As a blogger (and human), it’s important that I punctuate as correctly as possible. Nobody wants to read what I have to say if I write like a complete ignoramus. You know what that word reminds me of? Cracker Barrel. Remember that peg game that sits on the tables? I’m an “eg-no-ra-moose,” that’s what it said. It hurts my feelings every time I go.
Mmmmm…don’t you love their green beans? I recently found a recipe that is supposed to be a knock-off. I’ll let ya know.
Commas. Boring, I know! But, if you’re anything like me, you could use a quick refresher course. Reason #37 that I love homeschooling my kids is that I get a refresher course in the basics. (A while back, I did a post on how to use apostrophes.) I’m pretty sure I still get lots and lots of my commas wrong, but I think I’m getting better. And, you know what they say, “the best way to learn something is to teach it.” I have never been led astray by “they,” so I’ll give it a try…
Here’s the scoop on commas:
Separate Nouns in a Series
You would never find me eating fish, mayonnaise, onions, or cottage cheese.
Pregnancy give you saggy boobs, a saggy belly, and cute babies.
Set Apart the Explanation of the Noun
Cake, my guilty pleasure, frequents my dreams.
Dieting, the suckiest thing ever, allows for zero cake.
My base boards need dusting, but I don’t care.
My hair looks like crap, and I love it.
Use Commas to Express Contrast
My home is chaotic, hardly quiet.
Use Commas to Avoid Confusion
Outside, the weeds are growing fast. (Clear)
Outside the weeds are growing fast. (Confusing)
Direct Address
Dan, I think Joey has a poopie diaper.
Joey, why are you such a smelly boy?
Dan, please don’t put poopie diapers in the kitchen garbage.
The comma and noun can also be at the end of the sentence, in a direct address…
You are so sexy when you obey me, Dan.
Or, if the person being addressed is mentioned in the middle of the sentence, use two commas…
I could go for some cake, Dan, and maybe something else.
Direct Quotations
If there is a quotation at the end of the sentence, put a comma before the quote begins.
Mariel had no recollection, “Did I say that?”
Or, put the comma at the end of the quote, if the person speaking is mentioned last.
“You mentioned that you could go for cake and something else,” reminded Dan.
“I meant nachos,” mumbled Mariel.
If a direct quotation is stopped and continued in the same sentence, combine the rules for direct quotation and direct address.
“I’m sure you could easily get me in the mood with a back massage,” Mariel said, “and a plate full of cake and nachos.
