Commas (Eight Basic Uses)
- 1. Use a comma to separate independent clauses. Rule: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or nor, for) when it joins two ...
- 2. Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
- 3. Use a comma between all items in a series.
- 4. Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
- 5. Use a comma to set off appositives.
- 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 four rules for using commas?
- "The drought had lasted now for ten million years, and the reign of the terrible lizards had long since ended," ( 2001: A Space Odyssey ).
- "It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed," (Roosevelt 1899).
- "The color of the sky darkened to gray, and the plane began to rock. ...
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 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. ...
Do commas even have rules?
The reality is that there are many more rules for using commas. Don't despair though. Unlike many rules in English, they actually make sense, as they are designed to help avoid confusion. Missing commas can have a HUGE impact on the meaning of your sentence. Missing commas can even cost a million dollars.
What are the 10 rules of commas?
10 Comma Rules to Make Your Writing FlawlessRule 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.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 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 4 rules for commas?
6:117:554 Basic Comma Rules: Learn English Punctuation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSeparate it with commas using commas these four basic rules number one separating fanboys clausesMoreSeparate it with commas using commas these four basic rules number one separating fanboys clauses number two separating listeners in a sentence rule number three separating lists in a sentence.
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 6 types of commas?
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 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 commas examples?
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.
Can you have 3 commas in a sentence?
If you have sentences like, "Bob walked, to, the store, slowly" then yes, there are too many commas. But a sentence that contains a list could legitimately have many commas. Like, "He found a bottle, three coins, two keys, a small metal box, a pack of matches, some scraps of paper, and a patridge in a pear tree."
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...
Where do the commas go in this sentence?
Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. a. 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.
Can you have 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.
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.
Why do you put a comma before a word?
Rule 3d. A comma is placed before the word because only if needed for clarity.
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 do commas and periods mean?
Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. Commas customarily indicate a brief pause; they're not as final as periods.
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.
Where to put a comma in a sentence?
Rule 3b. In sentences where two independent clauses are joined by connectors such as and, or, but, etc., put a comma at the end of the first clause.
When does the last comma come before and or?
Note: When the last comma in a series comes before and or or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the Oxford comma. Most newspapers and magazines drop the Oxford comma in a simple series, apparently feeling it's unnecessary. However, omission of the Oxford comma can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
When to use commas?
Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
What is the use of commas in a name?
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.
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.
Do you use a comma after a noun?
Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that (relative clauses). That clauses after nouns are always essential. That clauses following a verb expressing mental action are always essential.
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.
Why do we use serial commas?
Sometimes a serial comma is necessary for clarity. One example is when the final list item itself contains a conjunction.
How to avoid comma splice?
To avoid the comma splice, you can split the two clauses into separate sentences, connect them with another form of punctuation (i.e. a colon, semicolon or dash ), or connect them with a conjunction. The table below shows how each approach produces slightly different results.
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 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.
How to separate subjects from verbs?
Sometimes subjects are separated from verbs by nonrestrictive clauses, words like however, or other interruptions . These should always be enclosed within two commas.
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.
What is the rule for using a comma in a sentence?
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.
What are some examples of commas in numbers?
In numbers four digits long, a comma is optional. Examples: 3,500 [or 3500] 100,000.
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 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.
When to use a comma before "but"?
Rule: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or nor, for) when it joins two complete ideas (independent clauses).
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.
Why do we use a comma in "He's a cheerful boy"?
A comma is used here, because it would also make sense to say, “He’s a cheerful and kind boy”.
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 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 sentence?
3. 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 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 the starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma?
a. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while.
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.
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 two verbs?
13. Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb phrases in a compound predicate.
When to use commas?
Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. Example: George traveled to Spain, France, and Germany. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.
When to use commas in a sentence?
Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.#N#Example: I love vanilla ice cream, but my brother prefers chocolate.
Why do we put commas in sentences?
Sometimes commas are used to indicate omitted material in a sentence that can be understood from context: The little old lady’s statement took forty-five minutes; mine, four hours. However, if you don’t need these commas for clarity, don’t use them.
When to put a comma before "fanboys"?
When two independent clauses that each contain a subject and a verb are connected by for, and , nor, but, or, yet, or so (a list of coordinating conjunctions also known by the acronym FANBOYS), put a comma before the FANBOYS.
Do you put a comma at the beginning of a sentence?
This lets your reader know the main action of the sentence is yet to come.
Do you separate a noun with a comma?
Two adjectives that modify one noun should be separated by commas if they both have the same descriptive force: The silly, frightened purse-snatcher dropped the purse with all its contents.
Using Commas in a List
Commas are one of the most used forms of punctuation, aside from periods. They are also one of the most misused punctuation marks in written English. Often, people misremember what they are taught about commas in primary school.
How to Use Commas in a List
There are many rules for using commas in a series. Remember, placing a comma correctly will elevate your writing. Below are some series comma rules, and, for each rule, some comma in a series examples.