Full Answer
What is an example of a commas rule?
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. Note: When the last comma in a series comes before and or or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the Oxford comma. Most newspapers and magazines drop the Oxford comma in a …
Where do you put commas in a sentence?
Rules for numbers: In numbers, more than four digits long, use commas to separate the numbers into groups of three, starting from the right. In numbers four digits long, a comma can be optional, but most use it. Ex: 3,500 [or 3500] Ex: 100,000 Ex: 6,000,000 9. USE COMMAS TO SEPARATE TWO OR MORE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE/MODIFY THE SAME NOUN.
How do you use a comma in a 15A rule?
Comma Punctuation Rules & Examples: Learn How To Use Commas. English Punctuation: How to Use Commas Correctly. Commas are used to separate a sentence’s elements, to connect independent clauses, to avoid confusion, and much more. Here, we offer a brief, basic guide to using commas correctly. Using Commas to Separate a Sentence’s Elements.
Do you put a comma after a question mark?
23/05/2019 · Without the serial comma, the list is confusing. Another example is when items at the end of the list could be read as describing an earlier item. He had to take care of two dogs, Jane and Louis. He had to take care of two dogs, Jane, and Louis. Here the serial comma clarifies that two dogs, Jane, and Louis are separate items. Without the serial comma, the sentence …
What are the 4 rules for 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...
Can you have 4 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."30-Dec-2012
What is an example of a comma rule?
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. Note: When the last comma in a series comes before and or or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the Oxford comma.
What are the 5 Rules of commas?
Five Comma RulesUse 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 are the 12 comma rules?
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 10 comma rules?
When to Use a Comma: 10 Rules and ExamplesRule #1: Use Commas to Separate Items in a List. ... Rule #2: Use a Comma After an Introductory Word or Phrase. ... Rule #3: Use a Comma Before a Quotation. ... Rule #4: Use a Comma to Separate a Dependent Clause That Comes BEFORE the Independent Clause.More items...•15-Aug-2019
What are the 3 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.19-Apr-2012
What are the 6 comma rules?
Six Comma RulesPut a comma before for, and, not, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS), when they connect two. ... Put a comma after an introductory expression that doesn't flow smoothly into the. ... Put a comma between items in a series. ... Put commas around an expression that interrupts the flow of the sentence (such as.More items...
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.
What is clause give an example?
The shiny, blue car. A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that are normally used to add more detail to the noun in a sentence. A subject is a noun or pronoun in the sentence, while the verb is the action. An example of this clause is: The shiny, blue car raced around the track.
Can you put 2 commas in a sentence?
Last but not least, use a comma to separate three or more items. You can use two commas for three items, or if you're like me you obsess over the Oxford Comma. That's the little comma that can be arguable both necessary and unnecessary, and is after the last item listed in the series.04-Aug-2018
How many rules are there to commas?
Saying “I thought there should be one” or “There seemed to be a pause” is not a good reason for using a comma. Properly used commas are important because they help the reader; without them, a reader would often have to backtrack and reread a sentence to find the writer's meaning. There are essentially six comma rules.
Why do we need a comma?
In a specific context, a comma is necessary to prevent confusion. If the writer has omitted a word or phrase, for example, a comma may be needed to signal the omission.
What is punctuation in text?
First, what are punctuation?#N#Punctuation: is a set of symbols and marks which are used to clarify meaning in a text by separating strings of words into clauses, phrases, and sentences.
How to start a sentence about Mary?
At first, starting the sentence, the reader will think that you are about to cook mary. Probably Mary is some kind of vegetables or other food materials. However, since we all know that Mary is the name of a person, a female, to be precise, then things start to get confusing. Because you will start thinking about how will they cook Mary. But what if the name is not Mary, let say it a name you have never heard before. And since you do not know the meaning and you see the word cook in the sentence, I believe you will quickly assume that we are talking about food here, but upon reading the statement further, things get even more complicated
When to use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?
Use a comma before coordinating conjunction joining independent clauses#N#The rule says, when coordinating conjunction connects two or more independent clauses, that is, word groups that could stand alone as separate sentences a comma {,} must precede it.#N#There are seven coordinating conjunctions in the English language, which are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Yes The Fan Boys
Do transitional expressions need a comma?
