Tags:
  1. Darkhorse

    Darkhorse Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2013
    Messages:
    45
    Likes Received:
    3

    Excessive commas?

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Darkhorse, Mar 21, 2013.

    Is the line below alright grammatically. I feel it is, but I think that I might be going overboard with commas. An issue that I would like to keep from creeping into my writing.

    Thanks! :)



    Or, is the better for the reader?

     
  2. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2013
    Messages:
    18,385
    Likes Received:
    7,080
    Location:
    Ralph's side of the island.
    The second one for the commas, but "trees" and "its" are not in agreement.
     
  3. Darkhorse

    Darkhorse Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2013
    Messages:
    45
    Likes Received:
    3
    Thanks!

    Should it be their instead?
     
  4. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2008
    Messages:
    7,859
    Likes Received:
    3,349
    Location:
    Boston
    In fiction, commas can be used for dramatic pauses. So where you put the comma depends on the effect you're going for. In the first example, the phrase "lining the road" reads like a side comment, sort of like

    That being said, I would prefer the second example because having the phrase read like a side comment doesn't do much for the sentence.

    And yes, it should be "their."
     
  5. Drstrong

    Drstrong Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2013
    Messages:
    168
    Likes Received:
    23
    I have a tendancy to use too many commas as well, but what about the use of "..." to create a pause?
     
  6. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    no pause is needed in this sentence, other than before 'their' [not its, as gc noted]...

    and even if one was, an ellipsis would not be the proper mark to use, as that only indicates a pause in dialog... the em dash would be the proper mark to set off a phrase in narrative...
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice