Apparently, no. Here's what I learned this week...
How to Use Commas
Commas are tricky because there are so many different ways you can use them, but one of the most common ways to use commas is to separate two main clauses that are connected by a coordinating conjunction. (This is where 'FANBOYS' come in, and I'll be discussing that later.)
What Is a Comma Splice?
Here's an example: Clarissa craved another coffee, she went to the Tim Horton to get one.
Clause one: Clarissa craved another coffee
Clause two: she went to the Tim Hortons to get one.
To join these two clauses with a comma (like I did), you need the word “and” or some other coordinating conjunction. If you just put a comma between them, that's an error called a comma splice or a comma fault.
Commas aren't meant to join main clauses all by themselves; to force them into that role is to perpetrate a comma splice. (Now the comma feels all icky inside!)
How can we fix the problems? Three ways: period, semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction.
- Clarissa craved another coffee. She went to the Tim Hortons to get one.
- Clarissa craved another coffee; she went to the Tim Hortons to get one.
A coordinating conjunction joins parts of a sentence (for example words or independent clauses) that are grammatically equal or similar. A coordinating conjunction shows that the elements it joins are similar in importance and structure. And, but, or, nor, for, yet, so...
F - For
A - And
N - Nor
B - But
O - Or
Y - Yet
S - So
So, in my sentence: Clarissa craved another coffee, she went to the Tim Hortons to get one.
I could use the conjunction "so".
Clarissa craved another coffee, so she went to the Tim Hortons to get one.
Sources: Grammar Girl,
17 comments:
Clarissa - Thank you for such a great reminder :). I used to tutor writing, and found that comma splicing was one of the three most common non-standard phenomena that I saw. It's always good to have that reminder.
Wow, that's a lot. I'm glad you liked the post. I know I learned a lot too.
CD
Thanks for the way to remember the lesson. I really thought FANBOYS was something else entirely. :>)))
Now I'm craving a coffee.
I thought FANBOYS were you know fans of boys and I was about to raise my hand and say, "I'm one!"
Now I know better.
Mary, yeah, I'm craving one too. I'm not sure what everyone thinks fanboys are but interesting...
Palindrome, that's funny. Yes, I'm a fan too. Glad you found the post informative.
CD
Thought maybe something like Cabana Boys in the novels and movies. ;>)
Clarissa, I use commas (a lot) when writing on my blog. I know some of the rules (maybe) for using them but I have become more enamored of using them to create a pause in the thought flow where mentally you should pause when you are reading. Is this wrong? Do people pay attention to them that way?
FANBOYS. That is an easy way to remember them.
Thanks for a great post.
Ooh, excellent post.
I'm all in favour of whacking in a semi-colon in this situation, but FANBOYS is a great way of keeping the little blighters under control!
Mary, hmmm, you know, if it works as a way to remember it, I'm all for it.
Chuck, commas are used for many things including pause indicators. No, you need them. I'm going to go check out your blog.
Rayna, thanks. I'm glad you liked it.
Kit, yeah. Me, I'm not a fan of semicolons in fiction so I may use a FANBOYS or two. Glad you liked the post.
CD
Great post. I use to "comma" the heck out of my sentences. Commas have become my enemy. I need to find a friend in them.
I need therapy for the maltreatment of commas.
Thanks
Fanboys - not just geeky adult men anymore!
Aww, now I feel very bad for the poor comma! Good thing you are determined to remind us not to abuse it like that! I will try to remember my FANBOYS from now on ;)
I'm terrible with grammatical terminology, but I understand how to use it very well.
This was a good lesson!
Love the Fanboys acronym! And commas can be so funny sometimes.
Oh, JW, the department for the cruelty to commas will be knocking at your door soon.
Alex, that's funny. Oh, boy.
Cruella, glad you liked it. Poor, poor comma!
Amanda, thanks.
Belle, yes they can! I try to laugh at them everyday.
It looks like I'm guilty of comma splicing. Edit! I was only trying to reduce my "and"s :(
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