Commas are used in many ways when writing in english. Rule type of punctuation example when independent clauses are separated by a conjunction, you should place a comma before the conjunction. My three favorite foods are pasta pizza and ice cream. Commas students often sprinkle commas through their papers as if they were shaking salt out of a salt shaker. Always check the rules, and dont just rely on putting a comma where you would naturally take a breath as you read. Utah valley university uvu does not discriminate on the basis of. This resource also includes sections with more detailed rules and examples. The rules provided here are those found in traditional handbooks. When such a clause comes at the end of a sentence, do not use a comma. There are lots of rules about comma usage, and often the factors that determine whether you should use one are quite subtle. Most newspapers and magazines drop the oxford comma. Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clauses that come before a main clause. In dates, the year is set off from the rest of the sentence with a pair of commas.
Subject verb one of the fanboys subject verb for example. Comma worksheets and activities learning to use commas and other punctuation with confidence requires a basic understanding of sentence structure. Comma rules can be complicated, but they help students understand when to use the pesky punctuation marks. Commas can be a particularly tricky punctuation mark. There are eighty people in the room, but i do not think they are all planning on eating the buffet. In the heat of a summer afternoon our air conditioner stopped. No comma if the sentence is short and the connection between the clauses cant be. Since we would be returning late anyway, we stayed to watch the sunset. Sentencessentence combining, punctuation, comma rules, comma rules information, comma rules videos, comma rules exercises, grammar mugs resources college of arts and sciences aslogo240. When correctly used, they guide the reader through the text and makes comprehension easier.
In this lesson, we are going to learn the rules of comma punctuation, in the english language. We drove to the beach, but we left since the parking lot was full. Robertos wife liked the appliance, and he liked the price. Here, we offer a brief, basic guide to using commas. Go up two flights of stairs, turn right, walk to the end of the hall, and.
It often comes down to personal taste or corporate and institutional styles. It is an american writing convention to put a comma before the and introducing the last item in the list. Commas indicate a separation of ideas or elements within the structure of a sentence. If you know how sentences are structured, then it is easy to understand how punctuation. Comma worksheets and activities ereading worksheets. Use commas to enclose clauses not essential to the meaning of a sentence. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. To fix a comma splice or fused sentence, use one of the four strategies below.
An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. The elements of an address or place name are separated by commas. The comma in the second sentence shows the writer that we are actually informing david that it is time to eat. The blue book of grammar and punctuation an easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes tenth edition jane straus. Comma rules exercises wilmu student writing resources. Rules for finding and fixing comma splices and fused. Commas are used to separate contrasting elements in a sentence. Use a comma before a coordination conjunction a fanboys that joins two. And no, one does not involve putting a comma in when you naturally pause. In this example, little and old are not coordinate adjectives because old has more. Comma exercises using commas to separate a long introductory phrase from the main clause. The recipe includes flour, milk, eggs, oil and baking powder. The only time you break this rule is when the writer is trying to eliminate confusion for the reader. Your list might be made up of nouns, as in the example above.
F for b but a and o or n nor y yet s so use a comma if you have one of the fanboys and the format most important. Comma rules i can use punctuatio n comma, ellipsis, dash to indicate a pause or break l2a. Add commas to the following sentences where needed. My estate goes to my husband, son, daughterinlaw, and nephew.
This document should only be used as a reference and should not replace assignment guidelines. Nancys schedule was very busy but, she always made time to go to the gym. English grammar question tags rules and examples edudose. Use a comma to separate the parts of a compound sentence. Most people have no clue there are eight comma rules. Punctuation marks, punctuation examples with answers. My family went to see the live taping of ru pauls drag race, but i stayed home with the flu. Subjects in the program of study include english, math, and. Dependent clausea dependent clause is a phrase that cannot form a sentence on its own. There are some general rules which you can apply when using the comma. Commas are used to separate a sentences elements, to connect independent clauses, to avoid confusion, and much more. The second incorrect example has an adverb in front of the comma.
List of punctuation marks with rules and examples here is a list of 14 common punctuation marks in english, with a simple explanation of the main functions of each one. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of. However, you will find that in english there are many other ways to use the comma to add to the meaning of a sentence or to emphasise an item, point, or meaning. The following is a short guide to get you started using commas. Comma rules rules for commas in english with examples. Aug 21, 2019 knowing when to insert that flashing light the comma and when it is better to let the sentence ride on without interruption is a conundrum that challenges even the most expert of writers. Your answers are correct, but you did the wrong exercise. Here are some examples of sentences with wordsphrases that are not essential to the sentences meaning. Subjects in the program of study include english, math, and psychology. While a comma often denotes a pause, it may also clarify the meaning of words, as in coordinating adjectives.
