Active discussions
My feed Premium
Please or to access all these features

Pedants' corner

Commas - someone please help!

18 replies

Mobley52 · 03/07/2024 17:00

I am trying to write a style guide for work.
I keep seeing references to commas being overused.
Please could someone give me an explanation for when commas HAVE to be used in UK English using simple terms.

Thank you!

OP posts:
Report
NotTooOldPaul · 03/07/2024 17:43

In a list such as "they can be blue, green, yellow, black or white"

Report
upinaballoon · 04/07/2024 12:01

Who says commas are over-used? On posts on MN there are some abysmal sentences which need the posters to USE a few commas.
I think I was taught that commas show a pause. Certainly I was taught that in a list of adjectives, I didn't need to use a comma before the 'and', indeed, wasn't to use a comma there. Nowadays I please myself.
The night was black, wild and frightening. The night was black, wild, and frightening.
I can't help you. I don't know any rules. I just put one where I want there to be one.

Report
PedantScorner · 04/07/2024 12:08

How to use commas - BBC Bitesize

Who is the intended audience of the style guide?

Report
TheShellBeach · 04/07/2024 12:09

Commas are frequently used nowadays in places where semicolons would be correct.

Report
Marynotsocontrary · 04/07/2024 12:25

TheShellBeach · 04/07/2024 12:09

Commas are frequently used nowadays in places where semicolons would be correct.

I agree, but it can seem a bit excessive to use semicolons in social media posts. I often find myself using a comma even when I want to use a semicolon 🤔

Report
TheShellBeach · 04/07/2024 12:42

Marynotsocontrary · 04/07/2024 12:25

I agree, but it can seem a bit excessive to use semicolons in social media posts. I often find myself using a comma even when I want to use a semicolon 🤔

Show quote history

Ooh, I never do; semicolons are wonderful.

Report
rainbowsparkle28 · 04/07/2024 12:44
Report
PedantScorner · 04/07/2024 12:49

Is @Mobley52 hoping to be the next Health Secretary ?Wink

Report
longdistanceclaraclara · 04/07/2024 13:08

The Oxford comma doesn't help. It's not allowed in my style hide at work.

Report
PedantScorner · 04/07/2024 13:33

@longdistanceclaraclara , it must be used where I currently work.

I think we are overcomplicating things as far as this thread is concerned.

If @Mobley52 wants an uncomplicated style guide for general office use, my advice would to not use the Oxford comma or semi-colons.

Report
Macaroni46 · 05/07/2024 00:27

TheShellBeach · 04/07/2024 12:09

Commas are frequently used nowadays in places where semicolons would be correct.

It is grammatically incorrect to use a comma instead of a semicolon and is called a comma splice. If a semi colon seems too formal then a full stop or conjunction should be used.

Report
Marynotsocontrary · 05/07/2024 01:07

Macaroni46 · 05/07/2024 00:27

It is grammatically incorrect to use a comma instead of a semicolon and is called a comma splice. If a semi colon seems too formal then a full stop or conjunction should be used.

Show quote history

Yes, I do try this too. However, sometimes I just leave the extra commas in when writing nformally.
As you say, semicolons are a little formal. I couldn't really imagine using one in a text or WhatsApp.

Report
ExitPursuedByABare · 05/07/2024 01:17

Anyone else use commas in their head when speaking?

Report
PedantScorner · 05/07/2024 01:26

No, but I'm not sure I use my head when speaking. I'll stick to writing.

Sorry, it's late.

Report
Sondheimisademigod · 09/07/2024 15:21

longdistanceclaraclara · 04/07/2024 13:08

The Oxford comma doesn't help. It's not allowed in my style hide at work.

Heathens!!
The Oxford comma is a thing of beauty!!

Report
Sondheimisademigod · 09/07/2024 15:25

Marynotsocontrary · 05/07/2024 01:07

Yes, I do try this too. However, sometimes I just leave the extra commas in when writing nformally.
As you say, semicolons are a little formal. I couldn't really imagine using one in a text or WhatsApp.

Show quote history

I think there's a big age thing in social media. Those of a certain age (and decreptitude!), wouldn't dream of using r u instead of full words. We would most likely piunctuate out posts too!!
I was an editor in a previous life, and eagerly awaited a paper written entirely in emoji and text-speak! Sadly disappointed!

Report
KeirSpoutsTwaddle · 09/07/2024 15:38

I see RU and l8ter as a sign of age. No one who's grown up with predictive text and speed thumbs needs to use text speak.

Report
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.