Commas are important. Placing them wrongly in a letter or a manuscript can be confusing, or just downright wrong. It could even cost you a contract or a job, given the right circumstances. Below is an example of how the simple placement of commas can transform the message. Both texts are written in the exact same wording:
Dear John, I want a man who knows what love is all about. You are generous, kind, thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me for other men. I yearn for you. I have no feelings whatsoever when we’re apart. I can be forever happy–will you let me be yours? Jane
Dear John, I want a man who knows what love is. All about you are generous, kind, thoughtful people, who are not like you. Admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me. For other men, I yearn. For you, I have no feelings whatsoever. When we’re apart, I can be forever happy. Will you let me be? Yours
Jane
For the low-down on the little blighters, check out the following website for a list of rules:
Stephanie Huesler 