In a previous column I mentioned that there are 44 punctuation rules for the comma alone. However, some “comma-n” problems didn’t make the list! One of those problems is the use of a comma with the word too.
My best friend from childhood grew up to become an English teacher. I grew up to become first a secretary, then a writer. When we were in school together, we were taught to put a comma before too without exception. I followed this “rule” faithfully. Then I accepted a writing assignment and was told NOT to put a comma before too! Sure that the editors were wrong, I scoured both the Internet and my grammar books. Nowhere could I find a rule for using a comma with too. It confounded me. I called my friend. She said, “Yes, we were taught to use a comma before too. We were taught wrong!”
Therefore, Comma Rule #45 is as follows: Do not, except under extenuating circumstances, place a comma before the word too. It would be too bad if this mistake confounded you too!
Question: So, is this clip art accurate or not?
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