Commas, commas, commas, and more commas

This little turd is probably the most misinterpreted, sorry piece of punctuation in the universe.

The reason behind the misinterpretation is that there are a great many variables when it comes to current comma usage in writing. Some of it boils down to style and personal preference, and some of it boils down to good practice and the clarification of given information. Keep in mind that there are several versions of the English language and even more styles of writing and editing.

That said; the first thing I want to do is guide everyone over to Purdue Owl. This is my go-to site. When I’m in doubt, I check out Purdue, and apply the concepts.

Now, it is mandatory you understand that absolutely, under no circumstance, is a comma ever used to indicate a pause in speech. Such an idea is completely erroneous.

First of all, it is not a writer’s or editor’s job to tell a reader when to pause in speech or mental dictation. Should such a situation arise, and it will in dialogue, the pause is indicated by the ellipses, or perhaps even the prose: He paused before continuing.

If you doubt me, I want you to think about William Shatner, Matthew Perry, and Christopher Walken. They all speak perfect English, or at least American English, yet they all have their own, very discernible, and…