Period Vs Comma : Which One To Choose For Your Sentence?
Periods and commas are both essential pieces of punctuation that serve different purposes. However, choosing the right one for your sentence can be confusing. This article will give you a better understanding of period vs comma so that you can make the right decision for your writing.
What is a period?
A period (.) is a punctuation mark used at the end of a sentence. It indicates the end of a complete thought or idea. A period should always be used after a statement or a declarative sentence.
For example:
– She went to the store to buy some groceries.
– The sun is shining brightly in the sky.
Periods can also be used in acronyms and abbreviations, such as U.S.A. and Mr.
What is a comma?
A comma (,) is a punctuation mark that comes after a word, phrase, or clause in a sentence. It is used to separate two or more elements in a sentence. Commas are used to improve readability and to clarify meaning.
For example:
– I like to eat pizza, pasta, and salad.
– After the meeting, we went out for drinks.
Commas can also be used to separate adjectives, to set off introductory phrases, and to separate items in a list.
Period vs comma: When to use each?
Now that you know what a period and a comma are, it’s time to understand when to use each.
Use a period when:
– You want to end a sentence.
– You have a complete thought or idea.
– You are writing a statement or declarative sentence.
For example:
– I love to read books. (end of sentence)
– The car is parked outside. (complete thought)
Use a comma when:
– You want to separate two or more elements in a sentence.
– You want to clarify the meaning of a sentence.
– You want to improve readability.
For example:
– I like to eat pizza, which is my favorite food. (clarify the meaning)
– Let’s eat Grandma vs. Let’s eat, Grandma. (improve readability)
Common mistakes to avoid
Using a period instead of a comma or vice versa can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using a period instead of a comma in a list:
Incorrect: I like to eat pizza. Pasta. and salad.
Correct: I like to eat pizza, pasta, and salad.
2. Using a comma instead of a period in a sentence:
Incorrect: Tom is my best friend, he likes to play basketball.
Correct: Tom is my best friend. He likes to play basketball.
3. Using a comma after a coordinating conjunction:
Incorrect: I went to the store, and bought some milk.
Correct: I went to the store and bought some milk.
Conclusion
Periods and commas are both important punctuation marks that serve different purposes. Knowing when to use each will improve the readability and clarity of your writing. Always remember to proofread your work and avoid common mistakes for effective communication.