Scookie Reviews

Here’s a quick tip to remember when phrases like 'of course' need a comma. Usually the wording will hint, but sometimes you can control what you are saying through punctuation alone.  Of course, I could only guess if there’s a comma. Of course I could only guess if there’s a comma!  I’ve added an exclamation mark to emphasise the difference although you don’t necessarily need it. The first can be commonly found when musing, and demonstrates a side thought or an extra consideration. It’s found when you’re discussing issues or considering pros and cons. ‘Of course’ is used to break up this point from the last few. The second is more like ‘I told you so’ or ‘what did you expect’, an exclamatory phrase which is more commonly found in dialogue. It’s not just ‘of course’ it applies to. It applied to ‘so’ and ‘sorry’ and many other similar sentence starters. If you’re unsure about a comma, just think about how it’s said.

Deciding whether a comma is needed before ‘too’ must be a nightmare. Contradictory explanations lurk on the web and critiques will often swing either way. There are a few rules that may help you decide what to do and the most important one is this: it honestly doesn't matter. The Chicago Manuel of Style (note how it’s a ‘style’) has something to say here. If ‘too’ follows a change in the conversation, a comma may neaten up the parsing. I saw the news. I saw my mother, too. However, if you’re mentioning how you've done something the same as someone else, then it’s all part of the same conversation and topic and you don’t need a comma. Taking it out could increase pace. You saw the news? I saw the news too! However, general consensus now suggests these rules are optional. You can put the comma in and by doing so you’ll create extra emphasis. You saw my mother? I saw my mother, too! When ‘too’ appears in the middle of the sentence, you may find yourself wanting to p...

Removing unnecessary commas can really ease the flow of your writing. I’ve recently come across a really easy one to spot and fix and, once you know it, your writing will only become smoother. Today’s example sentence is taken from a novel I am editing for a really talented author. Have a little read: He found that studying left little room for other thoughts, such as childish dreams and desires. The comma before ‘such as’ is unnecessary and interrupts the flow. Here’s how it reads without: He found that studying left little room for other thoughts such as childish dreams and desires. You’ve probably noticed how taking out the comma almost makes no difference at all, but you have to remember the bigger picture. Tweaks like this one are not what will get you noticed by publishers, but if you care about the little tweaks then chances are your writing will be a lot smoother than other contenders. To take this a step further, there are two ways in which a comma would be approp...