Commas Quote by Mary Norris
“Commas, like nuns, often travel in pairs.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Elements of Style" commentary, 2015
Commas function like nuns, appearing in pairs to structure sentences and clarify meaning.
In simple terms: Commas often come in pairs to organize text.
Key Takeaway
Use paired commas for clarity.
Themes
grammar
punctuation
style
clarity
writing
Mood
educational
lighthearted
Type
instructional
humorous
When to use this quote
- editing documents
- teaching writing
- proofreading
- academic papers
Key Concepts
syntax
linguistic rhythm
sentence structure
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a single comma sufficient?
- How does pairing affect reading flow?
A Different Perspective
Overuse can clutter prose.
