Where do commas go 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...
Can I use comma in simple sentence?
Simple sentences A simple sentence contains only one independent clause and no dependent clauses. When a simple sentence contains a conjunction, you might be tempted to insert a comma before the conjunction, as you do with a compound sentence. With a simple sentence, however, the general rule is to omit the comma.
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 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...
Does Oxford comma apply to or?
The answer is yes. The Oxford comma placed before the conjunctions "and" or "or" when listing three or more words.
What styles require the Oxford comma?
Both the styles of MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA ( American Psychological Association) require the use of the Oxford comma.
Is the Oxford comma always necessary?
When writing for personal purposes, the use of the Oxford comma is optional. However, in most academic and business settings, the use of the Oxford...
What is the purpose of the Oxford comma?
The Oxford comma clears up a lot of ambiguity in sentences. Without the Oxford comma, a sentence can be understood in different ways by different r...
When should an Oxford comma be used?
When three or more items are listed in a sentence, each item has to be separated from the others by a comma. The last word on the list is preceded...
What is an Oxford comma example?
1. Every Friday, I get together with Jane, Sally J., Sally T., and Sasha. 2. They can sit in the living room, dining room, or the back yard.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 in a subordinate clause?
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: They had all gone to their rooms when I arrived. However, it is necessary to add a comma if this order is reversed:
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.
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.
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.
Oxford Comma Rules
When listing a series of words in a sentence, a comma is placed after each word. The second to the last word is followed by the conjunction and or or. According to the Oxford comma rule, the Oxford comma must be placed before the conjunction.
Why the Oxford Comma Is Important
The Oxford comma is important for several reasons. First, it is required in most business and academic settings. Many businesses and universities require that all types of writing adhere to the Oxford comma rules.
The MLA Oxford Comma
The MLA, Modern Language Association, is a large scholarly association known around the world, and they publish a style guide for writing and documenting information. This guide outlines the standards agreed upon by the MLA. The MLA constantly updates its writing and documenting standards.
The APA Oxford Comma
The American Psychological Association is a similar association that also publishes writing style guides among their many other scholarly activities. Despite its name, the APA is not only used in the field of psychology, but also in other academic fields, such as business, social science, nursing, communication, and engineering.
What is a comma splice?
A comma splice occurs when a writer separates two complete sentences, or independent clauses, with a comma. A comma, by itself, is not strong enough to separate two independent clauses. Therefore, this is called a comma splice.
How to correct comma splice?
A comma splice can be corrected in one of three ways. The writer could use a period between the two sentences, and then capitalize the first letter of the second sentence. The writer could also use a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses if they are closely related. Finally, the writer could create a compound sentence by using ...