1. Modifying Phrases:
* Incorrect: "Let's eat, Grandma." (This implies you're asking Grandma if she wants to eat.)
* Correct: "Let's eat Grandma." (This implies you are about to eat Grandma, which is very disturbing.)
The comma sets off the phrase "Grandma," indicating it's an appositive (a phrase that renames or explains the noun "eat").
2. Separating Clauses:
* Incorrect: "I went to the store, and bought milk." (This implies two actions, but the comma suggests they happened simultaneously.)
* Correct: "I went to the store and bought milk." (This shows a sequence of actions, with "and" connecting them.)
The comma, when used incorrectly, can wrongly imply that the two clauses (independent sentences) are happening at the same time.
3. Lists and Series:
* Incorrect: "I like apples, oranges, and bananas." (This implies all three fruits are equally liked.)
* Correct: "I like apples, oranges and bananas." (This emphasizes "oranges and bananas" as a pair, possibly implying they are liked more or are equally liked.)
Commas are crucial in lists to separate items, but their placement can subtly alter the emphasis.
4. Direct Address:
* Incorrect: "John please, come here." (This sounds confusing and might be grammatically incorrect.)
* Correct: "John, please come here." (This directly addresses John, making it clear who is being spoken to.)
Commas are used to set off direct addresses, ensuring clarity and avoiding confusion.
5. Nonrestrictive Clauses:
* Incorrect: "My dog, who is a golden retriever, loves to play fetch." (This implies there's only one kind of dog.)
* Correct: "My dog who is a golden retriever loves to play fetch." (This suggests the speaker has multiple dogs, and this specific one is a golden retriever.)
Commas around nonrestrictive clauses provide additional information without being essential to the sentence's main meaning.
In Summary:
The placement of commas can be subtle, but its effect on meaning can be significant. Be careful and precise when using commas to avoid misunderstandings and communicate your ideas accurately.