroker.com/blog/content/commas-save-lives-.html and http://www.textbroker.com/blog/content/behind-the-emerald-curtain-ratings.html.
For details on comma usage, please refer to http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/added by: Textbroker on 06/02/2010 - 06.29
Textbroker has crafted out their niche in cyberspace. Writers are invited to participate, but the key concept is that this is "their niche" and writers are expected to read and follow their rules. This is not a playground to develop your creative writing skills. It is a place to assist a great company with their attempt to serve their clients with quality articles that meet Textbroker standards. If a writer wants total freedom of expression, it is time for them to create their own website or blog and their own rules.
Textbroker is a contractor that works with subcontractor writers. It is not a democracy or a college course in creative writing. Writers do have a lot of creative freedom within Textbroker rules. The end results are to be what Textbroker wants, period.
A long time ago, someone told me that you don't learn everything in college, and I was truly offended. With time, I came to realize they were so right. This is the real world, and this is the Textbroker ball park. Learn their rules and play their game or find another park.
It is pretty simple to play in this park, and you can have a great score if you want to bother to learn and follow the rules.added by: author A-002484 on 06/05/2010 - 12.01
What tends trips me up is proofreading when I'm tired, along with using commas to set off a pause in speech instead of just a clause-- that may be accepted in prose for fiction but not AP styleguides, which is what TB works off of.
What I would LOVE to see as an author, by the way, is consistent grammar and style guides or at least minimum content standard also be approached for client orders as well... this would help reduce a lot of back and forth between client and author.
Has TB considered implementing an author community forum as well? And Making the blog more accessible to find? Right now, the link to the blog is buried in the footer with the linked text in white on a light gray gradient background, making it triply-hard to hunt for.
I'm not complaining just to complain-- I'm sure the TB staff can back me up on how I also do my best to alert them of TOS violations and the like.added by: author shawn on 06/11/2010 - 02.38
Hey there Keira:
Great stuff on the blog and I had a thought that maybe adding a "biography" category would be a nice edition. Websites need bio texts sometimes for the famous and infamous, and it would be nice if TextBroker had a reputation of suppling them. ( I luv doing bios ;-).
Happy July 4th weekend everbody, and thanx again Keira.
Ekaterina (MEL227)added by: author MEL227 on 07/03/2010 - 12.24
Commas are used in: 1. sequences of three or more words or phrases ("...red, blue, and orange..."); 2. separating two complete and otherwise independence sentences into a combined sentence ("See Dick throw a ball, and see Spot look at him like he's an idiot."), and 3. joining a complete sentence with a conditional sentence (not clause!), "I enjoy writing for Textbroker, because my biggest passion is writing."
Number 3 would NOT use a comma before the word "because" if there was not a complete sentence with a subject and a verb following it: "I enjoy writing for Texbroker because of a passion for writing."
See the differences?
Having said that, I must away to doublecheck my, overuse of, commas by long, habit.
added by: author A-035348 on 07/07/2010 - 03.00
I finally found the time to read this blog, and will make more time to study it. My writing skills, or so I thought, were top-notch. I then found a series of "3" ratings and their explanations. Almost all were comma usage. My initial reaction was that I was being picked on, but I decided someone was trying to get my attention.
I slowed down, studied up on comma usage, and began again. Great day when I found "4" as my rating. More "4's" followed as I continued to watch what I was doing.
Now my goal and aim is the "5" rating. While I haven't seen a truckload of "5" articles, I know they will be there in the future.
Could we please have a blog about "passive voice?" This is something I'm working on and it's harder than it looks. However, with practice my writing is getting better.
I do believe the days of the "2" articles are numbered. That's only an opinion. Textbroker isn't a playground or my writing school. I do believe in what I do for a living and am striving all the time to get better at it.
I also believe that Textbroker, like myself, intends to stay in business for a long, long time to come. The Cyberworld is growing up, and better writers are in demand. I'm sticking with it.added by: author TGallagher on 07/08/2010 - 06.55
This quote from the article: "There's no "one ring to rule them all" when it comes to grammar, but these tips will help you recognize instances where a comma may be present." seems to mean that the rules that are in the article are not iron clad.
I am beginning to believe that the editors are not reading the rules of writing that we are all given.
However, when the article itself says that there is no one size fits all rules to commas, how can we know when and when not to use them? Danged if we do, danged if we don't.
Is this the rule, or is it not the rule? THAT is the question.added by: author A-021313 on 04/11/2011 - 04.40
I agree with Author: Shawn. If we had a style guide easily accessible with all the little rules of AP writing, that would help us all out.
I am presuming, by the great pieces of blog information and the insistence on each article being graded that TB is very adamant about quality output from their writers.
That being said, a random blog about a subject is hard to locate when you are in the middle of an assignment. Having a click-on AP style guide of TB requirements instead of suggested methods of writing in blog posts, it would make us all better writers which will give TB better access to clients who will continue to return.
I read posts from nearly everyone cursing commas. I think, if I made 4 comma errors in an article and it gives me a level 3, then I want to know where ALL the comma mistakes are and not just one. I want to understand why I got the level 3 and not just a single pointed out comma.
When I write my academic papers, I refer to this web site: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/. It gives me every contingency and I can refer to it whenever I have a doubt. This kind of thing would be perfect for us writers who are really trying to improve but don't seem to know what the editors want.
All my errors (or mostly all of them) are commas but only one is ever pointed out in an article rating. If I knew which commas were in error, all of them, then I could better improve my writing. If we don't get gigged for a single comma then we should know what we did to maintain just a "good" writing level instead of very good. After all, even in grad school I know every little mistake the teacher wants fixed. Can't read minds, ya know? :)
I hope I made sense. It all made sense in my head.added by: author A-021313 on 04/14/2011 - 08.26
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