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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/18208
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

One bad habit I have when writing sentences is that I make them too long and have to use commas. Problem: I get confused on where to put them to maintain the smooth structured balance of the sentence. What I want the readers to see may change if the sentence is read differently.

Question:If commas, based on where I place them, can change a reader's point of view and understanding, how do I ensure they are not misinterpreted?

At times, I find myself having to read over a sentence -I'm too stubborn to change- to make sure its structured correctly and in a sense fits along a specific scene.

Just in case you don't get what I mean, here are some examples:

"He blinked unconsciously, leaning forward intrigued by what was going to happen, and following John's example he waited, the longer hand soon hit twelve."

**See if the way I positioned the commas change how you read with the second version.**

"He blinked, unconsciously leaning forward, intrigued by what was going to happen and following John's example he waited, the longer hand soon hit twelve."

Original score: 1