Comma Punctuation: Rules and Examples for Correct Usage
- Commas and Independent Clauses Commas can connect two independent clauses when accompanied by a coordinating conjunction. ...
- Commas and Introductory Clauses Sometimes commas connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. ...
- Commas and Parenthetical Phrases Commas can set apart phrases in a sentence that don’t fit with the main clause. ...
Full Answer
What are the rules for using commas correctly?
Where to use a comma in a sentence?
- Before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses– and, for, so, yet, but, or, nor You can come with me to the party, or you can go home with ...
- After each item in a list Eggs, fruits, and milk are all good breakfast foods.
- Before a quotation begins She said, “I will not be able to come to the workshop today.”
What are the different types of comma rules?
Punctuation Marks with Rules
- Period. One of the more common punctuation marks used at the end of most sentences. ...
- Question Mark. A question mark is used as a replacement for the period when the sentence is a question rather than a declaration.
- Exclamation Point. ...
- Comma. ...
- Semicolon. ...
- Colon. ...
- Dash. ...
- Hyphen. ...
- Parentheses. ...
- Apostrophe. ...
How to use commas correctly?
Lindsay Fram, also known as 'Sexually Smart' on Twitter, is expected to teach four sessions next month at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in ... Fonte was also blasted for using the controversial Amaze sex education video series, which teach kids ...
How, why and when to use commas correctly in writing?
Why and when to use commas
- Connecting two independent clauses. You can use commas to connect two completely independent phrases. ...
- Eliminate confusion. Writing without commas can become a confusing read. ...
- Separate items. We use commas to separate several list items in one sentence. ...
- Introductory adverbs. ...
- Address elements. ...
- Full dates. ...
- Summary. ...
What are the 12 rules for commas?
ShareUse a comma to separate items in a list (but beware of the serial comma). ... Use a comma to join independent clauses. ... Use a comma to join a dependent clause and an independent clause. ... Use a comma following an introductory word group. ... Use a comma to interrupt a sentence or to provide additional information.More items...
What are the 13 rules of commas?
13 Rules For Using Commas Without Looking Like An IdiotUse a comma before any coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) that links two independent clauses. ... Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence. ... Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence.More items...•
What are the 10 rules of commas?
10 Comma Rules to Make Your Writing FlawlessRule 1: Comma Before FANBOYS.Rule 2: Comma after Dependent Clauses.Rule 3: After an Introductory Word or Phrase.Rule 4: Before Follow-up Elements.Rule 5: Between Items in a Series.Rule 6: Nonessential Interrupting Phrases and Words.Rule 7: With Dates and Places.More items...•
What are the 15 comma usage rules?
Terms in this set (15)Rule 1: 3 things in a series. ... Rule 2: introductory phrase. ... Rule 3: introdutory participles. ... Rule 4: interrupt flow. ... Rule 5: appositives. ... Rule 6: after introductory word and direct names. ... Rule 7: use conjunctions to join main clauses. ... Rule 8: after an adverb clause that introduces a sentence.More items...
What are the 8 rules of commas?
Commas (Eight Basic Uses)Use a comma to separate independent clauses. ... Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. ... Use a comma between all items in a series. ... Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses. ... Use a comma to set off appositives. ... Use a comma to indicate direct address. ... Use commas to set off direct quotations.More items...
What are the examples of comma?
2. Examples of Comma UseThe pet store has cats, dogs, hamsters, fish, and turtles. Listing things.I really wanted cereal this morning, but I didn't have any milk. Connecting clauses.Well, if you really want pancakes, I guess I can make them. Creating pauses.
What are the 9 comma rules?
9 Rules for Using CommasSeparate two independent clauses joined by a conjunction with a comma. ... Use a comma after an introductory phrase. ... Use a comma after a conjunctive adverb. ... Divide separate items in a list using commas. ... Oxford or serial commas are optional. ... Separate nonrestrictive clauses with a comma.More items...•
How many rules of commas are there?
There are four types of comma: the listing comma, the joining comma, the gapping comma and bracketing commas.
What are the 4 rules for commas?
6:117:554 Basic Comma Rules: Learn English Punctuation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSeparate it with commas using commas these four basic rules number one separating fanboys clausesMoreSeparate it with commas using commas these four basic rules number one separating fanboys clauses number two separating listeners in a sentence rule number three separating lists in a sentence.
What is the rule for using commas?
Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives.
How many commas should be in a sentence?
1 Answer. There's no set limit, but it has to make sense, and their use can affect the meaning.
Where do you put a comma in a sentence?
