different types of comma rules

^{Classification of comma types}

1. Serial Commas. Serial commas are those that are used to separate three or more elements that make up a list. ...
2. Eat Oxford. The Oxford comma is an exception to the serial comma. This is used when there is a risk of ambiguity in the sentence.
3. Coordinating Comas. Coordinating commas are used to join two sentences that have the same hierarchy. This means that both sentences are independent.
4. Subordinate commas. The subordinate commas create a relationship of subordination between two clauses. There are different ways in which commas are presented within a tying sentence.
Comas and conjunctions. Another type of commas is the one used to separate conjunctions and connectors from the rest of a sentence.
Free events. Free appendages are parts of a sentence that offer additional information. ...
Commas and introductory words. Another type of commas is the one used to separate introductory words from the rest of a sentence. ...
Commas and omissions. When you omit elements of a sentence, you must add commas that represent the omission that has been performed.

What are the 8 rules for commas?

What are the 8 rules for commas?

• 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.

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.”

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What is the proper way to use commas?

Use commas to separate things in a list or series.

• For example, here is a list separated by commas: “At the store I will buy apples, oranges, pears, and bananas.”
• Do not place commas before or after the list or series. ...
• Do not use commas when all the items in a series are linked by and, or, or nor. ...

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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 ...

What are the 4 types of commas?

There are four types of comma: the listing comma, the joining comma, the gapping comma and bracketing commas.

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 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 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 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...•

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 5 comma rules?

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...

How do you teach comma rules?

Comma UsageUse commas to separate items in a series. ... Use commas after introductory words or mild interjections. ... Use commas to set off words of direct address. ... Use commas to set off one or more words that interrupt the flow of a sentence.More items...•

Is the Oxford comma?

The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction at the end of a list of things. For example, in “the flag was red, white, and blue”, the Oxford comma would be the one appearing before “and”. Proponents of the Oxford comma say it's necessary for removing ambiguity in sentences.

What inverted commas?

Inverted commas are punctuation marks that are used in writing to show where speech or a quotation begins and ends. They are usually written or printed as ' ' or “ ”. Inverted commas are also sometimes used around the titles of books, plays, or songs, or around a word or phrase that is being discussed.

What is a direct comma?

When using direct address in writing, you use a comma to separate the person's name from the rest of the sentence.

What is the comma rule for complex sentences?

If a complex sentence begins with a dependent adverb clause, a comma is used to separate the two clauses. Since we are already late, we don't have time to stop. If you have found the page, please begin reading. If a complex sentence begins with an independent clause, no comma is used between the 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 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 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).

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.

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 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.

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.

What are some examples of commas?

2-Those that are used to create free appositions. For example: , The capital of France , It is a beautiful city. 3-Those that are used to separate introductory words in a statement.

What is a comma in a sentence?

The Commas Are punctuation marks that are responsible for separating and grouping elements within a sentence, phrases and clauses . According to the specific use given to the comma, there will be different types of this. In this vein, commas can be serial, coordinating and subordinating. They are serial when used to separate lists of items.

What is serial comma?

Serial commas are those that are used to separate three or more elements that make up a list. Usually, the first two elements are separated by commas, while in the third the conjunctions"y"or"or"are added. Go to the market and buy a kilo of potatoes , Two kilos of carrot , A kilo of onions and a half kilo of tomatoes.

When are commas used in a tying sentence?

These include: when the order is altered the elements of a sentence, when the subordinating clause is formed by a non-personal form of the verb and when elements are omitted.

When to use Oxford comma?

The Oxford comma is an exception to the serial comma. This is used when there is a risk of ambiguity in the sentence. Take the following example: The inheritance will be equitably shared between Rose, Amy, Clara, Donna and Martha. The absence of a comma between"Donna and Martha"might lead one to think that these two are a group.

Do you need a comma for subordinate clauses?

The subordinate clauses are composed of two clauses: one regent and one subordinate. When the regent is first written and then the subordinate, it is not necessary to add a comma. For example:

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Do dogs have commas?

