How do you add commas in exercises?
Exercise : Comma Exercise 1. Add commas as needed in the sentences below. On the line to the left of each sentence, write the number of the appropriate comma rule (click here to see the rules). If the sentence is correct as it is, write C on the line and refer to the appropriate rule in parentheses after the sentence.
Where do you put commas in a sentence?
Seven Places Where You SHOULD Use Commas Rule #1: Use Commas to Separate Items in a List Rule #2: Use a Comma After an Introductory Word or Phrase Rule #3: Use a Comma Before a Quotation Rule #4: Use a Comma to Separate a Dependent Clause That Comes BEFORE the Independent Clause Rule #5: Use a Comma to Join Two Long Independent Clauses
When are commas always the rule?
Here are the most common cases where commas are always the rule.. Interrupters are thoughts injected in the middle of a sentence to show emotion or add emphasis. A parenthetical element is a phrase that adds extra information to the sentence but could be removed without changing the meaning.
What is the first use of a comma?
This probably the first use of commas you learned in school: separating items in a list of three or more things. The cake mix requires flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.
How do you use commas to practice?
2:0917:468 Comma Rules - English Writing and Punctuation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRule number three use a comma to separate a dependent clause which is an incomplete thought orMoreRule number three use a comma to separate a dependent clause which is an incomplete thought or incomplete sentence from an independent clause which is a complete thought or a complete sentence.
How do commas set off interruptions?
Use a pair of bracketing commas to set off a weak interruption which could be removed from the sentence without destroying it. If the interruption comes at the beginning or the end of the sentence, use only one bracketing comma. Make sure the words set off are really an interruption.
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 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.More items...
What is it called when you use a lot of commas in a sentence?
Polysyndeton and Asyndeton: Definition and Examples.
What are commas examples?
Example: I went to the store to buy milk, eggs, and bread. or I went to the store to buy milk, eggs and bread. Either way is acceptable if meaning is clear, but be consistent with the pattern you choose.
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.
Should I put a comma in this sentence?
Rule: Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. 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.
Can you put 2 commas in one 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.
Does a comma go before or after 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.
Do you put a comma before or after but?
Do You Need a Comma After But? If you're wondering whether you need a comma after but, the answer is that you probably don't. The only time you need a comma after but is when it is immediately followed by an interrupter.
Do you put a comma before and after like?
When do we need a comma after “like”? A comma after “like” would be necessary if it is the last word in an introductory expression, the last word in a mid-sentence parenthesis, the last word in a frontal clause in a compound sentence, and the last word in a frontal clause in a reversed-order complex sentence.
What is an interruption in the flow of a sentence?
An interrupting phrase is a word group (a statement, question, or exclamation) that interrupts the flow of a sentence and is usually set off by commas, dashes, or parentheses. An interrupting phrase is also called an interrupter, an insertion, or a mid-sentence interruption.
What is an example of a interrupting phrase?
The teacher annoyed with her class got emotional when she was asked about her day. Explanation: The phrase "annoyed with her class" is what is known as an interrupting phrase. An interrupting phrase provides information, but is not necessary to the construction of the sentence.
What are commas and how are they used in everyday writing?
The comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a slight break, pause, or transition. Commas are necessary before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that separates two independent clauses. Commas are necessary after introductory words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence.
What is an interrupter in a sentence?
Interrupters are little thoughts in the middle of a thought, added to show emotion, tone or emphasis. When we use an interrupter in the middle of a sentence, it should be emphasized with commas.
When to use a comma before a word?
Use a comma before the word but if it is joining two independent clauses:
What Is a Comma?
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 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.
Is a comma a subject or verb?
With few exceptions, a comma should not separate a subject from its verb.
When writing a date in month-day-year format, do you put a comma?
When writing a date in month-day-year format, set off the year with commas.
When addressing another person by name, do you put a comma?
When addressing another person by name, set off the name with commas.
Do words with an order have a comma?
Incorrect. Words that show an order should have a comma after. The sentence should read:
Do you put a comma before "but"?
OK. A comma precedes words like “but” and “so” and “yet.”
Do you put a comma after snorkeling?
OK. You could also add a comma after “snorkeling.” Whether or not to do this is a topic of debate for grammarians.
Do you put a comma after "however"?
OK. Words like “therefore” and “however” need a comma after.
Why do we use commas in text?
A comma is often used to distinguish main clauses from secondary or subordinate clauses. Commas are frequently misused and therefore you shouldn’t use them unless you are sure that they’re appropriate. Instead, resort to employing full stops if you aren’t sure whether a comma would be correct. If part of a text feels complete, or contains a subject and verb, it is safe to define it with a full stop.
Why do we use a comma in Oxford?
An Oxford comma can be useful for avoiding confusion or ambiguity. Take a look at the following two sentences:
What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?
Another use of the comma is to embed clauses into a main clause. This is done to add extra information without making the sentence ambiguous.
What is the last comma in a list?
When writing a list you may also encounter the Oxford comma. The Oxford comma is the last comma in a list before a conjunction (such as ‘and’ or ‘or’). The repairs needed for the car included two new tyres, replacement headlight bulbs, new brake pads, and an oil change.
When to use commas with adverbs?
Using Commas With Adverbs. Commas can also be used to add a preface to a sentence, with a word such as ‘however’ and ‘unfortunately.’. This can be used to set the tone of a sentence and link it to a previous sentence: His car was right where he left it in the car park.
Where is the comma in a dialogue?
If this structure is used, then the comma appears at the end of the first piece of dialogue, before the speech marks end and the speech directions are given.
Is there a comma in the first part of the sentence?
The comma here is used incorrectly. The first part of the sentence (He mustered a sigh of relief) contains a verb (mustered) and a subject (he). Therefore, it should be its own sentence: He mustered a sigh of relief. His car was right where he left it in the car park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When directly addressing a person by name, do you add a comma after the name?
When directly addressing a person by name, add a comma after the name.
What is a splice in a comma?
A comma splice happens when you connect two independent clauses with a comma instead of a conjunction or other appropriate punctuation like a semicolon.
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 you put a comma before or after a sentence?
Do use a comma before because if the sentence’s meaning would be unclear without it.
Do you put a comma before an independent clause?
Don’t use a comma before and if it doesn’t precede an independent clause.
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.