Why would a writer use a lot of commas?

The comma functions as a tool to indicate to readers a certain separation of words, phrases, or ideas in order to prevent misreading the writer’s intended meaning. When a sentence is spoken aloud, a comma often represents a pause, which in verbal conversation functions to clarify meaning.

What is it called when an author uses many commas?

Polysyndeton is a stylistic device in which several coordinating conjunctions are used in succession in order to achieve an artistic effect. In a normal situation, the coordinating conjunction “and” is used to join the last two words of the list, and the rest of the words in the list are separated or joined by a comma.

What do you call sentences with a lot of commas?

Complex sentences are sentences that have two clauses. There can be two independent clauses (each having a subject and predicate), or an independent clause and dependent clause (missing a subject or predicate). A comma is placed right before the conjunction in this type of complex sentence.

How do you use commas in a novel?

Use a Comma:

1. Before a coordinating conjunction (but, and, or, nor, for, so, yet) to join independent clauses (clauses that could be sentences on their own).
2. After a short introductory statement.
3. To set off nonessential, but explanatory, information in a sentence.
4. Between items in a series.

How do you use commas in fiction?

Examples of correct comma usage include:

1. To link coordinate clauses to form a compound sentence.
2. To separate items in a list or within a sentence.
3. To separate strings of coordinate adjectives.
4. To link a dependent clause to an independent clause.
5. Between an introductory adjectival phrase and the rest of the sentence.

Why do authors use Parataxis?

Writers like to use parataxis in their writing because it works to give the words or phrases equal weight in the passage. However, while most parataxis phrases will omit the conjunctions completely, ‘and’ and ‘but’ are considered acceptable.

Why do authors use asyndeton?

When a writer or speaker uses asyndeton, she eliminates conjunctions like “and” or “but.” This rhetorical device works to make a speech more dramatic and effective by speeding up its rhythm and pace. Public speakers use asyndeton when they want to emphasize the gravity or drama of their topics.

How do you stop a comma overusing?

18.2 Avoiding Unnecessary Commas

1. Do not use commas before a conjunction when the sentence is not compound.
2. Do not use a comma before the first and after the last word in a series.
3. Do not use commas around an appositive if it adds clarity, or new information, to the sentence.

How do you not overuse commas?

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1. Use a comma to separate items in a list (but beware of the serial comma).
2. Use a comma to join independent clauses.
3. Use a comma to join a dependent clause and an independent clause.
4. Use a comma following an introductory word group.
5. Use a comma to interrupt a sentence or to provide additional information.

What effect do commas have on the reader?

Commas signal to your reader to pause very slightly while reading. This can help make the individual parts of a sentence clearer in meaning. It also shows how sentences are split up, and separates words in a list.

What is the difference between parataxis and hypotaxis?

Parataxis versus hypotaxis Parataxis roughly translates to “arranging side by side”, while hypotaxis translates to “arranging under”. Parataxis omits subordinating conjunctions while hypotaxis utilizes them such as the terms “when”, “although”, and “after”.

Why is it important to use commas correctly?

Learning how and when to use commas correctly is vital for proper punctuation and grammar. Commas add sense and logic to your writing, but punctuation mistakes with commas can cause confusion. We know that we use commas to set apart a series or list of words or to separate dependent clauses. But there is more to good comma use.

Can you use COMMAS to connect two completely independent phrases?

You can use commas to connect two completely independent phrases. When it comes to writing, using too many short sentences can seem too simplistic for many readers. You can quickly fix this issue by using a comma to lengthen the sentence while keeping your grammar in check.

When do you put a comma after a word?

In writing, you insert a comma after a word or phrase when it is grammatically correct punctuation. The structure and the meaning of a sentence can depend on the usage of commas. Let’s look at a very old, but useful classic example of how to use commas to eliminate confusion in your writing. To my parents, Ayn Rand and God.

Why are there no commas in poems?

Sometimes, interestingly enough, the absence of a comma is also a reminder for you to not stop (re-)creating the scene that might be conveyed through the poem. This is quite common in Imagism. This short poem by William Carlos Williams is a really good example.