The comma

Never underestimate the power of the comma. Commas are the most useful and versatile of punctuation marks, helping the reader follow the cadence and meaning of your prose. Unfortunately, some amateur writers have a tendency to use commas too often, in places where they don't belong; other writers avoid them, even when they are needed.

Following are some rough guidelines for the most frequent use for commas. The only technical term that I'll refer to in this section is "conjunctions." Conjunctions are words such as "and," "but," "or," "if," "for," etc. that are used to combine phrases and sentences.

In a series of *three or more* items combined by *one* conjunction, use commas.

Gabrielle loaded her plate with fruit, vegetables, pita, feta, and two thick slices of meat.

Xena walked back from the bar, set her port down on the table, and took a seat next to the bard.

However, you don't need commas if you use more than one conjunction to combine a series of items that have equal importance.

"Will you leave me some crumbs of cheese and bread or meat?" teased Xena.

Use commas only if you want to emphasize a particular item, setting it off from the rest of the list.

"And I'm very fond of apricots and grapes, or even figs, if you can spare them."

Don't use a comma with a conjunction that combines only two *incomplete* phrases.

Gabrielle shook her head. "You can get your own plate and serve yourself. I recommend the feta and the pita."

"I'm the warrior in this team and expect some perks for keeping us safe."

If you are combining two *complete* sentences, use a comma before the conjunction.

(Revised to create complete sentences):

"You can get your own plate, and you can serve yourself. I recommend the feta, and I recommend the pita."

"I'm the warrior in this team, and I expect some perks for keeping us safe."

Use commas to combine phrases with complete sentences.

Gabrielle sniffed. "As the cook in this team, I expect a vacation now and then."

"If I took a vacation, where would we be?"

"Dead, come to think of it." Gabrielle pushed over her plate, smiling warmly at the warrior. "Help yourself."

If you're unsure whether or not to use a comma, read the sentence outloud. If you hear a pause or break between phrases, a comma is probably needed. Also, ask yourself if the use of a comma changes the meaning of a sentence.

Once she had eaten, Xena got up from the table.

If you forget the comma, this sentence tends to read a little differently at first glance, causing momentary confusion if not outright embarassment for the reader.

Once she had eaten Xena got up from the table.