1. I have a problem…. 8. A comma simply adds emphasis. It works well if someone is pausing and you are quoting direct speech while trying to get a meaning across. You have the option of putting a comma after an introductory element. He was, however, very successful in his math classes. Before Coordinating Conjunctionsfor Compound Sentences• Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)• Used to connect two independent clauses in a compound sentence• Ex: Joe has seven chickens, but Jack has three.• Ex: I asked you to repeat tha Terms in this set (8) The Two Independent Clause Comma. Write. What are the rules of a comma? So in a first step, I started to remove 90% of the points and add commas instead, which proved to be much better. 9. There are five ways to fix this: (One), put a period where the comma is, (Two), use a semicolon instead, (Three), use a semicolon, coordinating conjunction, (fourth), semicolon, conjunctive adverb, comma, (fifth), change one of the independent clauses to a dependent or fragment. Rules of Comma Usage 1. So here. 8. 8. Use a comma to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so [FAN BOYS]. Either way, these comma rules are supposed to guide writing. Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer to the beginning or middle of the sentence. 1. And no, one does not involve putting a comma in when you naturally pause. Using Commas to Separate a Sentence’s Elements. Tomorrow will be Sunday December 2. This article covers one case of using commas – in dates. Additionally, what are the 8 rules for commas? USE COMMAS WITH DATES, ADDRESSES, TITLES, AND NUMBERS. Use a comma with those bad boys. The most common subordinating conjunctions are: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even though, if, since, so that, than, that, though, unless, until, when, where, whether, and while. These ones are typically a bit more challenging because with them comes that annoying party girl that “whoos” loudly when they’ve had too much to drink. Commas are used to separate a sentence’s elements, to connect independent clauses, to avoid confusion, and much more. 4. As a result, most stores are closed. 8. Example: I hate me job, yet I cannot leave it because it pays the bills. Another basic rule is the use of commas after introductory adverbs that begin a sentence. Cleo and her band will be playing at Dockside Diner next Friday. You should also know this one. Or to separate days of the week and the date. Rachel B. If it covers more than one of these rules, I go with my gut on which rule takes higher precedence. (word), This restaurant has an exciting atmosphere. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction. 1. A Parenthetical Element is a word or string of words which contains relevant yet non-essential information. Tom went to the movies, Jan and Jasmine went to play pool, and I went to bed. The required subjects in this program are math, physics, and English. 4. How I Turned Chaos Into Creative Consistency.

If you are referencing a day of the week and a date, use a comma: When you are referencing only a month and year, you don’t need a comma. Use a comma wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading. They are essentially sentences that can function on their own. The Introductory Comma. Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the sentence without causing confusing. The rules for commas are many and varied. There really are only eight! 3. beside this, what are the 8 rules for commas? 2. 16 Rules of Commas 1. But often Chinese people asked me why I would always use so many 句号 (。). 7. Laughing joyously, Lisa waved at Nancy. (clause). They have a friend. use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses. This resource also includes sections with more detailed rules and examples. (phrase). Use commas to set off parenthetical elements–extra information. (word), Today is a national holiday. We've compiled a list of all of the times when you need the mighty comma. Use commas between words, or groups of words in a series. While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door. Spell. ColonelSanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, first owned this house. I personally think this is completely unnecessary, but what do I know. Remember dependent clauses? Those are independent clauses. English Grammar: The Gender of Nouns in English, TOO and ENOUGH: How to Use Too and Enough in English, English Tenses: Present Perfect Simple vs. Example: 1. Commas A comma (,) is a punctuation mark used to mark the divisions in text (as may be caused by phrases, clauses, or conjunctions).Commas are also used in lists to separate list items and in numbers to aid reading. Commas (Eight Basic Uses) USE A COMMA TO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. I too like bananas. Commas customarily indicate a brief pause; they're not as final as periods. 1.. Read more about using commas. (extreme contrast). Commas are placed between items in lists, as in They own a cat, a dog, two rabbits, and seven mice. The List Comma. I love commas. format) there are no commas: I had arrived in Durham on 21 May 2004. NOTE: Do not use a comma if the order is reversed (the independent clause comes before the dependent clause), except for cases of extreme contrast. That’s the little comma that can be arguable both necessary and unnecessary, and is after the last item listed in the series. Would love your thoughts, please comment. You have the option of putting a comma after an introductory element. (A comma is necessary before the last ‘and.’). e.g. Use a … 8. 8)) mUUssee t aa hccoommmaa too tsse eppaarrattee dtthee eddaayy rooff thhe wweeekk,, tthhee ddaayy ooff thhee mmoonntthh,, aannd tthhe yyeeaar.. E xxaammppllee::Today is Thursday April 18 1943. You can use two commas for three items, or if you’re like me you obsess over the Oxford Comma. Hopefully you know this one by now. A Final Thought… Sometimes, even after you apply all these rules, you still find yourself with a tangled sentence that needs some commas to straighten itself out. