When to Use a Comma | Rules and Examples
- Commas to introduce a sentence. If you introduce a sentence with a transition word (e.g. ...
- Dependent vs independent clauses. ...
- Commas in compound sentences. ...
- Avoid the comma splice. ...
- Restrictive vs nonrestrictive clauses. ...
- Avoid splitting subjects from verbs. ...
- Avoid splitting compound subjects or objects. ...
- Avoid splitting compound predicates. ...
- Serial commas. ...
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
What are the rules for using a comma?
Comma Rule 1: Use a comma when two sentences are joined with and, or, but, or nor. When two complete sentences are joined with and, or, but, or nor, place a comma before the and, or, but, or nor. A sentence that has two or more verbs but does not have two complete sentences does not require a comma. Example
Which uses commas correctly?
Commas are used after the 'setting the scene for a sentence,' after a transitional phrase (e.g., 'however'), after an interjection (e.g., 'Yes'), before a conjunction (e.g., 'and,' 'but'), for parentheses (like brackets), after a long subject, in lists, and with the vocative case. This lesson explains the correct use of commas and has examples of commas used in sentences.
How to use commas properly?
Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses
- Steven Strom, whose show you like, will host a party next week. (nonrestrictive)
- John, who spent the last three days fishing, is back on the job again. (nonrestrictive)
- The gentleman who is standing by the fireplace is a well-known composer. (restrictive)
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...
Which are the 4 rules of comma usage?
Download or print a PDF of these rules which also include exercises.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 main 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 is the first rule of commas?
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. 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.
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 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 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.
Do you put a comma before and in a list?
The comma before the word and in a list of three or more things is the Oxford comma. It's also called the Serial comma. Writers use it to separate the last item in a list to avoid uncertainty or misunderstandings. One classic example that is often quoted is, to my parents, Ayn Rand, and God.
Where in the sentence should a comma be placed?
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.
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 are the rules of period usage?
PeriodsRule 1. Use a period at the end of a complete sentence that is a statement. ... Rule 2. If the last item in the sentence is an abbreviation that ends in a period, do not follow it with another period. ... Rule 3. Question marks and exclamation points replace and eliminate periods at the end of a sentence.
When to use a comma before and in a list?
When making a list, commas are the most common way to separate one list item from the next. The final two items in the list are usually separated by "and" or "or", which should be preceeded by a comma. Amongst editors this final comma in a list is known as the "Oxford Comma".
What are the rules for semicolons?
Rule. Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses which are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. This rule means that semicolons are used between two complete sentences which are not already linked by words like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.
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.
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 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).
Why do you put a comma before a word?
Rule 3d. A comma is placed before the word because only if needed for clarity.
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.
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 a comma in a sentence?
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.
When should a dependent clause be followed by a comma?
When a dependent clause comes at the start of a sentence, it should be followed by a comma.
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.
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 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.
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.
Do plants and insects have a comma?
The plants and the insects are both subjects of the verb to be, so no comma should come between them.
When to use commas?
Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.
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 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.
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.
When to use a comma and which?
Use a comma and “which” when the words following the “which” are not necessary to the sentence:
Why do we use commas in sentences?
Commas indicate pauses in sentences so readers can easily digest information and keep distinct ideas separate. Improper comma use can have the opposite effect; it can lead to garbled sentences that, although they may contain the correct information, don’t flow properly.
How to use commas in a list?
Use commas to separate three or more elements in a series. In a list of three or more elements, place a comma after each element. Place a comma before the and or or that precedes that last element.
How to test if an adjective requires a comma?
Test whether the adjectives require commas by placing and between them.
When do you put a comma before "but"?
When two complete sentences are joined with and, or, but, or nor, place a comma before the and, or, but, or nor. A sentence that has two or more verbs but does not have two complete sentences does not require a comma.
Do you put a comma between zip code and city?
Separate the street, city, and state with commas. Do not place a comma between the state and zip code.
Is there a comma before "who"?
Putting a comma before “who” makes the words following “who” perform the same function as words following a comma and “which”: they aren’t necessary to define the person mentioned in the words before the “who.” However, if the writer has no comma before “who,” the words following “who” perform the same function as words following “that” with no comma: they are necessary to identify the person mentioned just before the “who.”
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:
When should you follow a word with a comma?
When a word or phrase forms an introduction to a sentence, you should follow it with a comma, as recommended by Purdue OWL.
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.
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 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”.
What is dependent clause?
A dependent clause, or subordinate clause, is one that can’t stand alone as a whole sentence. It should be separated from the independent clause that follows it using a comma: If you can’t make it, please call me. After the race, John was exhausted.
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.
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.
