- 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 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. ...
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?
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 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 does a comma mean in a sentence?
When to use a comma in a list?
When to use parentheses in a sentence?
When do you need a conjunction?
How to tell if an adjective is coordinate?
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What are the 6 uses 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.More items...
What are the 4 uses of commas?
Use a comma before and, but, or, so, for, nor, and yet when they connect two independent clauses (full sentences) that could stand alone. The cook got sick, but dinner was served anyway.
When comma is used in 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.
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 5 ways to use commas?
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.
Can you use 2 commas in a sentence?
Use two commas, not one, to set off a nonrestrictive clause in the middle of a sentence. Incorrect: The city, a polyglot of different races and religions provided many opportunities for cultural exchange. Correct: The city, a polyglot of different races and religions, provided many opportunities for cultural exchange.
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...
How many commas can you use in a sentence?
1 Answer. There's no set limit, but it has to make sense, and their use can affect the meaning.
Should we put comma before and?
The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. The proper place for the comma is before the conjunction. On Monday we'll see the Eiffel Tower, and on Tuesday we'll visit the Louvre.
When to Use a Comma | Rules and Examples - Scribbr
Commas to introduce a sentence. If you introduce a sentence with a transition word (e.g. however, hence, indeed, furthermore), follow it with a comma.. 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 ...
Commas: Quick Rules // Purdue Writing Lab
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.
Commas vs. Semicolons // Purdue Writing Lab
For more information on semicolons, please see the "90-Second Semicolon" vidcast series on the Purdue OWL YouTube Channel.A group of words containing a subject and a verb and expressing a complete thought is called a sentence or an independent 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.
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.
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.
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.
What does a comma do in a list?
To separate items in a list. Commas also separate items in a list, and this is another use of a comma that quickly comes to mind. A list can be simple, as in a series of words: He bought milk, eggs, and bread at the store. Commas also separate lists of longer phrases: The dog ran out the front door, through the mud, and dashed out the open gate.
Why do we use commas in a sentence?
It can also divide clauses (“parts of a sentence”) or items in a list. And, it is often used to create division or to improve the clarity of a sentence. Clearly, a comma has many roles as a punctuation mark. Here are some more specifics.
How to use commas in a quote?
When writing a conversation between two people using quotes, commas help a reader keep track of who is speaking. A comma is used to separate the name of the person speaking (or a pronoun) and a verb. For example: 1 “I’m not feeling well today,” she said. 2 “I’m not feeling well today,” Stella confessed, “because I stayed up too late last night.”
How many digits are in a comma?
To write numbers with more than four digits. You can also use commas to divide sets of numbers. For example, in numbers over 1,000 the comma separates sets of three digits at a time. For example, in 1, 000, 000 there are two commas (one for every three decimal places).
Why do we put a comma on adjectives?
Commas separate adjectives when the order of the adjectives doesn’t affect the meaning. For example: She gave him a soft, comfortable blanket. The order of the adjectives soft and comfortable could be reversed, so they’re separated by a comma.
What is the difference between a comma and a colon?
The difference between a comma and a colon (:) is even more pronounced. For example, a colon can be used to introduce a list—but you’ll still need commas to separate the items in the list. For example, Here’s a list of groceries I need: a loaf of bread, a quart of milk, and a stick of butter.
When do you use commas in a compound sentence?
Commas are also used to separate independent clauses (phrases that can stand on their own) when a conjunction (like and) is used, as in the compound sentence: Mark went to the store, and he bought eggs.
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)
What are some examples of commas in numbers?
In numbers four digits long, a comma is optional. Examples: 3,500 [or 3500] 100,000.
When a speaker in a sentence names the person to whom he is speaking, this addressing of his audience
Rule: When a speaker in a sentence names the person to whom he is speaking, this addressing of his audience is called direct address. Direct address is indicated by the use of a comma or commas, depending upon its placement within the sentence.
Is zip code preceded by a comma?
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.
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.
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”.
Why do we use dashes in a sentence?
John went for a jog – which took half an hour – before having a long hot shower. Dashes are useful if you want to imply a longer pause, or draw more attention to the nonessential element of the sentence. They’re also useful if you have several other commas in the sentence, to help avoid confusion.
