Comma Crazy

[Tyree]

I'm confident that I rarely leave out a comma when needed. My problem is that I think I add too many. Even if excited use of commas is correct when I use them, I'm starting to find them...too abundant. I find this issue mostly when starting sentences and rarely in the middle. An example of how I use commas in this case follows:

In the biting cold of winter, German soldiers found it harder to concentrate when attacking the Russians.

From what I understand, the comma can be removed and the sentence work the same. Did I insert the comma when it was not needed? I even had trouble with the first sentence of this paragraph.

From what I understand, the comma can be removed and the sentence work the same.

From what I understand the comma can be removed and the sentence work the same.

I have no trouble adding commas correctly within the meat of sentences, but I have problems adding them in the introductions of my sentences. I feel I use them too often, yet when I remove them the sentence looks weird.

[Tyree]

I did more digging on the DWT blog and found the answers I needed. Unless anyone has something to add, I think I'm comfortable with the answers I found.

[Maeve]

Have you read Eats, Shoots and Leaves?

[Blutea]

Hi Tyree,

What information did you find? I find I have the same issue when it comes to comma usage.

-blutea

[DanielScocco]

Blutea, check our punctuation category.

[rdwriter]

I find I have to go back through and remove unnecessary commas in nearly all of my work. I guess it's a hard habit to break. :rolleyes:

[Rosie]

Are commas unnecessary before an adverb.

I know in most instances the adverb is unnecessary too, but if it is used, I would write:

She said gently

As opposed to:

She said, gently

I've been told that the second way is actually correct, but I have my doubts.

[Maeve]

Are commas unnecessary before an adverb.

I know in most instances the adverb is unnecessary too, but if it is used, I would write:

She said gently

As opposed to:

She said, gently

I've been told that the second way is actually correct, but I have my doubts.

I think that a comma in front of the adverb only serves to emphasize it and makes it sound like a "Tom Swifty."