Commas are the shapeshifters of punctuation. They’re small, squiggly, and deceptively powerful. At first glance, they might seem like mere decorative pauses in a sentence—but underestimate them at your peril.
Used correctly, commas clarify meaning, guide readers through your ideas, and add a natural rhythm to your writing. They help your sentences breathe and make your thoughts easier to follow. But when used incorrectly—or left out entirely—they can confuse your readers, distort your meaning, and even lead to some hilariously unfortunate misunderstandings. (Just ask anyone who’s ever typed “Let’s eat Grandma” instead of “Let’s eat, Grandma.”)
Whether you’re drafting an email, writing a blog post, or polishing a resume, comma mistakes can make your writing look sloppy or unprofessional.
Mastering them might seem like a small detail, but it’s those small details that build trust with your audience and make your message shine.
So if you’ve ever hesitated over whether or not to drop in that tiny, curly pause, this post is for you. Let’s break down the most common comma mistakes—with grammar tips, real examples, humor, and a bit of sass—so you can stop second-guessing and start punctuating like a pro.
🔢 1. The Serial Comma Showdown
Wrong (without Oxford comma):
I love my parents, Lady Gaga and Humpty Dumpty.
(Use a Quote Block or Paragraph with Italics)
Right (with Oxford comma):
I love my parents, Lady Gaga, and Humpty Dumpty.
Why it’s wrong:
Without the Oxford comma, it sounds like Lady Gaga and Humpty Dumpty are your parents. Possibly fun, definitely confusing.
Quick Fix:
Use a comma before the final “and” in a list of three or more items to avoid awkward ambiguity.
🚫 2. Comma Splices (AKA Sentence Smash-Ups)
Wrong:
I finished my report, I went to bed.
Right:
I finished my report, and I went to bed.
OR: I finished my report. I went to bed.
Why it’s wrong:
A comma alone can’t join two full sentences. That’s like trying to carry a couch with a shoelace.
Quick Fix:
Use a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
🛑 3. Forgetting Introductory Commas
Wrong:
After eating the dog barked.
Right:
After eating, the dog barked.
Why it’s wrong:
Without a comma, it sounds like “eating the dog” is on the menu. Ew.
Quick Fix:
Add a comma after introductory words or phrases (“After class,” “To be fair,” “Unfortunately,” etc.).
🙋 4. Direct Address Disasters
Wrong:
Let’s eat Sarah.
Right:
Let’s eat, Sarah.
Why it’s wrong:
The first one is cannibalism. The second is a dinner invite.
Quick Fix:
Use commas to set off names when directly addressing someone.
🧱 5. Adjective Confusion
Wrong:
She wore a silk, red dress.
Right:
She wore a red silk dress.
Why it’s wrong:
“Red” describes the kind of “silk dress,” not a separate quality. No comma needed.
Quick Fix:
Can you insert “and” or reverse the adjectives? If so, use a comma. If not, skip it.
🎭 6. Over-Comma-ing Like a Drama Queen
Wrong:
My cat, who is fluffy, and dramatic, enjoys naps.
Right:
My cat, who is fluffy and dramatic, enjoys naps.
Why it’s wrong:
Too many commas break the rhythm of your sentence.
Quick Fix:
Read it aloud. If you pause too much, cut back on the commas.
🔗 7. Skipping Commas in Compound Sentences
Wrong:
I studied all night but I still failed.
Right:
I studied all night, but I still failed.
Why it’s wrong:
Two independent clauses need a comma before the coordinating conjunction.
Quick Fix:
If both halves could be full sentences, put a comma before the FANBOYS word.
🔍 8. Not Marking Nonessential Clauses
Wrong:
My sister who lives in Texas is visiting.
Right:
My sister, who lives in Texas, is visiting.
Why it’s wrong:
The first implies you have multiple sisters. The second assumes one, and her location is extra info.
Quick Fix:
Ask: “Is this info needed to identify the subject?” If no, add commas.
📅 9. Date and Location Mayhem
Wrong:
On July 4 1776 America declared independence.
Right:
On July 4, 1776, America declared independence.
Quick Fix:
Comma after the day, and between city/state—plus after the state if the sentence continues.
🛒 10. Comma Clutter in Lists
Wrong:
I bought apples, bananas, and, cheese.
Right:
I bought apples, bananas, and cheese.
Why it’s wrong:
You’re stopping where you shouldn’t. That comma after “and” is just awkward.
Quick Fix:
In a list, commas go between items, not after “and.”
✅ Conclusion: Commas Are Not Optional Garnish
Commas may be tiny, but they punch above their weight. They clarify, organize, and sometimes save lives (just ask Grandma). Master these common pitfalls, and your writing will not only make sense—it’ll sing.
Final tip: When in doubt, read your sentence out loud. If you’re gasping for air, check your commas. If you’re unintentionally threatening to eat your relatives, definitely check your commas.
Sally the Scribe 