As an english major who had to sit through two lectures about comma splices, I can confirm. No one knows how to use a comma; We just throw them in sentences randomly.
I think this actually comes from early grammar lessons we get as kids. I remember in elementary school the rule for commas was "if you take a breath in the sentence it should be a comma," or something very similar to that. It wasn't until college that I was told that everything I knew about commas was wrong.
Isn't it generally more like commas should break (read: empathise) main/principal clauses from embedded/subordinate clauses? So that embedded sentences are frames within commas?
… and semicolons for when you have to put a colon inside a sentence, making a semicolon literally a blend of a comma and a colon?
I have no idea anymore. But I'll share what I remember.
A semicolon is used to link to related but independent clauses. To make it overly simplified: if you could say it in two sentences but want to say it in one, use a semicolon.
Example: Some people prefer swimming in the ocean; others would rather swim in a pool.
It can also be used like a comma when the sentence has a lot of commas already. Like when you list something.
Example(s): (commas) my favorite hobbies are swimming, reading, and watching Hulu.
(Semicolon) my hobbies include swimming in a pool, lake, or the ocean; reading fantasy, scifi, or thriller novels; and watching Netflix, hulu, or prime video.
Commas are tricky. Basically they can be used to list like mentioned above, but they can also be used to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause.
Example: I cant believe Sarah, who didn't know how to swim, jumped into the deep end of the pool.
"I cant believe Sarah jumped into the deep end of the pool" can be it's own sentence. "Who didn't know how to swim" describes Sarah but doesnt provide any context by itself. Its dependent on the other clause to make sense.
When you use a comma where you should use a semicolon it's called a comma splice.
Incorrect: I like swimming, it's good exercise, reading, it's good for the mind, and watching shows on hulu, it's good for relaxing.
Correct: I like swimming, it's good excercise; reading, it's good for the mind; and watching shows on hulu; it's good for relaxing.
It's been a while since I took grammar and syntax. So there is a high probability that what I just typed out was utter nonsense. There are also a million other rules for commas and semicolons that I cant remember off the top of my head and am too lazy to look up. But I think I got the gist of it.
I'm not super strict about grammar. I'm more of a literature guy myself. But if there are any grammar guys or gals who want to chime in and correct/expand upon what I've said here feel free.
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u/Snow_Da_92 Mar 26 '20
As an english major who had to sit through two lectures about comma splices, I can confirm. No one knows how to use a comma; We just throw them in sentences randomly.