Extended Rules for Using Commas
- Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and,...
- Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. a. Common starter...
- Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the...
- Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that (relative...
- 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.
How do you use a comma?
14/01/2021 · When an adverbial phrase begins a sentence, it’s often followed by a comma but it doesn’t have to be, especially if it’s short. As a rule of thumb, if the phrase is longer than about four words, use the comma. You can also use a comma with a shorter phrase when you want to emphasize it or add a pause for literary effect.
When should you not use commas in a sentence?
21/05/2004 · Commas should be used to set off titles or positions following a name: Captain Bitko, head of the theft department, finally came to the interview room. Commas should also come between the individual elements of an address:
When do you put a comma after a coordinating conjunction?
Extended Rules for Using Commas 1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and,... 2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. a. Common starter... 3. Use a pair of ...
How do you use a comma in a 15A 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 …
What are the 6 rules of commas?
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 are the 10 rules of commas?
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 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 8 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...
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
Can you use 3 commas in a sentence?
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 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.
What are the punctuation rules?
Commas Rule 1: Use commas to separate three or more items in a series. Rule 2: Use a comma to show a pause after an introductory word. Rule 3: Use a comma after two or more prepositional phrases at the beginning of a sentence. Rule 4: Use commas to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.
What are the 13 comma rules?
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...•27-Mar-2017
How many commas do you need for 3 words?
One use of the comma is to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a list or series. Commas go after each item except the last. Note: In British usage, there is no comma before the conjunction (such as and or or) before the last item in the series....Score: Reset.From:To:Cingletree Learning
Is my comma in the right place?
Common Comma Uses Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction 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. ... Use a comma when the first word of the sentence is freestanding “yes” or “no.”
How to determine if an adjective is a coordinate?
Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal ("co"-ordinate) status in describing the noun; neither adjective is subordinate to the other. You can decide if two adjectives in a row are coordinate by asking the following questions: 1 Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are written in reverse order? 2 Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are written with and between them?
What are some words that should be followed by a comma?
Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door. Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class. If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.
Which introductory phrases should be followed by a comma?
Common introductory phrases that should be followed by a comma include participial and infinitive phrases, absolute phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, and long prepositional phrases (over four words). Having finished the test, he left the room. To get a seat, you'd better come early.
When to use commas in conjunctions?
1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave. The student explained her question, yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.
Do you put a comma between the final adjective and the noun itself?
Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal ("co"-ordinate) status in describing the noun; neither adjective is subordinate to the other.
What does a comma do in the Constitution?
The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.
When to use commas in a sentence?
Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer to the beginning or middle of the sentence. Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the sentence without causing confusion. (If the placement of the modifier causes confusion, then it is not "free" and must remain "bound" to the word it modifies.)
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 is a comma important?
The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because it separates the structural elements of sentences into manageable segments. The rules provided here are those found in traditional handbooks; however, in certain rhetorical contexts and for specific purposes, these rules may be broken.
When to use a comma in a sentence?
Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.
What does a colon do instead of a comma?
And, instead of a comma, use a colon to set off explanatory or introductory language from a quoted element that is either very formal or long (especially if it's longer than one sentence): Peter Coveney had this to say about the nineteenth-century's use of children. in fiction:"The purpose and strength of . . . .
How to use commas in a PowerPoint presentation?
If your computer is equipped with PowerPoint, click on the PowerPoint icon to the right for a brief PowerPoint presentation on comma usage. Click HEREfor help with Powerpoint. Use a comma to separate the elements in a series(three or more things), including the last two. "He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base.".
When to use a comma in parenthetical?
Use a comma to set off parenthetical elements, as in "The Founders Bridge, which spans the Connecticut River,is falling down.". By "parenthetical element," we mean a part of a sentence that can be removed without changing the essential meaning of that sentence.
Is there a comma before "and"?
You may have learned that the comma before the "and" is unnecessary, which is fine if you're in control of things. However, there are situations in which, if you don't use this comma (especially when the list is complex or lengthy), these last two items in the list will try to glom together (like macaroni and cheese).
How to use a comma in a sentence?
Use a comma + a little conjunction(and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so) to connect two independent clauses, as in "He hit the ball well, buthe ran toward third base.". Contending that the coordinating conjunction is adequate separation, some writers will leave out the comma in a sentence with short, balanced independent clauses ...
Do you put a comma before or after a conjunction?
We cannot say that the comma will always come before the conjunction and never after, but it would be a rare event, indeed, that we need to follow a coordinating conjunction with a comma. When speaking, we do sometimes pause after the little conjunction, but there is seldom a good reason to put a comma there.
How many commas should be between a subject and a verb?
Grammar English's Famous Rule of Punctuation: Never use only one comma between a subject and its verb. "Believing completely and positively in oneself is essential for success.". [Although readers might pause after the word "oneself," there is no reason to put a comma there.]
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.
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”.
When to use a comma in a sentence?
Rule #7: Use Commas to Separate Coordinate Adjectives. When you’re describing something with two or more adjectives, you can use a comma between them if those adjectives are coordinating . (They’re coordinating if you could place “and” between them.) You shouldn’t put a comma after the final adjective.
Do you need a comma after an independent clause?
However, it’s normally not necessary to use a comma if the independent clause comes first: Please call me if you can’t make it. John was exhausted after the race. For more on this, plus an example of an instance where a comma is required after the independent clause, take a look at Subordinate Clauses and Commas.
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.
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.
Do you put a comma before or after a sentence?
Sometimes, you might want to include extra information within a sentence that isn’t essential to its meaning. You should set this information off using a comma before and a comma after it: John went for a jog, which took half an hour, before having a long hot shower.
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 does a comma tell you?
A comma tells readers that the introductory clause or phrase has come to a close and that the main part of the sentence is about to begin. When Evan was ready to iron, his cat tripped on the cord. Near a small stream at the bottom of the canyon, park rangers discovered a gold mine. 3.
When to use a comma in a series?
Use a comma between all items in a series. Rule: Use a comma to separate each item in a series; a series is a group of three or more items having the same function and form in a sentence. We bought apples, peaches, and bananas today. (series of words)
Do you put a comma in a direct quotation?
Use commas to set off direct quotations. Rule: A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. If the speaker (not the listener) in the conversation is identified, his name, (or the noun or pronoun used to refer to the speaker), and the verb that refers to his speaking are enclosed within commas.
What is the gentleman standing by the fireplace?
The gentleman who is standing by the fireplace is a well-known composer. (restrictive) 5. Use a comma to set off appositives. Rule: An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames a nearby noun. Appositives offer nonessential information. Nonrestrictive appositives are set off with commas; restrictive appositives are not.
When was the Sitting Bull arrested?
On December 12, 1890, orders were sent out for the arrest of Sitting Bull. Rules for addresses: The elements of an address or place name are separated by commas. A zip code, however, is not preceded by a comma. Examples: John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England, in 1940.
What are some examples of commas in numbers?
In numbers four digits long, a comma is optional. Examples: 3,500 [or 3500] 100,000.
Where was John Lennon born?
John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England, in 1940. Please send the letter to Greg Carvin at 708 Spring Street, Washington, IL 61571. Rules for titles: If a title follows a name, separate the title from the rest of the sentence with a pair of commas. Example: Sandra Belinsky, MD, has been appointed to the board.