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The comma is a punctuation mark associated with brief pauses. It is also employed to mark off items in a list and to link phrases and clauses for a more explanatory sentence. 

Despite being the most abused, most underrated, and most misunderstood punctuation mark in the English Language, the comma remains the most significant. Here’s an example:

Let’s eat Grandma.

The sentence above implies that ‘the children want to eat their Grandma’, but if we add a comma, you’ll find out that they really don’t want to eat their Grandma; the sentence is only bereft of punctuation.

Let’s eat, Grandma.

This shows that the presence or absence of the comma can determine the understanding of the simplest messages.

So how do you master this elusive punctuation? By learning when to use the comma. 

Use the comma to separate items on a list.

At the market, I bought oranges, apples, mangoes, and cherries.

Take a cup, two shoes, and three pencils with you.

Note that some scholars see no need for the use of the Oxford or serial comma, which is the comma used after the penultimate item, but as professionals, we advise that you use it as it helps to clear up certain confusions. 

This popular internet meme emphasises our point: 

We invited strippers, JFK and Stalin.

The absence of the comma made it seem like JFK and Stalin are the strippers (how hilarious that is).

But if you add the serial comma, it would read: 

We invited strippers, JFK, and Stalin.

Serial commas have just helped to make the sentence clearer. 

Use the comma after introductory clauses, phrases, or words.

To be healthy, you must always feed well.

As a matter of fact, I want her to leave now.

As you know, a phrase is a group of words that does not have a finite verb, and cannot stand alone, or pass a complete message. 

Introductory phrases, however, are phrases that provide background information about the sentences they are linked to.

However, not all hotels are comfortable.

Introductory words like ‘however’, ‘initially’ ‘still’, and ‘meanwhile’ serve as links of interaction from one sentence to another. 

Nevertheless, you might have stumbled upon style guides that frown on the use of ‘however’ as the opening word in a sentence. They prefer writers to use ‘nevertheless’ or ‘but’.

 It is advisable to use ‘however’ as it seamlessly connects the preceding sentence with the following sentence. Also, why waste a perfect word for no justifiable reason?

Use the comma before a quotation.

Here the comma distinguishes the main sentence from the quoted sentence.

He said, ‘Hand me my bag, please’.

‘I am in the room’, she said.

‘I did it’, she seethed. ‘And I will do it again!’

Use the comma to separate a dependent clause that comes before the independent clause. 

Dependent clauses have subjects or verbs but do not express complete thoughts. They cannot stand alone but must be linked to the main sentence by a comma.

If you cannot make it, please call me.

After settling the fight, David took a long bath.

Use the comma to join long independent clauses.

When used between two independent clauses, the comma prevents confusion while also serving as a link. This function is mostly appreciated by readers who sometimes need a pause to catch their breaths after a long read.

I was determined to find her a new apartment, but my money was short.

There were no cars in the parking lot and the driveway even though the lights were on, so I had to call.

Use the comma after free-standing words like ‘thank you’, ‘no’, ‘hello’ and ‘yes’.

Yes, I will be there tomorrow.

No, I will not be there tomorrow.

Thanks, but I am aware.

Or.

Hello, how are you?

We have only scratched the surface, but we intend to go further. In our next post, we’ll be highlighting more comma functions, some comma errors and finally give you concise tips on how to conquer the comma.

Ever heard of a comma splice?

You’ll find out in our next post.

Is it possible to live without being criticised?

Why, yes! People do it all the time.

Forget what we said about six steps, there’s only one way to live without being criticised—to not live at all. In Aristotle’s words, ‘Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing’.

It’s that simple. Live a life of no consequence, get no criticism. However, if you find this solution distasteful, there’s another way to live with criticism without being crushed by it.

In simpler terms, while you can’t live without criticism, you can live above it.

How do you do that?

Embrace criticism. You must understand that criticism can be delivered constructively or destructively. Constructive criticism is someone pointing out faults and failings without any hate or hurtful language. On the other hand, destructive criticism is an expression of disapproval, rife with negative emotions or poorly expressed opinions. Technically, they should both be embraced, but to varying degrees and with differing approaches.

