use a comma:
- After a long introductory phrase. Example: Usually, it is NOT necessary to use a comma after short introductory prepositional phrases. ...
- After an introductory phrase made up of “to” plus a verb and any modifiers (“infinitive”) that tells why. ...
- After an introductory clause that answers
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. ...
What are the four rules for using commas?
When to Use a Comma: 10 Rules and Examples
- Seven Places Where You SHOULD Use Commas. This probably the first use of commas you learned in school: separating items in a list of three or more things.
- One Place When You CAN Use a Comma. ...
- Two Places Where You Shouldn’t Use Commas. ...
- Keep learning! ...
What are some basic comma rules?
Ten Easy Comma Rules
- Rule 1: Use a comma between items that are listed in a series, which contain three or more words or clauses.
- Rule 2: Use a comma when quoting the words of others.
- Rule 3: Use a comma when writing dates and addresses.
- Rule 4: Use a comma after introductory phrases.
Do commas even have rules?
The reality is that there are many more rules for using commas. Don't despair though. Unlike many rules in English, they actually make sense, as they are designed to help avoid confusion. Missing commas can have a HUGE impact on the meaning of your sentence. Missing commas can even cost a million dollars.
What are the 8 rules for commas with examples?
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 some 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 3 main comma rules?
Since I made such a stink about it, let's start with this rule:Use a comma between items in a series or list.Use a comma between two independent clauses separated by a conjunction.Use a comma between two adjectives preceding a noun.Your Mission.
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 an example of a simple sentence?
A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence: a subject, a verb, and a completed thought. Examples of simple sentences include the following: Joe waited for the train. The train was late.
Where do I put the comma?
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 are the 5 Rules of commas?
Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. ... Use commas before and after a parenthetical phrase or clause. ... Use a comma to separate two independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor or, so, yet) ... Use a comma to separate items in a series.More items...
What is the comma rule?
Quick Guide to Commas Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
Can there be 3 commas in a sentence?
If you have sentences like, "Bob walked, to, the store, slowly" then yes, there are too many commas. But a sentence that contains a list could legitimately have many commas. Like, "He found a bottle, three coins, two keys, a small metal box, a pack of matches, some scraps of paper, and a patridge in a pear tree."
What is comma rule number 2?
COMMA RULE #2 – THE COMMA WITH COORDINATE ADJECTIVES: Use commas between coordinate adjectives. What are “coordinate adjectives”? “Coordinate adjectives” are adjectives placed next to each other that are equal in importance.
Can you have 2 commas in a sentence?
Use two commas, not one, to set off a nonrestrictive clause in the middle of a sentence. Incorrect: The city, a polyglot of different races and religions provided many opportunities for cultural exchange. Correct: The city, a polyglot of different races and religions, provided many opportunities for cultural exchange.
How many commas can I use in one sentence?
1 Answer. There's no set limit, but it has to make sense, and their use can affect the meaning.
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:
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 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.
Why do we use a comma in "He's a cheerful boy"?
A comma is used here, because it would also make sense to say, “He’s a cheerful and kind boy”.
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.
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.
Do you need a comma in Sue and John?
John was determined to get the unicorn slime his daughter wanted, but all the shops had sold out. You don’t need a comma if both the independent clauses are relatively short and similar in meaning: Sue went to the shops and John went home.
How to avoid comma splice?
To avoid the comma splice, you can split the two clauses into separate sentences, connect them with another form of punctuation (i.e. a colon, semicolon or dash ), or connect them with a conjunction. The table below shows how each approach produces slightly different results.
When should a dependent clause be followed by a comma?
When a dependent clause comes at the start of a sentence, it should be followed by a comma.
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 separate subjects from verbs?
Sometimes subjects are separated from verbs by nonrestrictive clauses, words like however, or other interruptions . These should always be enclosed within two commas.
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 an independent clause?
An independent clause is a clause that could stand on its own as a full sentence. A dependent clause, in contrast, does not express a complete thought. It depends on another clause to form a full sentence. When a dependent clause comes at the start of a sentence, it should be followed by a comma.
Why is comma rule 1 important?
Comma Rule 1 is powerful. In addition to solving many punctuation problems, it can help you avoid run-on sentences and fragments.
When to use a comma in a sentence?
Use a comma when a sentence has an introduction. Take your pick: “Extra idea” and “introduction” are two names for the same thing.
When to use a comma in an introduction?
Extra ideas and sentences go together. When you put an extra idea ( or introduction) in front of a sentence, use a comma.
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What Is a Comma?
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.
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.
When do you need a conjunction?
