The 5 comma mistakes that everyone makes without realizing it

Summary

This video script focuses on five common comma mistakes that people often make in writing and provides helpful tips to avoid them. It emphasizes the importance of understanding commas not just as pauses but as tools for guiding sentence structure. The key mistakes covered include: using commas with repeated words for emphasis, interjections, direct address (vocatives), yes/no answers, and before coordinating conjunctions. The script encourages viewers to be more mindful of punctuation, offering clarity and precision in their writing while hinting at a more comprehensive course on punctuation for those looking to master the art.

Takeaways

• 😀 The most common comma mistakes stem from a misconception that commas always indicate pauses, which is not true. Commas are syntactical markers to structure text.
• 😀 Repeated words in a sentence, often used for emphasis, should be separated by commas to clarify the intention behind the repetition.
• 😀 Interjections, which express emotions or states of mind, should be separated by commas, such as in expressions like 'Wow, that's amazing!' or 'Oh no, I forgot!'
• 😀 Words like 'né' at the end of a sentence serve a fatic function, aiming to keep communication open and should be separated by commas.
• 😀 The incorrect placement of commas can lead to confusion. For example, leaving out a comma in a sentence like 'I plan a lot of things, but when I have money, I use drugs' changes its meaning entirely.
• 😀 Vocatives, or terms used to directly address someone, must always be set off by commas, e.g., 'Hi, John, how are you?'
• 😀 Commas are also used to separate 'yes' and 'no' answers from their responses. For example, 'Yes, I will be there soon,' or 'No, I can't make it.'
• 😀 Before conjunctions like 'but,' 'however,' and 'although,' a comma is required, especially in sentences with opposing ideas.
• 😀 Using multiple punctuation marks like commas, question marks, and exclamation marks is not incorrect. It is often used strategically to express a variety of emotional states.
• 😀 Punctuation should not be done intuitively but with a solid understanding of the rules. The script emphasizes the importance of learning punctuation consciously for clarity and precision.

Q & A

What is the common misconception about the use of commas?

The common misconception is that a comma is always a pause in speech. However, a comma is primarily a syntactic marker used to structure the text and guide the reader, not just to indicate a pause.

What is the purpose of using a comma with repeated words?

A comma is used to separate repeated words to emphasize the repetition intentionally, making it clear that the repetition serves a specific purpose in the message. For example, 'I am very, very tired' uses the comma to mark the emphasis.

How should repeated words like 'já já' be punctuated in writing?

'Já já' should be written with an accent on both 'já's and separated by a comma: 'já já', to indicate the emphasis and correct pronunciation in writing.

Why do we use commas with interjections?

Commas are used to separate interjections, which express emotions or states of mind. They often appear in phrases like 'Putz, I forgot my bag' or 'Nossa, that’s so slow'. These interjections convey the speaker's emotional state.

What role do interjections play in language?

Interjections express emotional states or reactions, and they help convey the speaker's feelings or the tone of the conversation. Examples include 'Wow', 'Ugh', 'Phew', etc.

What is a vocative, and how should it be punctuated?

A vocative is a term used to address someone directly in speech or writing, such as 'Pedro, come here.' The vocative should always be separated by commas, e.g., 'Pedro, come here.'

What is the difference between a vocative and an appositive?

A vocative directly addresses someone, while an appositive provides additional information about a noun. The main difference lies in their function—vocatives address, and appositives elaborate.

When should a comma be used before 'mas' (but)?

A comma should be placed before 'mas' (but) when it separates two clauses with opposing ideas. For example, 'I wanted to go to the hospital, but there was no time.'

Can commas ever be omitted in the sentence, and what are the consequences?

Commas should not be omitted in certain cases, such as after 'não' (no) in responses, as this can completely change the meaning of the sentence. For example, 'Sim, chega mais cedo' versus 'Não, pode chegar mais tarde'. Omitting the comma can lead to confusion.

What is the importance of understanding punctuation beyond intuition?

Understanding punctuation is crucial for clarity and effective communication. It helps guide the reader through the text and avoids potential misunderstandings that can arise from relying solely on intuition or 'ear' for punctuation.