How do you handle both constructive and destructive criticism?

The best way to handle criticism—constructive or otherwise—is to accept it objectively. Regardless of how much it hurts, detach your wounded ego from the mix and focus on the message. Criticism usually carries an element of truth. Examine each remark closely to sift all the areas where you need improvement.

Also, never respond to criticism in the full flare of your emotions. Swallow your pride and accept it graciously. Apologise if need be. Cry in private, but do not get involved in a shouting match or an open dispute. Keep yourself in check. This, dear reader, is known as emotional intelligence.

Turn criticism to a kindle. Let’s paint a picture for you. Imagine turning in a manuscript to your editor and spending weeks awaiting a reply. In your head, you envision the glorious feedback: ‘A stunning read… refreshing and profound… resonating with the wondrous interplay of heart and humour’. Instead, you get: ‘Exceedingly dull… your worst work yet. You could have done better’.

If you don’t spend the rest of the day staring at your computer with disdain, you will probably be sprawled over your kitchen table crying. Because it hurts. It might even take days to get the pain off your chest. But if you are wise, you will take those words, roll it up in a ball and throw it into your internal furnace. Yes, make those words part of the mélange of things that keep you going. Turn criticism to kindle—let it fuel you on.

They say you aren’t good enough? Fight to be good enough.

Remember, the Huffington post was heavily criticised initially. Today, it is the one-stop for news, entertainment and liberal political writing. Everything needs time to grow. Be patient with yourself. Understand that you can be whatever you want if you keep trying.

However, embracing criticism is no reason to allow verbal abuse and bullying. There is a firm difference between destructive criticism and flat-out abuse. Verbal abuse has a shockingly profound effect on your self-image and esteem.

Do not allow it.

We hope this helps.

A writer once experienced difficulty in writing. He tried all he could till he was spent, all to no avail. Frustrated, he went outside for a nice swim and a warm chat with a friend. When he returned, he was able to gather his thoughts and write seamlessly.

We’ll take a wild guess, your nerve ends are tingling, your brain just blew a fuse and your fingers are blue from continuous typing. You need to let out steam. This is practised by all, but for writers, it is a necessity because our productiveness depends on the state of our minds. If a writer is overwhelmed and stressed, he/she becomes inefficient.  

As a writer, a good day in the sun, sumptuous food in your belly, and breeze in your hair will do you more good than a high pile of cash.

You don’t believe us? Are you of the school of thought that agrees that back-breaking hard work is the way to success and nothing else?

Ha!

If you don’t slow down, you’ll be dead before you finish your bestseller (that is if you can write the ‘bestseller’).

Still not convinced?                                                                                                    

We have proof—science!

Science says, ‘Your hormones get ugly when you’re stressed’.

When the secretion of hormones like cortisol which plays a very important role in helping the body respond to stress and regulating blood pressure increases, it leads to a rise in blood pressure, weight gain, insomnia and worse, reduction in blood sugar.

So yes, your body goes flip crazy when you’re stressed. Not to mention depression and other mental and emotional pay-offs of stress on the body.

Pray tell, with the above-listed effects of increased cortisol hormone levels, do you think you’ll be able to make it down the road to success?

Science also says, ‘Your brain is less creative when you’re stressed’.

Have you wondered why you write creatively in your head but struggle to put words down the minute you power on your computer? The reason is simple—your brain works better when you’re not trying!

Negative emotions like tension and stress hamper your mental activities. They throw creativity out the window and lock the doors. The next time you’re searching for an opening line, a brilliant conclusion or a catchy first paragraph, take a ten-minute stroll, connect with your environment, breathe, take a glass of water then, return and write.

Again, science says fun and games boosts your creativity and stimulates your imagination.

Creativity and imagination are the power couple of writing. Inspiration, creativity and a sharp imagination are key when writing.

What if you have none of these?

What if your brain is so swamped that your imagination is crying for help?

In this state there is very little you can achieve. In times like these, writing becomes as painful as having your head trapped in a bear’s jaws. Much as writing is never easy, it shouldn’t be loathsome.  

Today, take the day off, relax your bundled up nerves, breathe, breathe again. A happy brain is a creative brain.