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Exercise: Insert commas where necessary in the following sentences. use a comma to indicate direct address. USE COMMAS TO SET OFF NONRESTRICTIVE CLAUSES. However, I find the following nine (9) commas rules usually cover most situations when writing a sentence. In this case, however, you seem to have over-exerted yourself. But she can’t understand what I’m saying anyway. They might be missing a verb or a subject. use a comma between all items in a series. There really are only eight! Prefixes and Suffixes in English! D. Commas with Names, Places, Addresses and Correspondences. I italicized that because I don’t know a single person that is not flawed enough to adhere to every single rule. The 8 Comma Rules. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not … If but is not joining two independent clauses, leave the comma out. Use a comma after transition words and phrases that begin a sentence: however, therefore, on the other hand, for example, etc. What are the Rules for Commas? Flashcards. 6. The tortoise, as far as we know, has been on earth for thousands of years. Use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause. The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave. Get a clear picture of when to use commas by exploring their usage through examples. USE A COMMA BETWEEN ALL ITEMS IN A SERIES. Use a comma to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. How Commas Are Used A zip Example: 1. use a comma to set off appositives. A more independent one that owns its own apartment and smokes imported cigars over glasses of straight brandy. And no, one does not involve putting a comma in when you naturally pause. A few basic rules for comma usage include the use of commas to separate independent clauses in a sentence and the use of commas after introductory clauses or phrases. Learn. Use a comma to separate references to a page and line. Example: When I was younger, I had a cat named Whiskers the Magical Cat. Use a comma to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. Most people have no clue there are eight comma rules. FOR, AND, NOR, BUT, OR, YET, SO (FANBOYS). In this lesson, you will learn 8 important rules for using comma in English. Last but not least, use a comma to separate three or more items. I, too, like bananas. B: Use a comma to separate items in a list. commas (eight basic uses) use a comma to separate independent clauses. He went by DC for Danger Cat though. Even more – the absence or presence of commas can significantly change the meaning of a phrase. I need to call Sally Tom Brad and Kelly about the party. This is where the grammar elements get tricky. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by conjunctions. I find an example helps clarify this. 1. Put a comma to separate quotes. 1. Additional Example: My dog is incredibly cute, but not when she chews on my houseplants. John said without emotion, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”. David, John, and Joshua had the opportunity to play golf over the long weekend. Like, no one can say you should have twenty-seven commas per page or anything like that. (To remember this easily, memorize the mnemonic device, “fanboys.”) Example: I wanted to come to the party, but I had to work late. I just like to keep it simple. The serial comma. Basically, I also feel very confident in English grammar rules and I originally thought that in Chinese the rules for commas don't differ so much. EX: I wrote a novel, and I want to publish it. It’s okay, I don’t judge your grammar errors. Dependent clauses are incomplete (or incomplete thoughts) that cannot function on their own. I didn’t learn what a dependent clause was until it was an age that brought embarrassment. In 1994, 3 of Madonna's songs reached the top ten in the music charts. Because I was late, I had to sit in the back. Created by. The five largest… Learn English idioms with …. Teach English Writing – Commas, Three Essential Rules Main Idea. Use commas to separate items in a series of three or more. Section 1 : Lists of three or more. • Go up two flights of stairs, turn right, walk to the end of the hall, and you will be there. It can also get confusing when you’re writing sentences that have multiple elements in them that would constitute a comma. Comma rules can be confusing. Use a comma 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. Example: Adam did not like math. Birmingham, Alabama, gets its name from Birmingham, England. (A comma is necessary before the last ‘ and .’) Example: The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Rules for dates: In dates, the year is set off from the rest of the sentence with a pair of commas. To George, Harrison had been a sort of idol. Nancy waved enthusiastically at the docking ship, laughing joyously. Using them and remembering them is harder. USE A COMMA AFTER AN INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE OR PHRASE. 1. Quick Guide to Commas These willow trees are beautiful, aren’t they? I think it’s crucial. Use commas to separate items in a list of three or more. Use a comma after a dependent clause when it comes before the independent clause. Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the sentence without causing confusion. That One Time When Completely Giving Up Gave Me a Way Out, 7 areas of disagreement between Republicans and Democrats on the stimulus package. Learn the definition, meaning, and …, Collocations in English! Let’s start simple. Aim: What are the rules of using commas? Today is Thursday, April 18, 1943. Rules for addresses: The elements of an address or place name are separated by commas. I like bananas, too. Gravity. A dependent clause provides additional information about the independent clause and establishes the relationship of this information to the independent clause. Here, we offer a brief, basic guide to using commas correctly. Any bit of information unnecessary to the conversation is separated in commas. Test. 3. The following is a short guide to get you started using commas. There are six of them. Example: The bearded man, Ron Swanson, stores bacon in various parts of his office. Where Does Influencer Responsibility Begin and End? My three favorite foods are pasta pizza and ice cream. Ex: On December 12, 1890, orders were sent out for the arrest of