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Rule No. 1: In a simple series, use a co ... | Rule No. 2: Use a comma to separate two ... |
Rule No. 3: Use a comma following an int ... | Rule No. 4: Use commas to set off modifi ... |
Rule No. 5: Use commas to separate adjec ... | Rule No. 6: Use commas to set off words ... |
Rule No. 7: Use commas to set off partic ... | Rule No. 8: Use a comma, carefully, to s ... |
Rule No. 9: Use a comma with hometowns, ... | Rule No. 10: Use a comma to separate dup ... |
- Rule 1: Comma Before FANBOYS.
- Rule 2: Comma after Dependent Clauses.
- Rule 3: After an Introductory Word or Phrase.
- Rule 4: Before Follow-up Elements.
- Rule 5: Between Items in a Series.
- Rule 6: Nonessential Interrupting Phrases and Words.
- Rule 7: With Dates and Places.
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.”
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.
What are nine comma rules?
Rule 6
- Transitional Expressions. Transitional expressions serve as bridges between sentences or parts of sentences. ...
- Exception For Rule Six Of The Comma. If a transitional expression blends smoothly with the rest of the sentence, calling for little or no pause in reading, it does not ...
- Parenthetical Expressions. ...
- Absolute Phrases. ...
- Contrasted Elements. ...
How, why and when to use commas correctly in writing?
Why and when to use commas
- Connecting two independent clauses. You can use commas to connect two completely independent phrases. ...
- Eliminate confusion. Writing without commas can become a confusing read. ...
- Separate items. We use commas to separate several list items in one sentence. ...
- Introductory adverbs. ...
- Address elements. ...
- Full dates. ...
- Summary. ...
What are 10 examples comma sentences?
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 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 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 13 rules of commas?
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...•
How many comma rules are there?
There are four types of comma: the listing comma, the joining comma, the gapping comma and bracketing commas. A listing comma can always be replaced by the word and or or: Vanessa seems to live on eggs, pasta and aubergines. Vanessa seems to live on eggs and pasta and aubergines.
Is a 50 word sentence too long?
So here's the rule: your sentences should usually be about from 20 to 30 words long. If your style is breezy, 15 words would be good. Sentences with 50 or more words should be avoided if possible.
What are the 5 uses of a comma?
The five uses of the comma are:Separating the main elements of a sentence from each other.Setting off a parenthetical element from the rest of the sentence.Separating elements in a series.Setting off dialogs or quotations.Other uses of the comma.
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.
How do you remember comma rules?
Remember These 12 Rules When Using Commas#1 Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) that links two independent clauses. ... #2 Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence. ... #3 Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence.More items...•
What are the 4 rules for commas?
To better understand the use of the comma, begin by learning the following 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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
What is an absolute phrase?
An absolute phrase, which modifies the whole sentence, usually consists of a noun followed by a participle or participial phrase. Absolute phrases may appear at the beginning or at the end of a sentence. Wherever they appear, they should be set off with commas.
What are the 10 commas?
The Ten Comma Rules. Rule 1: Use a comma between items that are listed in a series, which contain three or more words or clauses. Example: We went to a movie, ate dinner and then went to a party. Example: I bought a chocolate cake, strawberry pie and some ice cream for the party. Rule 2:
What is the comma rule for appositive words?
Rule 10: Use a comma to set off an appositive word or phrase that is used to describe or identify another noun. Example: That was the best day of my life, the day when my daughter was born. (“day” is repeated and is described further after the comma). Don’t let these ten comma rules make you feel overwhelmed.
Why do we use commas in a sentence?
Commas are a useful punctuation device that separates the structural components of a sentence. However, so many people do not know how to use them correctly. Learn the comma rules once and for all so you can prevent comma splices in your papers. Before you can understand when to use a comma and when not to, you need to know what elements need ...
When to use a comma in an adjective?
Use a comma to set off an adjective clause if it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Adjective clauses usually start with words like that, which or who. Example: My uncle, who lives in Santa Barbara, loves to surf. Example: The college, which is in El Cajon, is very nice.
When to use a comma after a subordinate clause?
Use a comma after a subordinate/dependent clause when it begins a sentence. Subordinate/dependent clauses begin with words like if, because, after, when, as, while, since, even though, although, before, and whenever.
When to use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses. A coordinating conjunction, also known as FANBOYS, include for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Remember independent clauses are two complete sentences.
What is the rule for conjunctive adverbs?
For a better explanation on adjective clauses, click here. Rule 8: Use a common when using conjunctive adverbs. Conjunctive adverbs are words like however, on the other hand, although, nevertheless, consequently, therefore, especially, moreover, and for example .
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.
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 do you get a compound predicate?
You get a compound predicate when the subject of a sentence is doing more than one thing. In a compound predicate that contains two verbs, don’t separate them with a comma.
What is a nonrestrictive clause?
A nonrestrictive clause offers extra information about something you have mentioned in a sentence, but the information isn’t essential to identify the thing you’re talking about. Nonrestrictive clauses are usually introduced by which or who and should be set off by commas.
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.