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Should I put a comma after "So"?

Posted: 11 Mar 2022, 09:34
by Sarai Burgos
When I am reviewing the grammar of the books, this error is always marked, but I notice that in some narratives they do not use it. Should I mark it as an error?

Re: Should I put a comma after "So"?

Posted: 11 Mar 2022, 11:31
by kandscreeley
It would be helpful to use in a sentence to know for sure. As far as reviewing books, I give some leeway to writers for stylistic choices. If it's not an obvious error, I wouldn't count it. Or, you could always put it in the uncounted errors section. If you mean for your reviews, I'd have to know the context.

Re: Should I put a comma after "So"?

Posted: 13 Mar 2022, 14:03
by Pauline Parnell
Its accepted that a comma comes directly after a coordinating conjunction such as so. However, authors do have some amount of stylistic discretion.

Re: Should I put a comma after "So"?

Posted: 14 Mar 2022, 04:51
by Helen Akoth
Sarai Burgos wrote: 11 Mar 2022, 09:34 When I am reviewing the grammar of the books, this error is always marked, but I notice that in some narratives they do not use it. Should I mark it as an error?
When 'so' has been used as a coordinating conjunction, then I'd say comma is necessary. However, it is not such a serious error, so when reading a book, you may consider not counting it under the objective errors section. On the other hand, when writing a review, it is advisable to add it to avoid risking being marked down for failing to do so. In cases where 'so' has not been used as a coordinating conjunction, I believe adding a comma is is unnecessary and can even be considered an error.

Re: Should I put a comma after "So"?

Posted: 14 Mar 2022, 09:00
by Sarai Burgos
Helen Akoth wrote: 14 Mar 2022, 04:51
Sarai Burgos wrote: 11 Mar 2022, 09:34 When I am reviewing the grammar of the books, this error is always marked, but I notice that in some narratives they do not use it. Should I mark it as an error?
When 'so' has been used as a coordinating conjunction, then I'd say comma is necessary. However, it is not such a serious error, so when reading a book, you may consider not counting it under the objective errors section. On the other hand, when writing a review, it is advisable to add it to avoid risking being marked down for failing to do so. In cases where 'so' has not been used as a coordinating conjunction, I believe adding a comma is is unnecessary and can even be considered an error.
Thank you so much!!