Help with Comma Usage

[tomotomo]

I like dogs, and if you like dogs, I like you too.

I like dogs, and, if you like dogs, I like you too.

Which one's correct ?

[Tyree]

I've found that separating the phrases leading to each comma from the rest helps me determine the correct use. On the other hand, I'm about to request help because I think I use commas entirely too much. Regardless of my overdosing on commas, the simple sentences you provide should be easy enough to offer you some aid.

I think it is mentioned somewhere here on DWT that when you input something between comas you consider what the sentence looks like with that thought removed. In the first case your sentence would read I like dogs I like you. The second case is just too broken up. When I read the sentence it feels more like real thought than literary thought, if that makes sense. The second sentence looks as if you're placing the commas to mark pauses in a train of thought. While this works in our own heads and even when speaking to one another, these pauses make the literature awkward and cumbersome.

I assume the sentences provided are simple examples of the bigger picture you want explained. Commas play a large part in defining the flow of your thoughts on [paper]. I would say the first of the pair is correct while the second is incorrect. In a situation like this, I would advise you attemt reforming the sentence in question. From my own experience I've noticed that when I question comma usage similar to this question I find rewording the sentence often fixes the problem. If I had to choose, I would choose the first sentence as correct. However, maybe it is best left to the professionals here. I hope, even with my shotr rant, I helped some.

[Lucy.Gray]

Very nice "TYREE"
Your have explained here in a much descriptive way