Meaning what you say and saying what you mean.
Meaning is everything, and the comma can make a big difference
in your meaning. Pay special attention to phrases that
have because and since in them. Check out the sentences below and see if you can tell the
difference in meaning with each pair of sentences:
So before taming or riding your dragon, make your sentences clear and edit, edit, edit. That way the reader knows if one character did what they did because the other character was mad at them.
More on the commotion of commas: http://www.dianemaerobinson.com/2013/02/a-common-comma-commotion.html
And more comma common sense here: http://www.dianemaerobinson.com/2013/02/commas-ahhhhh.html
- I didn’t ride the dragon because you were mad at me.
- I didn’t ride the dragon, because you were mad at me.
- I have tamed dragons since I was nine.
- I have tamed dragons, since I was nine.
More on the commotion of commas: http://www.dianemaerobinson.com/2013/02/a-common-comma-commotion.html
And more comma common sense here: http://www.dianemaerobinson.com/2013/02/commas-ahhhhh.html
comon comon comon more comma!
ReplyDeleteI don't really know the rules about commas. I use them as speech markers. If I would pause after a word then a comma goes after that word. For example, if I am calm and simple talking I might write, "I didn't do this because of you." But if I am angry and laying fault I might write, "I didn't do this, because of you!"
Sometimes I end up putting in a comma where it doesn't belong, but for the most part, the commas were at the right places.
I suppose it is as good a time as any to learn the rules--or find a very good editor. I wonder which would be easier?
I supposed finding a good editor is easier than learning the rules. The rules are a lot to remember. I have to refer to rules just about every time I write. The more rules you have in your head, the more you second guess everything you write because you're not sure you remember the crazy rule in the first place.
ReplyDeleteNotice how the royal rule book is thicker? Learning more rules, rules, ruled.