The comma has a few uses but here, I am going on to concentrate on just one, the one that many miss. I have noticed when I teach children or adults that few know about the use of the comma to separate the main idea from elaborations or added details. This is, actually, a useful device since it helps the reader to pause, take in the added details and at the same time, pinpoint the main idea that is expressed by the writer.
Take for example:
The main idea: I went to the market to buy groceries.
Added detail: which I frequent - this piece of information is not important but it gives the reader a better picture of the market in relation to the writer.
Another example is given below:
The main idea: My entry was not accepted. That is the gist of what the writer wants to get across, but the writer also wants to give you the reason for, perhaps, feeling disappointed at the non-acceptance. Hence, one gets the subsidiary, or secondary point, which is: Although I put in a lot of effort
Have a look at the third example offered below:
Now, attempt the following exercise which has the commas and semi-colons removed. Insert these where appropriate. The answers, with explanations for some for these answers, will be available on the The Pear Tree website on Sept 10.
Take for example:
I went to the market, which I frequent, to buy groceries.
The main idea: I went to the market to buy groceries.
Added detail: which I frequent - this piece of information is not important but it gives the reader a better picture of the market in relation to the writer.
Another example is given below:
Although I put in a lot of effort, my entry was not accepted.
The main idea: My entry was not accepted. That is the gist of what the writer wants to get across, but the writer also wants to give you the reason for, perhaps, feeling disappointed at the non-acceptance. Hence, one gets the subsidiary, or secondary point, which is: Although I put in a lot of effort
Have a look at the third example offered below:
`Hence' is a transitional word. It shows the relationship, or link, between the two ideas, namely, `We were among the first at the concert theatre' and `we had our choice of seats'. It is an elaboration and not quite a part of the main idea found in the second sentence. Similarly, `since it was free-seating' is also an elaboration and is not part of the main sentence or thought.
We were among the first at the concert theatre. Hence, since it was free-seating, we had our choice of seats.
Now, attempt the following exercise which has the commas and semi-colons removed. Insert these where appropriate. The answers, with explanations for some for these answers, will be available on the The Pear Tree website on Sept 10.
Jane and Peter in the hope that they will find Jane's missing wallet went to the mall. They retraced the steps that they took while at the mall the previous day however they could not find the wallet. Jane was distressed at having lost her wallet it had sentimental value for her as well. Her grandmother had given her the beaded wallet for her birthday but now that her grandmother was no more she wanted that wallet more than ever in memory of her grandmother. Jane sat on the stairs going from the lower floor to the second floor of the mall she burst into tears. Just then a security guard walked up her she saw the familiar blue beads peeking out from the gaps in between his curled fingers. She looked up expectantly at the man who was tall and stern-looking she could feel her heart beat faster and faster as he advanced.
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