Technical Writing - 7 Rules of Using Commas Correctly in Your Technical Documents

A comma is a wonderful thing when used properly. It helps us organize the content, absorb it easily, and retain it longer. Look at the way commas are used in the previous sentence, for example. Commas are great to separate the members of a list.

But sometimes commas are used incorrectly. That's when they end up confusing the readers rather than helping them.

Here are 7 rules of about using a comma correctly:
1) Don't use a comma between a SUBJECT and its related VERB.
Incorrect: The configuration settings of this access unit, may create a problem during an emergency. Correct: The configuration settings of this access unit may create a problem during an emergency.

2) Don't use a comma before the first item in a list.
Incorrect: My most favorite subjects are, math, biology and physics. Correct: My most favorite subjects are math, biology and physics.

3) Don't use a comma after the last item in a list.
Incorrect: You have to shut down the valves, the pipes, and the inlet regulator, before you leave the building. Correct: You have to shut down the valves, the pipes, and the inlet regulator before you leave the building.

4) Don't use a comma after an "and," "but," "except," or other similar conjunctive words.
Incorrect: The economy has tanked but, we'll survive. Correct: The economy has tanked but we'll survive.

Incorrect: We need to replace both the transistors and, the capacitors. Correct: We need to replace both the transistors and the capacitors.

5) Don't use a comma after a VERB and its related OBJECT. If an action is doing something to an object, do not place a comma between the ACTION and its OBJECT.

Incorrect: Unit testing has revealed, that we need to redesign the motherboard. Correct: Unit testing has revealed that we need to redesign the motherboard.

6) Don't use a comma before a prepositional phrase.
Incorrect: This use guide really benefited, from your constructive feedback. Correct: This use guide really benefited from your constructive feedback.

7) Don't use a comma between the clauses of a compound sentence.

Incorrect: The project manager approved the documentation plan, and authorized the technical writers to start the first draft. Correct: The project manager approved the documentation plan and authorized the technical writers to start the first draft.

ASSIGNMENT:

What do you think about the following sentences? Are the commas used correctly? How would you correct them?

a) "While generating the Tracker Report, inappropriate filters were used." b) "The employees will be rewarded on the basis of their, seniority, performance, and, attendance." c) "Find and replace all such terms before spell-checking editing and, rewriting your document."

If you are interested to read more about what technical writing is all about and how it can help you earn a steady living, visit http://www.learntechnicalwriting.com and claim your free report "How Much Do Technical Writers Make?" You might be pleasantly surprised with what you'll find out. Join the thousands who are already helped and inspired by this information provided by a Fortune 500 Senior Technical Writer. Visit us now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ugur_Akinci