American Grammar Checkup: Should we use a comma or "and"?
Brand Message Expert Daisy McCarty asked me recently about whether to use a comma or and in a sentence for one of her clients:
The company focuses on creating elegant, sensible solutions that allow our clients to do more...
The company focuses on creating elegant and sensible solutions that allow our clients to do more...
Daisy want to ensure she used the right format ... and don't we all want the absolute best for our clients?
So which is correct?
Both. The comma basically takes the place of the word "and," and it's a matter of style as to whether a writer uses the word or the comma.
But is there a way to know for sure the word "and" even fits? Yes, there's a basic rule.
Separate two or more adjectives that come before a noun with a comma if they could be separated with "and."
How would you know? Try using the words before or after the noun and see if you can insert "and" between each.
"He's an experienced, efficient assistant." (He's an experienced and efficient assistant.)
"She has a relaxed, unruffled manner." (Her manner is relaxed and unruffled.)
But, when the first adjective modifies the combined idea of the second adjective plus the noun, do NOT use a comma.
"The estate is surrounded by an old stone wall." (The stone wall is old). We wouldn't write or say "the wall is old and stone," right?)
"The annual financial statements are due this month!" (We wouldn't write or say "the statements are annual and financial," right?)
Do not use a comma between the final adjective and the noun.
Yesterday, I put in a long, hard, demanding day. (No comma between demanding and day.)
Is this everything we need to know about commas? Heck, no. That's why there are so many style guides created -- many for the same system, like the American one -- and certainly many for other systems that use the English language but may differ on details.
*****
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For more on commas, visit GrammarGoddess.com and type commas into the Search box. Also be sure to to download my FREE "Colons and Commas and Dashes Oh, My!"!
Do you have a question I might be able to answer? I'm always happy to help.
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Comments
Susan 🐝 Rooks, The Grammar Goddess
5 years ago #7
And if that's the case, so be it, John Rylance! There will often be times when we know a rule and decide to not use it -- and as long as we don't embarrass ourselves or confuse a reader -- that's OK. I just want folks to know what the rules are, in case they need that info. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Susan 🐝 Rooks, The Grammar Goddess
5 years ago #6
Heck, Claire L Cardwell, neither do I! Of course, in school ... were we even listening? Did we know we'd grow up to need to know this stuff? Doubtful. I am always learning, even in my specialty; there's always one more fact I lost track of, or never learned. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment; much appreciated!
Susan 🐝 Rooks, The Grammar Goddess
5 years ago #5
Love that as usual, Ken Boddie! Thanks!
Susan 🐝 Rooks, The Grammar Goddess
5 years ago #4
John Rylance
5 years ago #3
Perhaps not using and makes what you are saying/writing more punchy. Maybe the use or non-use of and reflects the emphasis we are trying to achieve.
John Rylance
5 years ago #2
Ken that's the upbeat version, as opposed to the downbeat one namely ........ "Comma, and comma, and comma, and comma, and comma chameleon"
Ken Boddie
5 years ago #1