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pipe01 • today at 12:59 PM • 5 replies • view on HN

As a non-native English speaker I'm always so self conscious when using commas, it feels like I'm always using either too many or too few


Replies

john_strinlai • today at 1:39 PM

i dont think anyone actually cares unless you are in english class or someone wants to feel smug on the internet (you can ignore the 2nd one completely).

GrantMoyer • today at 2:24 PM

Informally, commas are "misused" regularly even by native writers, and almost no one notices or cares unless the misuse is frequent and egregious.

Formally, most comma use is an issue of style, not grammar, and style guides differ on when they should and shouldn't be used. The main rule that's actually a matter of grammar is this: commas cannot be used to join two "clauses" (phrases which could be independent sentences) without a conjunction.

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zulux • today at 1:36 PM

Don't worry about it.

The lack or excess of commas doesn't upset any reasonable person in the slightest.

steele • today at 1:23 PM

You're doing fine. English grammar pedants speak infrequently. Mostly due to the disinterest of the listener.

tenuousemphasis • today at 1:18 PM

As a native English speaker, same.