Judgement Calls: The Sad Fate of the Comma

Robert J. Samuelson of Newsweek writes:

"I have always liked commas, but I seem to be in a shrinking minority. The comma is in retreat, though it is not yet extinct. In text messages and e-mails, commas appear infrequently, and then often by accident (someone hits the wrong key). Even on the printed page, commas are dwindling. Many standard uses from my childhood (after, for example, an introductory prepositional phrase) have become optional or, worse, have been ditched."

Read the rest of the article (‘cuz it’s along the lines of the worlds ‘hurry up’ mentality that I have been harping on as of late. I told this to my Dad and at 76 he sez he has absolutely no problem slowing down. Indeed, he is constantly fighting the urge to slow down.  :o)

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About Gandalfe

Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Pacifica Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) and participate in other ensembles. Mostly enjoy time with family and friends.
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5 Responses to Judgement Calls: The Sad Fate of the Comma

  1. Unknown's avatar L says:

    I still use commas and correct punctuation, even on text messages! I think for our generation grammar, spelling, and English was drilled into our heads. I  still  remember asking my Mother how to spell a  word  while doing  my homework.  Her standard  reply, "go look it up".  The dictionary was used frequently in our house.

  2. Unknown's avatar xenia lynn teresa says:

    Field rats, is that what you said?  (How’s that for grammar).

  3. Unknown's avatar daphne says:

    When i was in school, my teacher said i used too many commas, because i applied the Dutch rules to the English language, so my papers were crowded with commas… I think i use them still, but it is true that my texts don’t include comma’s. Then again, they are supposed to be short ‘n sweet!
    See you in three weeks!
    love, daphne

  4. Unknown's avatar Kathryn says:

    Oh, I am glad I clicked on here.  I’m interested in that article. We just had a discussion of that in the writing class I’m teaching…thanks!

  5. Unknown's avatar Lizzie-Beth4Him says:

    This was an extremely enjoyable blog!  I tend to over-use them, as opposed to under-use them, and go back and forth on Canadian and American grammar.
     
    Beth 

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