When do you use a comma in a sentence?
As a rule of thumb, if the phrase is longer than about four words, use the comma. You can also use a comma with a shorter phrase when you want to emphasize it or add a pause for literary effect.
Do you put a comma after a participle phrase?
The comma rules you need to know for participle phrases are: For participial phrases before the main clause, put a comma after the participial phrase. For participial phrases in the middle of the sentence, the phrase requires commas both before and after it.
How do you use commas with names and titles?
The correct way to use commas with names and titles We use commas while combining multiple phrases in one sentence or writing about different items in a list. There are more usages of a comma, for example, how adding or removing comma before and after a name changes the meaning of the sentence.
How many commas do you put before and after too?
If "too" comes in the middle of a sentence then you should either have two commas or no commas. If you just have a single comma before or after then that's definitely wrong.
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 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.
Do I need commas in this sentence?
Use a comma when the first word of the sentence is freestanding “yes” or “no.” Use a comma when directly addressing someone or something in a sentence. Use a comma between two adjectives that modify the same noun. Use a comma to offset negation in a sentence.
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 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.
When should I add a comma?
Comma RulesUse commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. ... Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.More items...
When should I put a comma?
Comma UseUse commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. ... Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.More items...
When should I use a 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.
What are two comma rules?
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 three commas in a row mean?
It is online slang, generally used to indicate a more emphasized trail-off, somewhat like a mixture between an ellipsis and comma, like you'd hear after saying "anyhow". – Azsgy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
How should I use a comma with a subordinate clause?
Subordinate clauses are sentence fragments that start with a subordinating conjunction (e.g. after, although, as, as if, as long as ). They can't form a sentence on their own, but they add information to the main clause, usually some form of condition, e.g. if you do this, whenever you see him.
Do you need a comma to separate the day from the month, and the date from the year?
When you write a date, you should use a comma to separate the day from the month, and the date from the year, e.g. He was born on October 8, 1977. or Today is Tuesday, August 8, 2019.
Should I use a comma after an introductory adverb like "apparently"?
Adverbs are words that modify verbs or even whole sentences. They often end in "-ly". Examples include "quickly", "frequently", "slowly". You can see that they "add" some information to a "verb" or the sentence that they are modifying. Some adverbs don't end "-ly", e.g. "sometimes" or "often".
Should I use a comma after a time phrase such as "in the meantime"?
A time phrase is something that gives details of the time that something happened. It might be a single word or a complete phrase. Some examples of time phrases are tomorrow, at 2pm, five hundred years ago, and in the meantime.
Should you use a comma before "whereas" and "although"?
The words "whereas" and "although" are subordinating conjunctions. The general rule for subordinating conjunctions states that you shouldn't use a comma before a subordinating conjunction that comes after the main clause. However, "whereas" and "although" are examples of "adverbs of concession," along with "though" and "even though". They are used where a dependent clause is contrasting to the main clause (a bit like "but"). You should use a comma to introduce a dependent clause that starts with an adverb of concession.
Should I use a comma before "since"?
In that case then it follows the rules for "because" outlined above, i.e. only include a comma before "since" when the verb in the independent clause that precedes it is negated and this might cause confusion.
Should I use a comma between two adjectives?
Adjectives are words that modify a noun like "old", "red", "greasy". They should really be called "adnouns" to be consistent with "adverbs." Sadly, they're not, but that's a good way to think of them.
Why do we put a comma in a sentence?
A comma is used to add clarity. Therefore, it’s important to use a comma when connecting two independent clauses, as you want to ensure your readers know the two are related. For example, “I want to play with my friends, but I have to finish my homework first.”.
When to use a comma in a compound sentence?
Use a comma when the dependent clause comes first. When forming a complex compound sentence, if the dependent clause is before the compound sentence, you can use a comma. Otherwise, if the dependent clause comes after a comma isn’t needed.
How to connect a compound sentence and dependent clause?
Connect a compound sentence and dependent clause with a comma. When the dependent clause comes before the compound sentence, you can use a comma to connect the two to form a complex compound sentence. For example, “Because she grew up playing multiple sports, she loves swimming, and she also loves soccer.”.
How to lowercase a second independent clause?
Make the beginning of the second independent clause lowercase. Now that you have both a coordinating conjunction and a comma in place, you need to make the first letter of your second independent clause lowercase.
How to make a compound sentence?
Connect the two independent clauses. To form a compound sentence, you will need to connect your two independent clauses together with a coordinating conjunction. There are 7 commonly used coordinating conjunctions or words.
How to remember coordinating conjunctions?
One of the easiest ways to remember the coordinating conjunctions is to form an acronym. The most commonly used acronym is: FANBOYS (F-for, A-and, N-nor, B-but, O-or, Y-yet, S-so). For example, “Mom makes me breakfast before school, but I don’t have enough time to eat it.”.
What is the coordinating conjunction used to connect two thoughts?
The nature of the relation will determine which coordinating conjunction is used to connect the two thoughts. For instance, if the second thought follows the first thought chronologically, the word “and” is used to connect the two thoughts. If the second thought contradicts the first thought, the word “but” is used to connect the two thoughts.
What does a comma before and after the name mean?
In the second sentence, the comma before and after the name indicates we are talking about a specific scientist of AKL University. The comma after the name also tells us that the information after the name is essential to identify the person.
Why is the comma not essential?
Here the comma is not essential because the clause beginning with who, does not identify John. Note that even without the clause ‘ who is a better painter than me’, the sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the message. Case 3. While introducing someone, we use commas. · This is Jane, my sister.
Do you put a comma before or after a name?
The rule is – either have the com mas both before and after a name, or don’t add it at all. This is because the sentence is talking about a particular person John. The addition of commas gives extra emphasis to the name. · My friend John, who is a better painter than me, can do the walls for your home.
When to put a comma before "and"?
There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list.
When to use a comma after a dog?
When you list your dog’s qualities, you have to use a comma after each quality you list except the one that comes immediately before and. That comma is optional. The dog is young, well trained, and good natured. The dog is young, well trained and good natured.
When to leave a comma out?
When you have two independent clauses joined together by and, most style guides say that it’s OK to leave the comma out as long as the two independent clauses are very short and closely connected. Here’s an example: Arthur cooked and Melvin cleaned.
Is the comma before and in a sentence?
The sentence is correct with or without the comma before and. ( There are a few exceptions that require you to use the Oxford comma in a list, but they are pretty rare.) Just be consistent. Don’t switch back and forth in the same document between using the Oxford comma and not using it.
Do you put a comma before or after a dependent clause?
Don’t use a comma before and when one of the clauses it’s connecting is a dependent clause. Sam tossed the ball, and watched the dog chase it. The first clause, Sam tossed the ball could stand on its own as a complete sentence, which means it’s an independent clause.
Is "saw the dog chase it" a complete sentence?
But the second clause, watched the dog chase it, can’t stand by itself as a complete sentence. That means it’s a dependent clause, so we should not use a comma before and.
Do you put a comma before "dog"?
You should not use a comma before and if you’re only mentioning two qualities. The dog is well trained, and good natured. The dog is well trained and good natured. This is true for proper names, ordinary nouns, verbs, or anything else.
