You can also use a comma with a shorter phrase when you want to … So you could say, “I too like reading mysteries” or “I like reading mysteries too.” If, on the other hand, you want to emphasize an abrupt change of thought (1), you do use commas, which, among other things, are used to indicate pauses: “I, too, like reading my… Turns out, I can us… If no emphasis is necessary, then no comma is … A comma (,) It is dependent on the first clause for its meaning. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. With three list items, use a comma between the list items and before the 'and' (or whatever conjunction) if it's your local convention. When the too comes in the middle of a sentence, emphasis is almost always intended since it interrupts the natural flow of the sentence. You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. I am editing a work of fiction in which the author has rigidly applied the rule. When do you omit the comma? I love you, Sandra. As a rule of thumb, if the phrase is longer than about four words, use the comma. Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence. If you just have a single comma before or after then that's definitely wrong. According to The Chicago Manual of Style, a comma before too should be used only to note an abrupt shift in thought. For Free, Writing Rundown: Persistence Pays Off in "Peripheral Presence". It is because there is no subject with a verb in the second clause. ), and we MAY put commas before and after "too". Unlike when you should use an apostrophe and when you … Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not … Choose an expert and meet online. This happens when you cannot make a logical sentence from the second clause. Or to separate days of the … I have taken up smoking, too. In the sentence "You, too. Like so: I, too, have taken up smoking. You’ve probably heard a lot of things about the comma and may have questions about when to use a comma. Julie G. The rule goes something like this: When “too” is used in the sense of “also,” use a comma before and after “too” in the middle of a sentence and a comma before “too” at the end of a sentence. The comma is necessary. So whoever gave this a down-vote should probably be prepared to explain their action. When someone tells you they love you, and you return the expression of affection with a 'too' added should there be a comma? But, I've heard an argument to the contrary. The Oxford comma—also called the serial comma—is one of the most divisive linguistic devices in the English language. 7 years ago. If you want to emphasize your thought, you can add the comma to slow the sentence down. If you reply with "You too," that means "Good to see YOU again too." Might I have been telling my significant other I love them back with BAD GRAMMAR? Use a comma in your dates to separate date and year. Use commas with too only when you want to emphasize an abrupt change of thought: He didn’t know at first what hit him, but then, too, he hadn’t ever walked in a field strewn with garden rakes. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew. Introductory bits (small-medium-large) Setting off introductory words, phrases, or clauses with a … Appositives act as synonyms for a … 4 He is a great, strong boy now, and he will soon need a man to take care of him; he is really too big for a lady to manage. Writing A Paper Does Not Have To Be Hard. When an adverbial phrase begins a sentence, it’s often followed by a comma but it doesn’t have to be, especially if it’s short. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. I believe the trend for fewer commas applies here. But, I've heard an argument to the contrary. When using the word too, you only need to use a comma before it for emphasis. ", is the comma acceptable? It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list.. Comma Before And in Lists. If "too" comes in the middle of a sentence then you should either have two commas or no commas. The word “too” is an adverb that indicates “also” or “in addition.” It most often shows up in the middle or at the end of a sentence. Start here or give us a call: (312) 646-6365. Most of the time you probably won't use a comma with “too” because your sentences will be chugging alongwithout needing a pause. © 2005 - 2020 Wyzant, Inc. - All Rights Reserved, a Question For example, if you’re channeling Ebenezer Scrooge, “ Bah, humbug ” requires a comma, because you’re addressing a humbug. Well, it depends on the intention of the writer. I have just as rigidly deleted the commas. Correct: I, too, like being with you. According to The Chicago Manual of Style, a comma before too should only be used when the writer wants to emphasize an abrupt change of thought. Remember that commas often denote a pause, especially when emphasis is intended, so reading the sentence aloud and listening for a pause may be helpful. With two list items, don't use a comma. I tend to think it is, as "too" serves the role of a referential phrase, repeating the verb-phrase of a preceding sentence, and "you" acts simply as a subject pronoun. Consider the example below: When a too comes at the end of a sentence, however, a comma is almost never needed: Since it really depends on the writer’s intent, there is no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to using a comma before too. He would replace conservative, Justice Antonin Scalia, who died last month, leaving behind a bitter … If that’s you too, then you won’t need those commas either. There are different schools of thought about the comma. answered 05/03/19. I tend to think it is, as "too" serves the role of a referential phrase, repeating the verb-phrase of a preceding sentence, and "you" acts simply as a subject pronoun. Season’s Greetings or Seasons Greetings and 3 More Confusing Holiday Terms, Happy New Year, New Year’s, or New Years? This page explains when to use commas in lists, has lots of examples, and includes an interactive exercise. Commas are used to separate list items. In fiction, you might get away with an occasional sentence fragment, but in academic writing, you need complete sentences. A lot of people have strong feelings about putting a comma before and in a list. Then add them only rarely if at all—and only where a … Comma or no comma after “too” is really up to you and the context of the paragraph where the “too” sentence is. My grammar isn't amazing to be honest, but I do try, especially on a serious topic. "You, too" is a fragment. Quick Guide to Commas. When a word or phrase forms an introduction … According to The Chicago Manual of Style, a comma before too should be used only to note an abrupt shift in thought. WRONG: The student who got the … If you answer with "Me too," you seem to be saying "Good to see ME again too" because "you" is the only word in what you're replying to that might be exchanged for "me." The only pronoun in #2 is "you"; there is no "I." Because we put a comma before a name of a person when we're addressing them (You know, Bob, that's not going to work./ Come here, Allan. In most other cases, commas with this short adverb are unnecessary. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need. This first question comes from Marie Crosswell: I seem to remember having it drilled into my head in grade school English classes that when too was being used to mean also, there was ALWAYS a comma before the word if it came at the end of a sentence, and there were ALWAYS commas before and after it if it appeared in the middle of a sentence. Use a Comma After an Introductory Word or Phrase. George G. Dear John, Comma errors are also frequently found in the greetings of emails and holiday letters. Look at these examples. I wouldn't think of "You, too" in strict grammatical terms - it's really just a colloquialism that serves to echo a sentiment without reiterating it completely. Let’s start simple. He makes you feel that if you only had a little more time, you, too, might be an inventor. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating … Rule 1. When using the word too, you only need to use a comma before it for emphasis. It doesn't violate any rules on punctuation. You’ve likely read sentences in which there was a comma before too, but is this correct usage? When the too comes in the middle of a sentence, emphasis is almost always intended since it interrupts the natural flow of the sentence. Do not use a comma between the subject and verb of a sentence. The following is a short guide to get you started using commas. If the second part of a sentence is a dependent clause, there is no comma. This resource also includes sections with more detailed rules and examples. How to Wish Someone Well in 2020, How to Write Right After You’ve Swiped Right, Why Grammar Matters in Your Content Marketing. Most questions answered within 4 hours. Get a free answer to a quick problem. Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using and.There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. In sum, the key to deciding when to use commas with “too” and “either”—and the spirit of the rule in section 6.52—is to leave them out by default. When “too” appears in the middle of a sentence, it is almost always intended to add emphasis, since it interrupts the flow of the sentence. A link to the app was sent to your phone. answered 03/28/19.