Commas (Eight Basic Uses) ... USE A COMMA TO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. ... USE A COMMA AFTER AN INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE OR PHRASE. ... USE A COMMA BETWEEN ALL ITEMS IN A SERIES. ... USE COMMAS TO SET OFF NONRESTRICTIVE CLAUSES. ... USE A COMMA TO SET OFF APPOSITIVES. ... USE A COMMA TO INDICATE DIRECT ADDRESS.More items...
What is an appositive in a sentence?
Appositives act as synonyms for a juxtaposed word or phrase. For example, “While running, I saw a mallard, a kind of duck.” “A kind of duck” is the appositive, which gives more information about “a mallard.”. If the appositive occurs in the middle of the sentence, both sides of the phrase need a comma.
What is the last comma?
That last comma, known as the serial comma, Oxford comma, or Harvard comma, causes serious controversy. Although many consider it unnecessary, others insist on its use to reduce ambiguity. There’s an Internet meme that demonstrates its necessity perfectly.
Where do commas go in a quote?
The rule for where the comma goes, however, depends on where attribution comes. If attribution comes before the quote, place the comma outside the quotations marks. The runner said, “I saw a duck.”. If attribution comes after the quote, put the comma inside the quotation marks. “I saw a duck,” said the runner.
Do you put a comma at the end of a sentence?
Commas always follow these clauses at the start of a sentence. If a dependent clause ends the sentence, however, it no longer requires a comma. Only use a comma to separate a dependent clause at the end of a sentence for added emphasis, usually when negation occurs.
Do you need a comma for an appositive?
If the appositive occurs in the middle of the sentence, both sides of the phrase need a comma. As in, “A mallard, a kind of duck, attacked me.”. Don’t let the length of an appositive scare you. As long as the phrase somehow gives more information about its predecessor, you usually need a comma.
Do you need a comma in a sentence?
mind your language spelling. Contrary to popular belief, commas don’t just signify pauses in a sentence. In fact, precise rules govern when to use this particular punctuation mark. When followed, they lay the groundwork for clear written communication. We’ve compiled a list of all of the times when you need the mighty comma.
Does "that attacked me" need a comma?
Otherwise, no one would know why the duck scared your friend. Clauses that begin with “that” are usually essential to the sentence and do not require commas.
When is a comma unnecessary?
A comma is usually unnecessary when the sentence starts with an independent clause followed by a dependent clause. Example: Let me know now if you are not sure about this. Rule 5. Use commas to set off nonessential words, clauses, and phrases (see Who, That, Which, Rule 2b).
How to know if a comma is needed?
Another way to determine if a comma is needed is to mentally put and between the two adjectives. If the result still makes sense, add the comma. In the examples above, a strong and healthy man makes sense, but an expensive and summer resort does not. Rule 3a.
What is the most commonly used punctuation mark?
Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. Commas customarily indicate a brief pause; they're not as final as periods. Rule 1. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew.
What does "freddy" mean?
Freddy, who has a limp, was in an auto accident. If we already know which Freddy is meant, the description is not essential. The boy who has a limp was in an auto accident. We do not know which boy is meant without further description; therefore, no commas are used.
When to use a comma in a sentence?
Example: That is my money, not yours. Rule 16a. Use a comma before and after certain introductory words or terms , such as namely, that is, i.e., e.g., and for instance, when they are followed by a series of items.
When to use a comma in an introduction?
If such a phrase contains more than one preposition, a comma may be used unless a verb immediately follows the phrase.
Do you put a comma after the state?
Use a comma to separate a city from its state, and remember to put one after the state, also. Example: I'm from the Akron, Ohio, area. Rule 11. Traditionally, if a person's name is followed by Sr. or Jr., a comma follows the last name: Martin Luther King, Jr. This comma is no longer considered mandatory.
Why do we use dashes in a sentence?
John went for a jog – which took half an hour – before having a long hot shower. Dashes are useful if you want to imply a longer pause, or draw more attention to the nonessential element of the sentence. They’re also useful if you have several other commas in the sentence, to help avoid confusion.
What is the comma used after the penultimate item in a list?
We need bread, milk, cheese and eggs. In the first case, the “serial comma” or “Oxford comma” is used after the penultimate item in the list. In the second case, that comma is omitted. Some writers have very strong feelings for and against the serial comma.
How to use commas in a list?
Rule #1: Use Commas to Separate Items in a List. This probably the first use of commas you learned in school: separating items in a list of three or more things. Here’s an example: The cake mix requires flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Note that some style guides would not add the comma after the word “eggs”.
What is dependent clause?
