Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, it seems, is a little obsessive about commas. According to press reports, he’s been sending out directives to staff that they should follow certain strict guidelines.

Contrary to popular belief, commas don't just signify pauses in a sentence. In fact, precise rules govern when to use this punctuation mark. When followed, they lay the groundwork for clear written ...

Here’s an interesting question posed to me recently: Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly? Look for fresh basil at your local grocery store, and, if it isn’t available, tell the ...

Commas are among the most useful punctuation marks in English. Across genres, they perform functions strategic to effective communication. For instance, they come in handy when we are listing items ...

A New York Times story last month on the new head of Britain’s state run health care system telling employees to avoid using the Oxford comma caught the eye of reader Dan Worrells of Lake San Marcos.

Punctuation helps the reader understand a story. Commas, periods, dashes and other marks convey the writer’s voice. They signal an emphasis or tone in language, as well as tell a reader when to stop ...