Commas

Many writers think it is a good idea to sprinkle commas every few places in there writing, but this makes for difficult reading. Here are some places commas should not be used: * After and, but, and or, unless the comma sets off a dependent clause (a phrase which can't stand alone as a sentence). Examples: Wrong- But, she did get it done on time. Right- But, to be fair, she did get it done on …showed first 75 words of 217 total…

…showed last 75 words of 217 total…Because the entire epic is concerned with justifying the ways of God to man, Milton must present free will in a positive light." * Commas are preferred before the last item in a list: leaving them out, as in "the first, second and third chapters," is a habit picked up from journalism. Though it saves a little space and effort, omitting the final comma suggests the second and third chapters are some sort of special pair.