A dependent clause, or subordinate clause, is one that can’t stand alone as a whole sentence. It should be separated from the independent clause that follows it using a comma: If you can’t make it, please call me. After the race, John was exhausted.
When to put a comma in a sentence?
Normally, you should put a comma between two complete sentences that are joined with a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but, for, nor, so, yet) that creates a single sentence with two independent clauses:
Do you need a comma when using a comma?
One Place When You CAN Use a Comma. While commas are normally either required or not required, there’s one key instance when you can choose whether or not to use a comma – and either option is equally correct.
Can you use a comma between two independent clauses?
Rule #9: Don’t Use a Comma Between Two Independent Clauses (Without a Conjuction) If you have two independent clauses, you can’t just use a comma to join them. You can use a semi-colon, or you can use a conjunction plus a comma. Incorrect: There were no clouds in the sky, I went for a jog.
What is a nonrestrictive clause?
A nonrestrictive clause offers extra information about something you have mentioned in a sentence, but the information isn’t essential to identify the thing you’re talking about. Nonrestrictive clauses are usually introduced by which or who and should be set off by commas.
When to use parentheses in a sentence?
Parentheses are used to give additional information to the reader—information that would disrupt the flow of the sentence if written as a nonrestrictive clause. Commas may be placed after the closing parenthesis but not before either the opening or the closing parenthesis. If the sentence would not require any commas if the parenthetical statement were removed, the sentence should not have any commas when the parentheses are added.
What is a correlative conjunction?
Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions that come in pairs (such as either/or, neither/nor, and not only/but also) and connect words or phrases in a sentence to form a complete thought. Typically, commas are unnecessary with correlative conjunctions.
What does a comma mean in a sentence?
While a period ends a sentence, a comma indicates a smaller break. Some writers think of a comma as a soft pause—a punctuation mark that separates words, clauses, or ideas within a sentence.
What is an appositive in a sentence?
An appositive is a word or phrase that refers to the same thing as another noun in the same sentence. Often, the appositive provides additional information about the noun or helps to distinguish it in some way. If you could remove the appositive without changing the meaning of the sentence, it is said to be nonessential and should be set off with commas. If the appositive is necessary, it’s said to be essential and it should not be set off with commas.
When to use a comma in a list?
When you have a list that contains more than two elements, use commas to separate them. Julie loves ice cream books and kittens. Julie loves ice cream, books, and kittens. Julie loves ice cream, books and kittens. (The comma before the and in a list of three or more items is optional.
What is an interrupter in a sentence?
Interrupters are little thoughts that pop up in the middle of a sentence to show emotion, tone, or emphasis. A parenthetical element is a phrase that adds extra information to the sentence but could be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. Both interrupters and parenthetical elements should be set off with commas.
Why is it called a restrictive clause?
This is called a restrictive clause because it restricts the meaning of the sentence. Commas should not be used around a restrictive clause.
What is the comma used in a coordinating conjunction?
The clauses can be joined by a semicolon, a colon, or a coordinating conjunction ( for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so ). When two independent clauses are connected by a coordinating conjunction, always use a comma before the conjunction. Many scientists have tried to solve the problem, but none have succeeded.
How to avoid commas in a sentence?
To avoid comma mistakes, pay attention to the function of different words in your sentences and their relation to each other. A comma should generally not come between a verb (the action word) and its subject (the person or thing doing the action).
What is dependent vs independent clause?
Dependent vs independent clauses. A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. Sentences are often made up of several clauses. Whether you should put a comma (or some other form of punctuation) between them depends on the types of clauses and the relationship between them.
Why do we use commas in writing?
Commas are used to split up different parts of a sentence, and when used correctly they bring clarity and flow to your writing. They’re probably the most common piece of punctuation in English, which means that they’re often the most misused.
What is a serial comma?
Serial commas. In lists, commas are used to separate each item, and the last item is separated by a conjunction ( and , or ). A comma before the conjunction, known as the serial comma or Oxford comma, is optional. Whether or not you choose to use it, make sure to be consistent. With serial comma.
What is a compound object?
Compound object. The facilitator gave the medicine, and a tracking journal to each participant. The facilitator gave the medicine and a tracking journal to each participant. The medicine and the tracking journal are both objects of the verb to give, so no comma should come between them.
Why shouldn't you put a comma in "including"?
This is because we’re not providing the reader with additional information, we’re changing the information altogether.
Do you put a comma before "including"?
The only other time you should need a comma before “including” is when it’s the first word of the sentence. “Including a quote, write an essay about the book you read”. Hopefully, now, when you use “including”, you’ll be using commas to make your point come across better.