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Jul 1, 2023 · Julie loves ice cream, books and kittens. (The comma before the and in a list of three or more items is optional. See below, under “Serial comma,” for more information.) Your list might be made up of nouns, as in the example above, but it could also be made up of verbs, adjectives, or clauses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Use 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Commas to Introduce A Sentence
- 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
- Oxford Commas
If you introduce a sentence with a transition word(e.g., however, hence, indeed, furthermore), follow it with a comma. 1. Howeverthe model is not always accurate. 2. 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 p...
A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. Sentences are often made up of several clauses. Whether you should put a comma (or some other form of punctuation) between them depends on the types of clauses and the relationship between them. An independent clause is a clause that could stand on its own as a full sentence....
A compound sentence contains more than one independent clause. 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. 1. Many scientists have tried to solve the problem, and...
Two independent clauses should never be joined by a comma alone. This error is called a comma splice. 1. Model 1 was selected, it returns more accurate results. 2. The project ran over the deadline, data processing was extensive. 3. He did not take the easy way out, he is a man of principle. In each of the examples above, the two parts of the sente...
Sometimes the extra information added by a dependent clause is essential to the meaning of the main clause. This is called a restrictive clause because it restricts the meaning of the sentence. Commas should notbe used around a restrictive clause. 1. Bears that have young cubscan be dangerous. The information in the sentences is about a specific ty...
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). 1. This thesis,explores the use of concrete underwater. 2. This thesis exploresthe use of concrete und...
When two subjects or objects are connected to one verb, make sure not to separate them with a comma.
The predicate is the part of a sentence that contains the verb. A compound predicate occurs when two verbs in a sentence are connected to the same subject. In general, a comma should not be used between the verbs. 1. Many scientists have tried,and failed to solve the problem. 2. Many scientists have tried and failedto solve the problem. Pay attenti...
In lists, commas are used to separate each item, and the last item is separated by a conjunction (e.g., 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. Sometimes a serial comma is necessary for clarity. One example is when the final li...
This sentence appears to follow the rules described above. There is a comma before the conjunction (but), and the nonessential comment (in the end) is set off with a pair of commas. There was a time when this sentence would be punctuated exactly this way. Today, such a sentence is considered over-punctuated.
May 11, 2023 · 12 Comma Rules. Here are twelve rules you can use to determine when you need to use a comma. 1. Use a Comma Between Two Independent Clauses. You should always separate independent clauses with a comma. The comma should be followed by a coordinating conjunction, such as “and,” “but,” or “or.”. Examples: Sarah likes to swim, and Mary ...
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Rule 1 - Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as well, why, hello, no, yes, etc. Examples: Yes, I do need that report. Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day…. Rule 2 - Use a comma before and after introductory words such as namely, that is, i.e., for.
