Proper Comma Usage and When It Costs You For Improper Use

A comma is a punctuation mark that delineates clauses, items and lists, and ideas/phrases.

Commas are used to separate clauses, lists, and repeated words. It is often hard to tell when to use and when not to use a comma. I have heard arguments about the "oxford comma" the comma that appears with the ,and as the final item of a list.

Run on sentences and fragments result, more often than not, from improper comma usage. Run on sentences occur when several independent clauses are join together with multiple commas. Fragments often occur when a period is used in place of a comma resulting in a sentence formed from a dependent clause. As dependent clauses do not form complete sentences, fragments are often misunderstood.

As often as you like! That's the greatest part of developing your own writing style! Some authors use commas sparingly, others use them to intentionally draw focus to a specific area in their writing. How you choose to use commas is completely up to you! I like to remind students that when using commas, only do so when it makes sense. Don't try to over use commas to make your writing more "intellectual." If you use commas where appropriate, your writing will flourish.