basic comma rules

Make sure to ask your CISL teacher if you have any punctuation questions! Second, my daughter has been asking me to write about commas because she gets confused about when to and when not to use them. Comma Rule #1Comma Rule #1 The Serial…Comma, not Killer…The Serial…Comma, not Killer… Place a comma between items in a seriesPlace a comma between items in a series as in the example below.as in the example below. Like many of the so-called "laws" of grammar, the rules for using punctuation would never hold up in court. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. In this example, there are two independent clauses: #1: “I want to buy the new jacket.” (complete thought) #2 “It is too expensive.” (complete thought) Comma with Subjects and Verbs With few exceptions, a comma should not separate a subject from its verb. The comma separates the structural elements of a sentence into manageable segments. Rule 1. The shoe wax my brother uses is excellent. :warning: However, DON'T forget. As previously mentioned, commas can "allow introductions"! I kept the picture, and I later had it framed. . 2. Four Basic Comma Rules 1. , are not an exhaustive outline but rather an introduction to the basic rules. FOUR BASIC COMMA RULES 1. Use a comma after a quotation that is followed by a dialogue tag. Commas are used after a dependent phrase (one that can’t stand on its own) at the beginning of a sentence but not if the dependent phrase occurs at the end of the sentence. You can get away without putting a comma after a one or two-word phrase; however, I would caution against this because, without the comma, you can lose clarity of meaning. - Hello Tim. 1. When punctuation is parallel it means that interrupting a main clause with a dash or a comma requires the same punctuation at both the beginning and end of the clause. Does the sentence make sense without the words? In Compound Sentences: When joining two sentences, use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). My companion Cleo, is a great vocalist. On the other hand, I am afraid to fight people, so maybe I should stick with tennis! I was still bothered, so I took the picture down. Here, we offer a brief, basic guide to using commas correctly. 5. Comma Rules! She likes running, dancing, and jumping. Place a comma after the greetings of friendly letters and the closings of all letters. I had it framed, but I later realized that the picture was crooked. Don’t use a comma if there isn’t a subject/verb on either side of the conjunction. Sometimes “that” is left out of a sentence and still makes sense. I follow this rule because it avoids confusion and creates clarity. She asked for a new skirt, a necklace, and a sweater for her birthday. Use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause. Today I ate pizza, pasta, and a burger! Comma Punctuation Rules & Examples: Learn How To Use Commas. Follow these simple comma rules and you will not fall victim to the basic mistakes that English learners AND native speakers make when writing. May jumped over the pasture fence and landed in the mud. If yes, use commas. Commas are pretty straightforward. She hopes that it doesn’t rain on her wedding day. This lesson helps ESL students become better writers by showing three co Let’s learn the 5 main rules of using Commas during writing. My husband didn’t notice, nor did he care. **You may have heard of an Oxford or Harvard comma or serial comma, which states in a list if three or more, always place a comma before the final conjunction. (word) Today is a national holiday. Afraid she didn’t have enough gas, Martha rode her bicycle to the meeting. He got out of school early, so he took a nap. You can use the links at the top or below the post. Rule 1: Use a comma between items that are listed in a series, which contain three or more words or clauses. Place a comma before the beginning of the phrase and one at the end. **Coordinating conjunctions are: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. This particular comma is vital because it keeps the sentence more organized and removes any needless redundancies. My math class, which turned out to be fun, is over in three weeks. These rules, in fact, are conventions that have changed over the centuries. Since the 16th century, the word comma has referred to the mark that sets off words, phrases, and clauses. I have a problem… Okay! Rule: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or nor, for) when it … Grammar Girl has a good example of the need for a comma to prevent confusion: “She didn’t want to cook because it was her birthday. 3. If in doubt, use these questions to test the clause, phrase, or words. One easy way to master this skill is to learn basic punctuation rules. There is one comma mistake that I see frequently: putting a comma before because when it’s used in the middle of a sentence. I need to buy milk, sugar, and bread when I go to the store later. Do not use commas to set off phrases and words that are essential to the sentence. The shoe wax that my brother uses is excellent. In addition, I enjoy tennis. If in Find the basic rules with examples and tips inside. While commas are normally either required … I need to buy milk, sugar, and bread when I go to the store later. Place a comma before: and (conjunction), but (conjunction), for (preposition), or (conjunction), nor (adverb and conjunction), so (adverb), and yet (adverb) when they connect two independent clauses 1. Basic Comma Rules Terms Definitions/Examples Introductory Clauses Introductory clauses are dependent clauses that provide background information or "set the stage" for the main part of the sentence, the independent clause. Rule 1: Use a comma between items that are listed in a series, which contain three or more words or clauses. Use a comma after transition words and phrases that begin a sentence: however, therefore, on the other hand, for example, etc.. Use commas for items in a series of three or more items. Unless you want to create ambiguity, ambiguous sentences are usually better if they are rewritten for clarity: She didn’t want to cook because it was her birthday, and she deserved a break on her special day. Writing Tip #5: Do You Know When to Use That Instead of Which? Another basic rule is the use of commas after introductory adverbs that begin a sentence. The only problem was some gave wrong advice. In 1815, the French army welcomed Napoleon back as its leader. An emdash (the … Eliminate the comma or if you want to eliminate because, don’t insert a comma either between two clauses creating a comma splice. Introductory Clauses start with adverbs 11. Use Commas To Separate Certain Parts of a Date. Then, I went grocery shopping. Comma:Separate city, state and city, countrySeparate day of month from the year in a dateSeparate the year when other words follow in a sentenceSeparate the name of pe ***George is allergic to shellfish and got sick because he ate lobster. Basic rules, practice and proofreading are developed for the comma and apostrophe. Reference Menu. Use commas around clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. She hopes it doesn’t rain on her wedding day. 3. My problem with leaving out the final comma is many sentences become ambiguous without it. When to Use a Comma: 10 Rules and Examples Seven Places Where You SHOULD Use Commas. However, in composing, the comma just influences the sentence to ap… o The marbles are bright, colorful, and round. Another basic rule is the use of commas after introductory adverbs that begin a sentence. As previously mentioned, commas can "allow introductions"! B. I love commas. Consequently, most stores are closed. 1 Commas (Eight Basic Uses) To better understand the use of the comma, begin by learning the following eight basic uses: 1. Here’s the short version of the 6 Basic Rules: You have my permission to copy and use this image, but do not remove my url. , she found her soul mate that it doesn ’ t happen is the first on! * a sentence 5, 2011 June 19, 2014 Creative basic comma rules, Dual Credit, ENG 3, Media. Maybe I should stick with tennis their students that punctuation can make a compound sentence however... 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About commas, half of which Greetings '' expressions, a necklace, and they are impossible figure!, phrase, basic comma rules adjectives and toothpaste from the Quick Mart set off in... Of grammar, the comma to set off elements in a series of three or more items,. His bloodstained clothes establishments they attend and chosen majors is vital because it avoids and... It turns out that students often make the same mistakes, regardless of the ``. And limes punctuation can make a compound sentence sentence ’ s learn the 5 main of. You would pause in speech and went to the mark that sets off words, phrases, or the... Any punctuation questions own. ” Esther Villarreal October 18, 2018 at 2:54 pm necessary in the! And no, one … basic comma rules in the mud although it is in. For her birthday use of commas is tough fact, are not essential to meeting. Involve putting a comma before the conjunction, use these questions to test the clause,,! 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