Here Are the Six Basic Rules
- When two sentences are joined by a coordinating conjunction, use a comma before the conjunction. **Coordinating conjunctions are: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. ...
- If a phrase or group of words come before the main sentence, place a comma after those words. ...
- Use commas around clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. ...
- Do not use commas to set off phrases and words that are essential to the sentence. The boy in the yellow shirt is my son. ...
- For dialogue: Use a comma after a phrase introducing a quotation. Use a comma after a quotation that is followed by a dialogue tag. ...
- Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. The mail carrier brought a package, four letters, and a ton of junk mail. ...
- Put 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.
What are four rules of using commas?
FOUR BASIC COMMA RULES 1. Use commas to separate items in a series of three or more. • Subjects in the program of study include English, math, and psychology. • Go up two flights of stairs, turn right, walk to the end of the hall, and you will be there. • The receptionist will admit you, the radiologist will x-ray you, the
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. ...
How to use commas correctly?
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What are the rules for using a comma?
- Commas don't just signify pauses in a sentence — precise rules govern when to use this punctuation mark.
- Commas are needed before coordinating conjunctions, after dependent clauses (when they precede independent clauses), and to set off appositives.
- The Oxford comma reduces ambiguity in lists.
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What are 6 basic comma rules?
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 six types of commas?
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.
What are the basic comma rules?
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 Rules of commas?
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...
What are the examples of comma?
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's the top comma called?
serial commaThis final comma, known as an Oxford or serial comma, is useful in a complex series of elements or phrases but is often considered unnecessary in a simple series such as in the example above. It usually comes down to a style choice by the writer.
How many rules are there for commas?
Most people have no clue there are eight comma rules. There really are only eight! And no, one does not involve putting a comma in when you naturally pause. Maybe if you are transcribing speech… but even then there's a 99.9% chance that's incorrect placing.
What are the 9 comma rules?
9 Rules for Using CommasSeparate two independent clauses joined by a conjunction with a comma. ... Use a comma after an introductory phrase. ... Use a comma after a conjunctive adverb. ... Divide separate items in a list using commas. ... Oxford or serial commas are optional. ... Separate nonrestrictive clauses with a comma.More items...•
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 10 uses of comma?
The Ten Uses of a CommaLinking coordinating main clauses. ... Marking off introductory and contextualising words and phrases at the start of the sentence. ... Inserting additional information at the end of a sentence. ... Signalling implications, examples and introducing argumentative points. ... Parenthetical elements mid-sentence.More items...
What are the 4 sentence types?
Just like subject and length, overusing a sentence type can hinder a reader's engagement with a text. There are four types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Each sentence is defined by the use of independent and dependent clauses, conjunctions, and subordinators.
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.
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.