I saw this photo and felt it was solid advice for comma usage.
However, some of these can be broken.
Breaking Comma Rules
Rule 1: The Oxford comma is not always necessary. Some writers eschew it entirely. If ambiguity is avoided, maintain your preferred style. Just beware this classic example of needing a serial comma:
Example: I want to paint the entire house but Joseph hasn’t sanded the doors yet.
Rule 4: Em dashes and parentheses work too, depending on how you want to emphasize the nonessential bit.
Rule 5: This rule can give way to style preference if only two adjectives describe the same noun. Both of these examples are correct.
Example 1: Long brown hair cascaded down her back. Example 2: Long, brown hair cascaded down her back.
However, I would suggest using commas for a string of three or more adjectives.
Example 3: Long, brown, shiny hair cascaded down her back.
(Try taking one or both commas out if you disagree.)
Rule 7: The way this rule is written is misleading. The key emphasis should be on ‘sentence.’ Try this: Take everything before the comma and substitute a generic statement for the dialogue itself. If it still makes sense, the comma is correct.
Example 1:
Mother asked, “Who wants ice cream?”
Therefore,
Mother asked a question.
Example 2:
Mother nodded at her friend, “Are you coming with us?”
Therefore,
Mother nodded at her friend a question.
This second example doesn’t work with a comma because the direct quote is not part of the original sentence. A period or other such sentence-ending punctuation mark is necessary, as such:
Mother nodded at her friend. “Are you coming with us?”
Random Wrap-Up
It’s essential to know the rules so you can understand how and when to break them. Sometimes, that goddamn comma simply can’t be avoided whether we like it or not.
What do you think? Any others on the top list you think you can break? Let me know in the comments!
And if you’re feeling especially brave about breaking rules, check out this open call for Fuck the Rules, an upcoming anthology I’ll be coediting with the twisted David Owain Hughes. Only the brave few who are willing to throw up middle fingers, cross boundaries, and shake the status quo without tossing grammar, punctuation, and essential elements of storytelling aside will make the cut.
Stay tuned. More randomosity coming soon.
JO
jondrashek.com 
http://www.wichicon.com/
We would love to have you!
We are looking for sponsors and vendors
cos play judges
Interested in becoming a vendor or artist, cosplay judge, sponsors … visit the website above and download the Exhibitor Contract.
Bob Brown Expo Hall – Century II
Early Access: 10 AM
June 3, Saturday: 10:30 AM – 7 PM
June 4, Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5 PM
WichiCon at Riverfest is a comic book convention like no other. The event will be unique because it will attract patrons that are unfamiliar with attending a comic con as well as attracting those who are already involved with that genre of collecting. WichiCon provides a family friendly environment with activities, vendors, artists, panels and guests.
WichiCon at Riverfest – Premiere Comic Con
WichiCon at Riverfest is the largest comic con in Wichita. Our goal is to bring you the best vendors and artist in the industry. Come and enjoy the festivities of Riverfest and visit WichiCon for free with your Riverfest button.
wichicon.com
LikeLiked by 1 person