Some writers use commas liberally, while others prefer to use them sparingly.

Question

Some writers use commas liberally, while others prefer to use them sparingly.

Is the comma correct. I feel it is unnecessary as a subordinate clause is following the mail clause. It may be needed if it came first. Am I right?

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Let me ask you this. If you said that sentence aloud to someone, would you naturally pause there?
( I know this is not an easy question for learners, but try it.

)

Clive

Addyaddy · Answer

No, I would not.

Enoon · Answer

"While" is a coordinating conjunction with the force of "and" there, joining two independent clauses. The comma is not optional for that reason alone, but if you need more, without it, "while" is read as an adverb on the first pass (at the same time that others ...).

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I'd consider the comma optional.

I find it helpful to explain to students this way.

If you omit the comma, you are giving the listener the whole sentence as what you might perhaps call 'a single thought'.

If you use a comma, ie a pause, you are giving the listener a bit more time time to think about the first part of the sentence, before you continue. When you continue after the pause, it's like you are telling the listener, 'Now here's another thing to think about'.

Clive

Some writers use commas liberally, while others prefer to use them sparingly.

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