Reduct Transcription Guidelines - Commas
- Commas
Commas are used to indicate a short pause. But a short pause in the audio while you are transcribing DOES NOT warrant a comma all the time. Use commas after transition words.
Examples
Generally speaking, we work eight hours a day.
Fortunately, we have got amazing people in our team.
The most common error regarding comma usage is with coordinating conjunctions, AKA FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). When coordinating conjunctions are used to join two independent clauses, a comma always comes BEFORE the conjunction, never after.
Incorrect
We had to go through a really long approval process but, once we did get the approval, it made our job so much easier.
Correct
We had to go through a really long approval process, but once we did get the approval, it made our job so much easier.
Incorrect
We did not have a clear idea of what to do. So, we waited for the manager’s instruction.
(If you want to break down two independent clauses like in this example, simply remove the comma after ‘so’.)
Correct
We did not have a clear idea of what to do, so we waited for the manager’s instruction.
Excessive use of commas in unnecessary places do not help with the readability. Use commas sparsely and correctly.
Incorrect
So, then, we went to the store, and we got like, detergent, Clorox wipes, disposable gloves and, stuff.
Correct
So then we went to the store and we got detergent, Clorox wipes, disposable gloves, and stuff. (The comma before the ’and’ is called the Oxford Comma.)
Another common error transcribers make is using commas after ‘and’, ‘so’, ‘but’, ‘then’.
Incorrect
And, what did you say your sister did?
So, you said your brother was an architect.
But, what about your sister? Then, what did you do?
Correct
And what did you say your sister did?
So you said your brother was an architect.
But what about your sister? Then what did you do?
Commas and ‘so’
If a sentence begins with ‘so’, it is meant as a filler word. DO NOT use a comma after it.
Incorrect
So, how did you spend your vacation? So, we went to the store after we ran out of juice.
Correct
So how did you spend your vacation? So we went to the store after we ran out of juice.
Commas and question tags
Native speakers use question tags liberally. They are used to elicit a simple yes/no response. Always put a comma before a question tag.
Examples
You went to the bar on Friday, didn’t you?
Tom doesn’t get angry a lot, does he?
You don’t like me, do you?
She won’t lie to me, will she?
I’m in trouble, aren’t I?
Commas after ‘yes’ and ‘no’ responses
Use a comma after ‘yes’ and ‘no’ when a speaker responds to a question. Use this rule in all cases of a yes/no response.
Incorrect
Yes we have the best holiday packages.
No he didn’t have to redo the whole thing from the top.
Yeah we do make a great team.
Correct
Yes, we have the best holiday packages.
No, he didn’t have to redo the whole thing from the top.
Yeah, we do make a great team.
