The question of whether a comma is necessary before “than” in comparisons often arises. For instance, is a comma needed in the sentence, “What better way to celebrate than with a victory?” This article explores the arguments for and against using a comma in such comparisons.
Prescriptive vs. Descriptive Grammar Rules
Prescriptive grammar dictates rules without explanation, often stating definitively that a comma should not precede “than” in comparisons. This approach offers little insight into the reasoning behind the rule. Conversely, descriptive grammar examines how language is actually used. By analyzing various grammatical situations where commas are typically used, we can determine if a comma is justified in a “than” comparison.
Examining Common Comma Usage
Commas serve various purposes, including separating items in a list, joining independent clauses, setting off introductory phrases, enclosing parenthetical information, separating coordinate adjectives, marking quotations, setting off participial phrases and vocatives, and separating elements in addresses and dates.
Analyzing the sentence “What better way to celebrate than with a victory?” against these common uses reveals that none directly apply. There are no lists, independent clauses, introductory phrases, or any of the other typical comma applications. This suggests that a comma before “than” isn’t grammatically required.
Understanding the Syntax of Comparisons
The sentence can be simplified to its core comparison: “This way is better than that way.” The word “than” acts as a conjunction, directly linking the two elements being compared. Inserting a comma disrupts the inherent connection between these elements. The two parts of the comparison are interdependent and require each other to convey the full meaning.
Real-World Usage and Convention
Examining published works reveals a strong convention against using a comma before “than” in constructions like “What better way to… than…”. A survey of 100 Google Books results for the phrase “What better way to,” followed by a “than” comparison, found that over 90% omitted the comma.
Conclusion: Convention Favors Omission
While style guides may differ, the prevailing convention is to omit the comma before “than” in comparisons similar to “What better way to… than…” Understanding this convention allows writers to make informed decisions about their punctuation choices, even if they choose to deviate from the norm. Ultimately, clarity and readability should guide punctuation decisions.