When you want to join two independent clauses , you need a conjunction or a semicolon. A comma alone isn’t strong enough to join them. This kind of mistake is called a comma splice.
When to use a comma before a word?
Use a comma before the word but if it is joining two independent clauses:
Is a comma a subject or verb?
With few exceptions, a comma should not separate a subject from its verb.
When writing a date in month-day-year format, do you put a comma?
When writing a date in month-day-year format, set off the year with commas.
When addressing another person by name, do you put a comma?
When addressing another person by name, set off the name with commas.
When to use a comma after a list?
When you’re writing a list or series of elements containing three or more items, you use a serial comma (aka. Oxford Comma) after each entry to make it easy to read and understand.
Why do we put a comma in a sentence?
A well-placed comma adds clarity to your sentences. A comma is a versatile punctuation mark, which is why it often gets misused. The comma helps you separate words, phrases, and ideas within a sentence. It represents a small pause or break.
Why do we use interrupter commas?
Interrupter commas help the flow of the sentence and add clarity. You can often find where interrupter or bracketing commas are needed by reading the sentence aloud. Some common interrupter words and phrases include: however, unfortunately, in fact, needless to say, therefore, and sadly.
What is a nonrestrictive clause?
Nonrestrictive clauses are clauses that aren’t essential to the meaning of the sentence.
How to separate month and day from year?
Use a comma to separate the month and day from the year.
When to put a comma before a conjunction?
Place a comma before the conjunction when combining two independent clauses with a conjunction. Conjunctions include and, but, and or.
Do you need a comma before a dependent clause?
You don’t need a comma before but when you have one independent clause and one dependent clause.
When to use a comma before a quote?
Use a comma before a quotation when an introductory phrase with a word like say or reply precedes the quotation. More on punctuation of quotes... Wilbur says, “It’s not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer” (White 184).
Do you put a comma after a sentence?
Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. According to Wilbur, good friends who write well are not easy to find.
When to put a comma on a phrase?
When your sentence is interrupted by a phrase that is not grammatically connected with it, you need to set this phrase off with commas.
When to put a comma before a sentence?
When you need to address someone or something in a sentence directly, it is correct to put a comma before it.
What is a group of words that can easily serve as a separate sentence?
A group of words that can easily serve as a separate sentence is called an independent clause. When you want to combine two such independent clauses in one sentence using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so, etc.), there should be a comma before this coordinating conjunction.
Why is punctuation important?
Punctuation matters if you want to deliver a precise and crisp message. It may seem that there is nothing that hard in using commas; however, comma rules might be really tricky.
Do you need to separate weekdays in a sentence?
The same as with addresses, when you have a sentence with weekday, month, day, and year mentioned, comma rules tell that you need to separate them.
Do you need a comma in a sentence?
The rule is that a comma should follow such words and group of words.
Do you put a comma before "and"?
If you have such a queue, you should use a comma to separate it. However, there are slight differences in comma usage in different English styles. Look at the example above, see a comma before “and”? It is called “Oxford comma,” and some styles require its usage or not.
What is a comma?
The comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause between the words of a sentence.
How to use commas in a list?
Use the comma as follows: 1. In a list or series. Example. We serve cupcakes, cookies, and prophecies. 2. To separate independent clauses. Example. Make a list of tasks, and check them off as you go.
Why do we omit commas in writing?
It appears more frequently in American than in British English. In creative writing, you may omit the comma to control sentence flow. In business and academic writing however, commas between independent clauses can make longer sentences easier to read. The comma is often omitted when the two clauses are short.
Why do we put a comma after a sentence?
A comma is often placed after a sentence adverb (e.g., clearly, fortunately, obviously) to indicate that this adverb modifies the entire sentence.
What is a comma before contrast?
Comma before contrast clauses. Insert a comma before contrast clauses. These clauses imply contrast and begin with words like although, though, whereas, while, and even if. (The slight pause lent by the comma emphasizes the contrast.)
What is a comma in an independent clause?
(An independent clause is one that can stand by itself as a sentence.) The comma separates the two clauses from each other for the reader. Examples.
How to improve readability of a sentence?
To improve readability, insert a comma after the introductory phrase in a sentence, especially a phrase four words or longer. Examples. In the afternoon, Maya drank a cup of tea. To bake a cake that is moist and fluffy, you must preheat your oven to the right temperature.
What is the rule for using a comma in a sentence?
Let’s look at a couple of them. Rule 1: To avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more.
When did Jim Thompson give his speech?
Jim Thompson gave his historic speech on March 3, 2002, in Chicago, Illinois. Kathleen met her husband on December 5, 2003, in Mill Valley, California. Rule 2b: If any part of the date is omitted, leave out the comma.