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Jul 1, 2023 · A serial comma eliminates the possibility of misreading, so even if you’re not using serial commas in your writing, make an exception for sentences like this: I dedicate this award to my parents, Jane Austen, and Albert Einstein. Commas with but . Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction but if it is joining two independent clauses:
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.
- Coordinating Comma. A comma must be placed before a coordinating conjunction that joins together two independent clauses. Compound and compound-complex sentences create a more sophisticated text, but they must be properly punctuated with commas when joined together.
- Interrupter Comma. Sentences are often interrupted with unnecessary words, subordinate clauses, or descriptive phrases that add detail to the sentence.
- Conjunctive Comma. A conjunctive adverb can be located at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence and must be separated from the rest of the sentence with commas.
- Introductory Comma. When a sentence begins with an introductory clause or phrase that cannot stand as a complete sentence, it must be followed with a comma.
Apr 19, 2023 · Commas confuse us perhaps because there are so many rules for using them, and also because comma usage varies by style. The Oxford comma is an infamous example. The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook doesn’t ban the Oxford comma, but the guide recommends using it only when necessary for clarity.
- 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.
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.
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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. Here are some clues to help you decide whether the sentence element is essential:
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