Lucio
Commas How come english language uses so few commas? Is there a reason? For example, in italian, we use a lot of commas and these help us to read. Generally to write without commas is a trait of ignorant people that didn't learn to use them. Do you have a trick that substitute our use of commas?
10 de jun. de 2016 10:19
Respuestas · 13
3
Hi Lucio. Using commas is generally for the effect of creating a natural pause or breathe, and to a native English speaker, the opportunities to use a comma are obvious. In creative writing (my speciality), it is possible to use a lot more commas to control the speed of the reader. For example, a text that is building anticipation or intensity may use a lot of commas to gradually build up to a point. In contrast, using fewer commas makes for faster reading, and so can be very effective for exhilarating or passionate text. I hope this was of help. Joseph
10 de junio de 2016
1
I suppose the only person who could give you a proper answer would be somebody who knows both languages thoroughly and has compared the grammars. However, although commas are often underused or misused in English, in the majority of the cases where they are left out, the meaning is not lost. It is simply bad (or debatable) style. Perhaps that isn't true in Italian.
10 de junio de 2016
1
Well it seems that in Italian, commas are used for structuring and marking phrases. In English, our commas simply cut. We can do without many unnecessary commas because our rules for word-order and phrasing are very straightforward, which makes many commas redundant.
10 de junio de 2016
1
Have you some examples of where you think some English text should have commas where it does not? Of course, just as in your language, correct punctuation is important but some examples would be helpful.
10 de junio de 2016
probably my remark is significant comparing english and italian languages. If you read the following comments you'll find some examples of what I mean.
10 de junio de 2016
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