Dogs, cats, and tortoises have been known to act strangely before major seismic events. Dogs, cats and tortoises have been known to act strangely before major seismic events. Sometimes a serial comma is necessary for clarity. One example is when the final list item itself contains a conjunction.

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 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:

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.

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 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.

Do you put a comma after the adjective?

You shouldn’t put a comma after the final adjective. For example: He’s a cheerful, kind boy. A comma is used here, because it would also make sense to say, “He’s a cheerful and kind boy”. There’s a blue bath towel on your bed. Here, “bath” is acting as an adjective to modify “towel”, but it’s not coordinate with “blue”.

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.

4 types of commas

When trying to decide if your sentence needs a comma, it can help to think about four types, or common uses, of commas.

The 8 rules for commas

Commas have many uses. It can be helpful to keep these eight rules in mind so you can use them correctly.

How to use commas in your writing

When you’re writing, it can help to keep in mind situations when you don’t need a comma. Here are some ways commas are often misused.

When do you put a comma after "although"?

A comma comes after an adverb clause only at the beginning of a sentence —not at the end. Usually starts with after although, as, if, because, until, when, et. CORRECT: Although I would like to go hiking, I must study organizational communication. CORRECT: I must study organizational communication after we go for a hike.

How to fix a comma in a sentence?

There are five ways to fix this: ( One ), put a period where the comma is, ( Two ), use a semicolon instead, ( Three ), use a semicolon, coordinating conjunction, ( fourth ), semicolon, conjunctive adverb, comma, ( fifth ), change one of the independent clauses to a dependent or fragment.

When do you put a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

1. A comma comes before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) when both are independent clauses. CORRECT: I would love to go hiking, but I have to study organizational communication. INCORRECT: I would love to, but I have to study. EXPLANATION: In the correct sentence, both sentences in bold are independent clauses.

Is "then" a comma or semicolon?

Whenever a conjunctive adverb follows a semicolon, it must be followed by a comma. With the second example, whenever a “ then” is after a comma, a “and” must go in front of the “then” or else it makes the clause a fragment.

When do you not use fanboys?

When you do not use FANBOYS are when the ideas do not connect unless you have a point you are trying to achieve within the sentence, but the diction and word choice should support this point. Think of sentences as a formula you have to put together and punctuation can help you achieve that. 2.

Is there a comma after "because"?

The first incorrect example shows a comma before because it creates extra wordiness. Everything after the “because and comma” is just extra information that is usually not needed.

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.

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.

How many times can you use a comma?

If you know the basic rule for these three cases, you can use commas in over four-fifths of the times you need to use commas. 1.

When to put a comma in a sentence?

For more on this, see Commas in Compound Sentences. 2. Put a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence.

What is an Oxford comma?

An Oxford comma is when a final comma is placed on the last item of a list. For example: He likes to eat fruits, cake, vegetables, and pasta.

What is a comma splice?

A comma splice is when you join two independent clauses with a comma instead of a conjunction. For example:

What is a semicolon?

Semicolon (;) Similar to a colon , a semicolon links two independent clauses. However, in this case, the clauses are more closely related than when you would use a colon. For example: I have a meeting tomorrow morning; I can’t go out tonight.

How many punctuation marks are there in the English language?

There are 14 punctuation marks that are used in the English language. They are: the period, question mark, exclamation point, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, brackets, braces, parentheses, apostrophe, quotation mark, and ellipsis. If you want to make your writing easier to read and generally look more professional, ...

Why do we use commas in sentences?

Commas are used to insert a pause into a sentence. The purpose of the pause can be for different reasons, such as to separate ideas, phrases, or even alter the structure of a sentence.

What is a single quotation mark?

Single quotation marks (‘ ’), not to be confused with apostrophes, are often used for a quote within a quote. Jill told her mother “Jack ran up the hill and he said he was going to ‘fetch a pail of water’ before he fell.”.

When to use "ten, nine, eight"?

They are often used to jump from one sentence or phrase to another while omitting unnecessary or obvious words. It’s also used when quoting someone and unnecessary words are left out. Here are some examples: At midnight, she began to count down: “ten, nine, eight…” and then the ball dropped.