Commas

Many writers think it is a good idea to sprinkle commas every few places in there writing, but this makes for difficult reading. Here are some places commas should not be used: * After and, but, and or, unless the comma sets off a dependent clause (a phrase which can't stand alone as a sentence). Examples: Wrong- But, she did get it done on time. Right- But, to be fair, she did get it done on …

…Because the entire epic is concerned with justifying the ways of God to man, Milton must present free will in a positive light." * Commas are preferred before the last item in a list: leaving them out, as in "the first, second and third chapters," is a habit picked up from journalism. Though it saves a little space and effort, omitting the final comma suggests the second and third chapters are some sort of special pair.