Sitting Bull. Semi-Colon Rules: 1. Comma Between Two Nouns in a Compound Subject or Object Don’t separate two nouns that appear together as a compound subject or compound object. Present Perfect Continuous, DURING and WHILE: What’s the Difference Between During vs While, English Grammar: The Future Continuous Tense, Using the Present Continuous Tense in English, Prefixes and Suffixes – Definition and Examples …, 250+ Frequently Used Collocations List in English, Top 70+ Most Popular Contractions in English …, Commonly Confused Words: 7 English Word Pairs …, English Idioms: Learn English Idioms with Topics, Visual Dictionary: Vocabulary with Pictures, Commonly Confused Words: 7 English Word Pairs that Confuse Absolutely Everyone, Infinitives: List of 50+ Verbs Followed by Infinitives in English, SO and SUCH: Difference Between So and Such (with Useful Examples), English Grammar: ANOTHER vs OTHER vs OTHERS vs THE OTHER, Suffixes: Words Ending with Suffixes “-ent/-ence” and “-ant/-ance”, Opposites: List of 100 Common Opposites in English, Verb Forms: List of Regular and Irregular Verbs in English, Learn English Grammar with Pictures: 15+ Grammar Topics, Prefixes: List of 50+ Common Prefixes in English. Example: Growing up I had goats, chickens, turkeys, and geese. Use a comma to separate two numbers that lie next to each other in a text. I appreciate your hard work. Consequently, most stores are closed. The comma separates the structural elements of a sentence into manageable segments. Learning English rules governing the use of commas is tough. Use commas before and after words and phrases like however and never the less that serve as interrupters. They can be prepositional phrases. Rule 1. rachellly. Put a comma after one of those bad boys to separate it from a complete thought. Maybe if you are transcribing speech… but even then there’s a 99.9% chance that’s incorrect placing. You might care about this, you might not. Lake, MD, will be the principal speaker. Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) that links two independent clauses. 5. I like bananas too. A: Use a comma to separate two sentences joined by for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. 3.. Rule 8: Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer back to the beginning or middle of the sentence. Yes. To know them…. Cleo, and her band will be playing at Dockside Diner next Friday. 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. Match. 2. The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. However, you can rewrite the sentence as: I wrote a novel and want to publish it. The brown fluffy large dog ran across the street. The rules provided here are those found in traditional handbooks; however, in certain rhetorical contexts and for specific purposes, these rules may be broken. Let me save you if you don’t already know. Conjunctions connect two independent clauses. This lesson helps ESL students become better writers by showing three common uses for commas and some exceptions. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off transition words and phrases as well as clauses that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. A comma (,) is a punctuation mark used to denote a pause in the sentence (shorter than a colon or a semicolon). Example: “I told you to rinse the dishes in the sink because you tend to let milk dry,” she yelled from the kitchen to his office. My writer’s grammar guide has 20 pages about commas, half of which includes exceptions to the rules. When writing dates, we use the listing comma according to the following rules: 1. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation. (a series of nouns) (phrase), Next Tuesday, which happens to be my birthday, is the only day I can meet. 1. Comma Rules. Use a comma in your dates to separate date and year. 2.. George Washington was born on February 22 1732. She was late for class because her alarm clock was broken. How to punctuate dates properly General rules . Comma Rules! Most people have no clue there are eight comma rules. PLAY. Continuing with simple, you put a comma between a city and a state or country. Those are called conjunctions. Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. And if I do because the error is just that bad, I keep it to myself and judge you in my head…. Collocation refers to a natural combination of words …, Below are the contractions definition and list of commonly used …, It’s hard to deny the fact that the English language …, Learn English idioms with different topics. I think of punctuation as a way to help a reader to group words so that they convey the writer’s meaning—just as mathmatical symbols show how to group and deal with numbers to get the right answer. Comma Rules: 8 Rules for Using Commas Correctly! … Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.More items… How many commas should be in a sentence? In this case, no comma is needed. Today is a national holiday. She was still quite upset, although she had won the Oscar. Use Commas With Lists. The food, on the other hand, is rather bland. For more information, see page 1378, line 30. In all actuality, I have comma fever. Additional Example: “Oops,” he breathed heavily walking into the kitchen, “I’ll remember next time I promise.”. Commas provide clarity, particularly in sentences that contain several different elements. 8 Comma Rules (Practice Quiz) Directions: Add commas to the following sentences where needed. 2. (If the placement of the modifier causes confusion, then it is not "free" and must remain "bound" to the word it modifies.) 1. Don’t be lazy. Example: My estate … Thank you for your time, your support, and for being a part of my journey! How to Use Comma before Too Using a comma before “too” is optional. On the other hand, sometimes your prose becomes confused because you have too many commas. Use a semi-colon in place of the comma and conjunction to separate the two independent clauses in a compound sentence. It is used in generally similar ways in other languages, particularly European ones, although the rules on comma usage – and their rigidity – vary from language to language. STUDY. use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. 2.