The second rule for use of commas is to use a comma before the “and” when a wholly correct clause is introduced. The way to determine if the clause is wholly correct is to ask if it makes sense on its own, such as having its own subject(s) and verb(s). The example below shows two clauses separated by “and,” along with a correctly used comma.
We went to the store, and Joan bought some juice.
The third rule is an extension of the second rule; do not use a comma to separate a sentence from text that could not be a complete clause on its own. The example below shows an incorrect use of a comma in this situation.
We are going home, and sleep.
The ending of the example sentence (“…and sleep”) is not a complete sentence on its own, therefore, a comma should not be used before “and.”
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Completely spell out acronyms and abbreviations the first time they are used. Once a writer decides to use an acronym or abbreviation they should be used throughout the remainder of the text, switching back and forth between the full spelling and the acronym or abbreviation should be avoided.
Using “etc.,” “i.e.,” and “e.g.”
The final rules discussed in this article involve the use of several common abbreviations. The first abbreviation is “etc.” This comes from Latin and is an abbreviation for et cetera, which means “and others.” First, make sure that a period is included at the end; second, make sure that the “others” have been specified previously. A final note on this abbreviation, if it is used put the letters in the correct order; “ect.” is not correct.
The second abbreviation often misused is “i.e.” Also from Latin, this is a shortened form of id est which means “that is.” When used correctly this abbreviation indicates an alternative way of stating something. The most common error when using “i.e.” is not following it with a comma; there should be two periods and a comma in this abbreviation.
The final abbreviation discussed in this article is “e.g.” Again, this is an abbreviation for a Latin phrase, “exempla gratia.” This is used when the writer means “for example” or “for instance.” Some people believe that “e.g.” stands for example given, this is not true, but it can be a helpful way to remember that it does have something to do with an example. Similar to the use of “i.e.” many writers forget to put a comma after the second period in “e.g.” Below are three correct examples of these abbreviations.
Bob bought a whole bunch of office supplies, pens, pencils, staples, paper, highlighters, and erasers on his way home. He purchased so many things that when he got home he realized that he had forgotten a bag at the store. He had his pens and pencils, but the staples etc. were still at the store.
John is a big person, i.e., he is over six feet tall.
The black horse is fast, e.g., it has won all of its races.
By using the rules above your writing will make more sense and will be correct. Future articles will address other writing errors and provide additional advice.
1 Compact Oxford Online Dictionary. 25 January 2005. http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/splitinfinitive