If a transitional expression blends smoothly with the rest of the sentence, calling for little or no pause in reading, it does not need to be set off with a comma. Expressions such as also, at least, certainly, consequently, indeed, of course, moreover, no doubt, perhaps, then, and therefore do not always call for a pause.
What is an adjective clause?
Adjective clauses have the same pattern as sentences containing subjects and verbs. However, they function with sentences as modifiers of nouns or pronouns . They always follow the word they modify, usually immediately.#N#Adjective clauses begin with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that) or a relative adverb (where, when).#N#Nonrestrictive adjective clauses are set off with commas, and restrictive adjective clauses are not.
When to use a comma in a series?
When three or more items are presented in a series. Use a comma to separate those items from one another.#N#Items in a series may be single words, phrases, or even clauses.
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.
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 newspapers use the Oxford comma?
Most newspapers and magazine s drop the Oxford comma in a simple series, apparently feeling it's unnecessary. However, omission of the Oxford comma can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Example: We had coffee, cheese and crackers and grapes.
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).
Do fiction books use commas?
Fiction and nonfiction books generally prefer the Oxford comma. Writers must decide Oxford or no Oxford and not switch back and forth, except when omitting the Oxford comma could cause confusion as in the cheese and crackers example. Rule 2. Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the order of the adjectives is interchangeable.
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.
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 commas in sentences?
Using Commas to Separate a Sentence’s Elements. Commas provide clarity, particularly in sentences that contain several different elements. Always use commas to separate the elements of a series of three or more things, particularly the last two.
When was the North River Bridge built?
In this sentence, the parenthetical element is italicized: “The North River Bridge, which was built in 1902, collapsed on Saturday.”. In the example above, the parenthetical information provides the reader with a sense of context that helps provide insight into the cause of the bridge’s collapse.
Is London a possessive state?
London, England, is a destination everyone should visit at least once. When the state or nation takes on a possessive form, the rule no longer applies. For example: Williamsburg, Virginia’s connection with our nation’s history is well-known.
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 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.
How long would a college student go without a phone?
According to a recent study of college students many young people would rather end their romantic relationship than go without their phone for a month. According to a recent study of college students, many young people would rather end their romantic relationship than go without their phone for a month.
Is a comma always accurate?
However the model is not always accurate. However, the model is not always accurate. With longer introductory phrases that set the stage for the main part of the sentence, it’s generally best to use a comma, especially if the phrase is more than 3–4 words long.
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 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.
Is there a comma after a dependent clause?
When a dependent clause comes after an independent clause, a comma is often not necessary, especially if it adds information that is essential to the meaning of the independent clause.
What is Cleo's favorite activity?
Cleo’s favorite activities are singing on stage, and relaxing in the sunshine. Cleo’s favorite activities are singing on stage and relaxing in the sunshine. When correcting a comma splice, that is when joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, put the comma before and.
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 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.
Why do we use commas in lists?
Usage guide. Use commas to indicate a meaningful pause —for example, after an introductory phrase or to provide additional information. In a list, the serial comma (or the comma after the second-last element) is optional but useful. Commas also signify contrast in sentences and help separate clauses from each other.
What is the serial comma?
The serial comma. The serial or Oxford comma is placed after the second-last element in a series and is the comma before the conjunction ( and, or, but, etc.). Using this comma can help avoid confusion. Example. Confusing: My inspirations are my parents, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa .
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.
Do you need a comma between independent clauses?
The comma between independent clauses is not a grammatical requirement , although many (including the Chicago Manual of Style and APA Publication Manual) recommend its use. It appears more frequently in American than in British English. In creative writing, you may omit the comma to control sentence flow.
What is a comma in a sentence?
A comma is often used between two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction like and, but, or, yet, and so. (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.
What is a conjunctive adverb?
A conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore ), used between two clauses or sentences, is often followed by a comma. Examples. I would have called you; however, I didn’t want to wake you up. A comma indicates a pause.
Who was the first president of the United States?
Examples. George Washington, the first president of the United States, was a Freemason. My mother, Anita, has published a book of poems. Rita’s lifelong ambition, to ride a motorbike down a mountainside, has been fulfilled. Beside the stairs was a hat, a hat with a head still in it.