![]() | This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
Punctuation is important, and the comma exists for a reason. Several reasons, actually. If someone has added or removed a comma in an article on your watchlist, do not simply reflexively revert the change, or edit war over it. Many commas are grammatically required, and many that aren't are stylistically preferred in formal writing. Furthermore, some low-register uses of commas are incorrect. Insertion or removal of a single comma can often totally change the meaning of a sentence, while in other cases having virtually no effect at all. When a comma-related dispute arises, do not simply assert that your preferred usage is the preferred one. First, see whether WP:Manual of Style/Punctuation covers the case in question and, if so, follow its advice. If not, consult multiple reliable sources on style, grammar, and usage to determine whether there is a generally accepted standard approach to that particular kind of case in formal writing, or multiple approaches. If a disagreement becomes intractable, see if there's a way to reword the sentence to obviate the issue entirely.
© MMXXIII Rich X Search. We shall prevail. All rights reserved. Rich X Search