An Inconspicuous Guide: How to Write Well Pt II

     Last article I went over some of my personal pet peeves, which included: pronoun/antecedent agreement, misplaced modifiers, dangling participial phrases, subject/verb agreement, differences between 'who' and 'whom,' and commonly misspelled words. I hope you Neopians found it helpful. I figured it was a great way to start with the basics of grammar to help you write about your one true pairing fanfiction of this year's Altador Cup.

     For this article, I figured I would focus on some other common grammar errors including properly using commas and semicolons. This should help you with your letter to the editor about the lack of fruit paint colours for any other pet besides Chias. (Why are they the only ones to have all the fun?)

     Before I begin, you must understand the difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause. An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

     Examples:

      Today, I ate a spinach and feta omelette for breakfast.

      I wanted to use the Alien Aisha Vending Machine but I did not have any Nerkmids.

      The mysterious Flotsam swimming in Kiko Lake gave me a strange look.

     In the first sentence the subject + verb is “I ate.” The second sentence uses “I wanted to use” as subject + verb (wanted is conjugated here but ‘to use’ is in its infinitive form. This is advanced stuff, folks!) The second sentence is actually a compound sentence that is separated by the conjunction “but,” and contains another independent clause including the subject + verb “I [did not] have.” The final independent clause subject + verb is “The mysterious Flotsam + swimming.”

     I suppose I could write an entire article on direct v. indirect objects as well. If you would find that more helpful than a questionable bag of stale crisps, let me know. In the meantime, you can see that the above thoughts are independent clauses and complete sentences. The meaning is clear and expresses complete thoughts/actions. You can picture in your mind what the sentence expresses.

     In comparison, a dependent clause may be a group of words that contain a subject and verb but does not make any sense on its own. It can’t be a sentence on its own!

     Examples:

      When Tombola opened his shop

      That is located in the center of Neopia

      Even though Tarla wanted one

     The first example is something called an adverbial dependent clause, which just means it is a clause that acts like an adverb. You can see that it has a subject and verb but it is not an independent clause because, well, it does not make sense. What happened when Tombola opened his shop? Did he drop a case of bottles of red sand?

     The second example is a relative dependent clause. It acts like an adjective or adjective phrase. But, as you can see, it doesn’t really quite make sense on its own. What is located in the center of Neopia? Inquiring Shoyrus want to know!

     The last example functions as a dependent clause because it depends on more information to make sense. Ha! Did you see what I did there? I made a grammar joke. I’m a hoot.

     Anyway, now we can get to commas!

      Commas

     There are a lot of comma rules and I could probably write an entire series about using them correctly. However, I figured I’d touch on the essentials of comma usage as it is the most commonly asked topic I get as I teach.

     When to use commas:

     Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined with a coordinating conjunction. You can remember what a coordinating conjunction is by remembering the acronym FANBOY: for, and, nor, but, or, yet.

     Examples:

      I intend to go to Meridell, and I intend to play “Kiss the Mortog” when I get there.

      The Grumpy Old King wanted to take his afternoon nap, but he was left wide awake from hearing a good joke.

      She always wanted a Ganuthor, yet she could never afford one.

     Do you see how each of these examples use a FANBOY? Most importantly, the clauses following the conjunction is an independent clause. Make sure you do not accidentally sneak a dependent clause after the conjunction because then you have made yourself a comma splice. Comma splices make me cry.

     Use a comma to separate an inductorary clause, phrase, or words before the main clause.

     Examples:

     After spinning the Wheel of Excitement, I finally had enough neopoints to buy my dream petpet.

      Although the Snowager was asleep, he was not about to risk his beautiful fur for a piece of treasure.

      However, Tarla considered all items in her shop to be priceless.

     Examples one and two use introductory clauses or phrases to “set the stage,” for the following independent clause. The final example just uses an introductory word that offsets the previous sentence to add more context.

      Use commas in the middle of sentences to indicate clauses or phrases (words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence).

     Examples:

      Naia, the fountain faerie, has always been generous with her favour.

      Little Timmy, whose clothes are ragged and torn, is truly a terrible Cheat player.

      The Brain Tree is located deep in the Haunted Woods, an area of Neopia that is rarely travelled.

     Examples one and two show clauses and phrases that give more context to the subject but are not really needed to understand the sentence. The last shows an adjective phrase at the end of a sentence (which doesn’t require a second comma at the end of the sentence.)

      Do NOT use commas to separate essential clauses beginning with the word “that.” That is often an essential noun needed to understand the meaning of a sentence.

     Examples:

      Can I have that bottle of blue sand that I gave you yesterday?

      Today is the day when I finally win the 600 million neopoint prize from Test Your Strength.

