Constant Content

Okay, here's another comma question.

*** I have questions about commas too.
*** I have questions about commas, too.

What's the official preference? Are both okay? I find that I'm inconsistent about adding a comma when using the word "too."

*** Do you do this too? or is it, "Do you do this, too?"

*** If you like grammar too, then read this book.

Not sure why this is baffling me today.

My dear husband (also a writer) says I always use too many commas. I was taught that if one paused in a sentence, then a comma should be used to indicate that pause.

It seems that this is not the case now.

So whilst I would probably also put a comma, probably the right thing would not to be to put a comma.

Styles and what is considered 'correct' change over the years.


Mrs Sultana

Err on the side of caution. While it may be grammatically correct, you're still going to catch hell if you use commas a lot.

Hi Celeste,

I too struggle with commas...period. I came across this little ditty which might answer your question.

http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/ask-t ... e-too.html

Styles do change and it's so darn hard to keep up.

T

I would include the comma. I feel there is a pause, and I do feel that a comma prior to "too" (at the end of a sentence) is appropriate. Most documentation says it's optional.

Although the following advocates for removing the comma after short introductory phrases such as those that include dates (I am irritated when this ommission occurs - there is a natural pause after "In 1984" or "On July 1st, 1984," just like there would be after "Once upon a time."), it does go into some explanation why the comma can be optional.

http://thegrammarexchange.infopop.cc/ev ... 5346054843

[quote="Ed"]"On July 1st, 1984," just like there would be after "Once upon a time."), it does go into some explanation why the comma can be optional.[/quote]


Ed,
I always thought there should be a comma there too. When I've added it in the past, the "comma nazis" hammered me. Thank you for letting me know that I won't get hammered by you if I use it. This makes me happy. I think I'll go write something.

OK, thanks. I don't usually get too bogged down with comma concerns, but this one had me wondering. I think I'll keep doing what I'm doing as far as how I punctuate "too" - which is using it optionally.