Is a comma optional here?

Question

I've been struggling with comma use in certain areas lately. After reading some advice from grammar experts in higher education, despite what we may have learned perhaps from English teachers in high school, I've heard that whether a comma is put in some circumstances is less important in professional or formal writing.

For example, in the sentence below, I'm pretty sure a comma before "and" technically isn't required since it's followed by a nonrestrictive phrase. However, say if a writer really wanted to put one there to clearly separate those parts of the sentence to make it easier to understand, would it be incorrect?

Many artists insist on producing their own music to ensure they’re getting what they want, and to demonstrate versatility as a hybrid musician.

I personally feel like a comma there would better offset or separate the two things I'm trying to say, but I'm not sure if it's correct that way. I wanted to write it to show the emphasis I'd place on the word "and" if I were to read this sentence aloud. Even if this sentence COULD be worded better, I want to address this specific circumstance.

I guess my main question is under what circumstances are commas optional? Are there ever any scenarios where possible comma usage is less important in professional writing, like with the sentence above, and more contingent on how the writer sees fit?

Answer 1

Hi Jordan,

The rule of thumb is to use a comma after coordinating conjunctions like (and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet) when you need to separate two independent clauses.

Many artists insist on producing their own music to ensure they’re getting what they want, and to demonstrate versatility as a hybrid musician.

I would not put a comma in this case because the conjunction "and" does NOT separate 2 independent clauses. " to demonstrate versatility as a hybrid musician" does not stand on its own. it only makes sense if connected to clause #1.

Hope this make sense!

Nadia Greasley

Answer 2

Hi Jordan,

Placing the comma before "and" in your example is correct. Sometimes a comma may be used to create emphasis or a sense of dramatic pause. In your example, the conjunction "and" links 2 independent clauses so the comma is not really necessary. Using the comma for emphasis, in your sentence, is correct.

I hope this helps.

Ron Theel

Answer 3

My go-to resource is the excellent THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE.

You don't need a comma at "want, and" because the rest is not fully an independent clause. You are free to have one for clarity, and you might even use a dash instead --- to set off that last portion more emphatically.

Douglas Winslow Cooper, PhD

author of, among other books, WRITE YOUR BOOK WITH ME.