      Balthazar The Bounty Hunter couldn’t wait to eat at the restaurant whose chefs were lauded by the Underwater Chef.

     All these examples use relative clauses that include relative pronouns (who, that, which, whose, where, when). This rule can be very tricky because these same pronouns sometimes require commas if used in other ways. Ask yourself if the relative pronoun is needed in the sentence to express a complete thought.

     Use commas to separate words in a series.

     Examples:

      Today, Dr. Ladelbrot asked for a box of wheat flakes, two dried prunes, and a super toy sailboat.

      Spooky petpets include: Bat Boy, Slorg, Furwitch, and Droolik.

      The picky petpetpet ate only three things: buckets full of goo, carawool, and Chebu Chebu Grub.

     First of all, really, really, really, really nerdy people spend their time arguing whether or not a comma is needed between the next to last and last elements of a series. I’ve heard this called an “Oxford Comma.” I’ve also heard said people can get really passionate about it. I don’t see why but to each their own I guess.

     The examples are pretty self-explanatory. When you have elements in a series, separate them with a comma. Also, note the second and third examples of the use of a colon. When you’re introducing a series, use a colon!

      Use commas to separate two (or more) coordinating adjectives that describe the same noun. But, do not add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun.

     Examples:

      Handsome, funny, and smart Inconspicuous is an excellent writer.

      The infuriating, maddening, and exasperating game Food Club can really pay off.

      The cantankerous but talented Cheat player Capara used to sell rotten oranges.

     Again, these examples are pretty straightforward and are also great examples of elements in a series! I included the last example to show when you don’t need to use a comma. Even though you have a number of adjectives describing Capara, you don’t need a comma because of the conjunction “but.” Also, curse you Goob!

     Separate geographical names, dates, addresses, and titles in names with commas.

     Examples:

      I was first published in Neopian Times 11th day of Storing, Y7 during Week 216.

      Shoyru day was celebrated this year on Friday, April 2nd.

      You can purchase an adorable Darpinch of your own at Marquan Petpets, Marqua.

     Again, the examples are pretty self-explanatory! I did want to note that some places around the world write out their dates differently. Some write day/month/year and some write month/day/year. It can be as confusing as figuring out a time to visit the Magma Pool.

     Use a comma to shift between written words and a quotation.

     Examples:

      The National Neopian Bank clerk said, “Good evening, Madam.”

      When you visit the Hall of Heroes, you’re presented with a monument that reads, “To the Great Legends of Altador.”

     ”Please stop poking me with a pencil, ‘Spicuous,” Woro said with a sigh, “I already told you that I am not going to give you a quote for your article.”

     I have actually heard this is another rule that people argue about. However, in general, you separate quotes from the rest of a sentence. In the third example, I show you how to break up a spoken quote with context. Also, shout outs to my lil bro’ for the quote. Love you bro!

     Use common sense.

     Look, using commas can be difficult. However, please do not fear writing because of them. They are lower order concerns. As a reader, I’d much rather see good organization, plot, and substance. Having good grammar skills are important; but, not as important as getting your thoughts written down. I’ve seen plenty of writers freeze colder than the Snowager’s breath because of their worries over grammar. Write and be happy! Now, let us move on to semicolons.

     Semicolons

     A semicolon is not something to use when you feel like you have used too many commas in a sentence. Instead, you use a semicolon to link two independent clauses that have no connecting words.

     Examples:

      Playing Meerca Chase always leaves me in a good mood; the game is just so much fun!

     Bubblebees are so cute; their eyes are just so knowing.

     Honestly, I don’t know why Strawberry Ice Cream with Balsamic Vinegar Syrup is considered a gross food; it sounds pretty delicious to me.

     Each example uses two clauses that are joined with a semicolon without the use of a conjunction. I have also used a few more comma examples here as well. Hope you find them helpful!

     You may also use a semicolon when joining two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb. Some conjunctive adverbs include: however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc. To be honest, I feel like I am talkin’ fancy when I use a conjunctive adverb.

     Examples:

     I was going to spin the Wheel of Extravagance today; however, I realized I do not have enough neopoints.

     Chuffer Bob is an official food taster; moreover, he is also a fairly good Cheat player.

     Garon no longer explores the Faerie Caves; nevertheless, you can read his book Garon the Great.

     Each of these examples uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb. Further, note the comma immediately following said adverb!

      Conclusion

     Writing is hard! As I mentioned in my previous articles, there are so many rules! The worst bit is that the rules are always changing. How is a Shoyru supposed to keep up?

     Nevertheless, I hope all you bookslorgs out there found this article helpful and, as always, feel free to drop me a neomail if you have any questions or concerns. If you found this helpful and have grammar topic suggestions, I’m all ears (but not literally).

     Thank you Neopia! Keep on writing and I’ll keep on reading!