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”.
How many uses of commas are there?
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. 1.
When to use a comma in punctuation?
Use a comma to separate the day from the date. 4. In a full sentence, use a comma on both sides of the year in a full date. Many people were waiting on December 30, 1975, to celebrate the birth of the writer of this punctuation guide.
What is a quote in text?
Setting off Dialogs or Quotations. 1. A quote is a text that brings the exact words of a speaker in direct discourse. A text that consists only of dialogue (plays, novels etc.) is punctuated according to regular punctuation rules.
What is a general stylistic convention in writing?
1. A general stylistic convention in writing is that the more you can say in less words, the more elegant and polished the writing is. Elliptical constructions which omit words are one way of achieving such brevity in writing.#N#2. In the following examples, no comma is needed to indicate omitted words:
When to use a comma in a date?
1. Use a comma to separate the date from the year, when written in American style. December 30, 1975 [12.30.75 - US style] 2. Do not use a comma to separate any element of the date, when written in British style (also common around the world and in the U.S. army.)
Do you put a comma in the closing of a letter?
Use a comma for the closing words of any letter, and a point for the closing sentence that precedes it. Hope to hear from you soon. [closing sentence] Yours, or Love, [informal closing words] sincerely, or Best regards, [formal closing word.
Do you need a comma before a coordinating conjunction?
A comma is needed before the coordinating conjunction, even though many English writers do not use a comma in such a case. 2. Setting off a Parenthetical Element from the Rest of the Sentence.
What is a comma in writing?
October 22, 2020 Writing Tips. Even professional writers struggle with commas. In theory, everyone knows what a comma is—it’s a pause between parts of a sentence. In practice, though, it can be difficult to figure out where commas actually belong. Here’s a quick, user-friendly guide to help you master the comma in your everyday writing.
Why do we put commas in sentences?
(Pro tip: That rarely works.) Commas confuse us perhaps because there are so many rules for using them, and also because comma usage varies by style.
What is a conjunction in a sentence?
Conjunctions are words that link other words, phrases, or clauses together. There are different types of conjunctions, but for now, we’ll keep it simple. (You’re welcome!) When should you use commas with conjunctions?
Is there a comma before "because"?
Its job is straightforward—it introduces a “clause of purpose.” A clause beginning with because answers the question “Why?” There’s usually no comma before because.
Do professional writers use commas?
Even professional writers struggle with commas. In theory, everyone knows what a comma is—it’s a pause between parts of a sentence. In practice, though, it can be difficult to figure out where commas actually belong. Here’s a quick, user-friendly guide to help you master the comma in your everyday writing.
Is the Oxford comma a real comma?
The Oxford comma is an infamous example. The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook doesn’t ban the Oxford comma, but the guide recommends using it only when necessary for clarity. The Chicago Manual of Style, on the other hand, favors the Oxford comma. It’s a real comma conundrum! #oxfordcomma https://t.co/fGHbj2lXky.
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 is the comma used for in a name?
9. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names. Birmingham, Alabama, gets its name from Birmingham, England. July 22, 1959, was a momentous day in his life.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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 mean in a sentence?
Definition of comma. 1 : a punctuation mark, used especially as a mark of separation within the sentence. 2 : pause, interval. 3 : any of several nymphalid butterflies (genus Polygonia) with a silvery comma-shaped mark on the underside of the hind wings.
What is a comma in Latin?
History and Etymology for comma. Late Latin, from Latin, part of a sentence, from Greek komma segment, clause, from koptein to cut — more at capon. Keep scrolling for more.
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 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.
When to use parentheses in a sentence?
Parentheses are used to give additional information to the reader—information that would disrupt the flow of the sentence if written as a nonrestrictive clause. Commas may be placed after the closing parenthesis but not before either the opening or the closing parenthesis. If the sentence would not require any commas if the parenthetical statement were removed, the sentence should not have any commas when the parentheses are added.
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.
How to tell if an adjective is coordinate?
One way to tell whether the adjectives are coordinate is to try switching the order of them . If the sentence still sounds natural, the adjectives are coordinate.