I need to call sally tom brad and kelly about the party. Use commas after introductory a clauses, b phrases, or c words that before the. I can show you a picture of a cat, dog, horse, or bunny. Separate interrupter words like however, nevertheless, yes, no, of course, from the rest of the sentence. The comma worksheets below are free for you to print and use at home or in the classroom. Consider the following classic examples of the change in meaning that punctuation can communicate.
Lists of three or more words, phrases, and clauses require commas between each item. Rules for finding and fixing comma splices and fused sentences. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction and, or, but, nor, yet, so, for that separates two independent clauses. If in doubt about whether or not to use a comma, read your sentence aloud and consider whether you need a pause anyplace. You may possess good language skills and know how to express yourself in the language but without the knowledge of punctuation.
Commas show your reader that there is a pause in the sentence they are reading. Having been told of the test john wondered when he would study. Eliminate the comma or if you want to eliminate because, dont insert a comma either between two clauses creating a comma splice. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. English grammar question tags rules and uses of question tag, in general examples and exercise for competitive, academic exam and spoken english. Dependent clause a dependent clause is a phrase that cannot form a sentence on its own. Cholla, prickly pear, and creosote are native sonora desert species. Because comma splices and fused sentences contain two main clauses, you can always add a period a full stop at the end of the first clause and then begin the second one with a capital letter. When the last comma in a series comes before and or or after daughterinlaw in the above example, it is known as the oxford comma. The following rules will help you begin to use commas. The monarch was a great ruler, and during his eightyear reign england won many wars. Correct punctuation is essential for clear and effective writing. With the exception of the cases described below, the rules concerning punctuation, especially commas, are not as hard and fast in english as in some other languages.
Quotation marks are used with commas to inform the reader that someone is talking or being quoted. It seems as if commas have more punctuation rules than any other form of punctuation. On december 12, 1890, orders were sent out for the arrest of sitting bull. Most newspapers and magazines drop the oxford comma in a simple series, apparently. Click here for stepbystep rules, stories and exercises to practice all english tenses. Asc engread page 1 language mechanics handout comma rules rule example 1. Even if sentences are the building blocks that are used to construct in written works, without proper placement of punctuation. There are some cases where you know you should use a comma such as when separating items in a list but there are other times when you might be unsure whether or not a comma. It is also preferable to use a comma after these words and terms. Use a comma after a conjunction to provide balance. Use a comma to separate two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction.
After each rule and example, add commas to the sentences where needed. However, when incorrectly placed, they can also change the meaning of a sentence. Notes on punctuation punctuation marks are the traffic signals of a language. Of all the punctuation marks in english, this one is perhaps the most abused and misused. In this example, there are two independent clauses. The following list contains some of the most critical punctuation rules. Put a comma before and, but, for, or, nor, yet, and so when they connect two. Wading into the cool lake we found relief from the heat. Click on the title to read the details about a worksheet or to download the pdf. Suggestions for use list20 comma rules handout with examples, notes, and tips20 color comma posters20 black and white comma posters10 slides of quarterpage mini posters for use in stations, flip books, and binder reference cardssuggestions for use. Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet to join two independent clauses that form a compound sentence. Many of the rules about the use of the comma are quite strict and immovable, but others are a little greyer, a little more yielding. Four basic comma rules subjects in the program of study. Capitalization and punctuation rules capital letters always use a capital letter for the first word of a sentence thank you for the letter.
Separate with a comma any nonessential words or groups of words from the rest of the sentence. Quotation marks quotation marks are another common punctuation mark in the english language. Commas can be some of the most confusing punctuation to work with, and no one understands that more than the editors at dog ear publishing. According to wilbur, good friends who write well are not easy to find. There are some cases where you know you should use a comma such as when separating items in a list but there are other times when you might be unsure whether or not a comma is needed. Common introductory phrases that should be followed by a comma include participial and infinitive. Use commas to separate items in a series of three or more. Effective punctuation handout 1 columbia law school. Learning a few simple rules can help you master when to use a comma and when to omit it. They tell readers to pause between words or groups of.
This comma use is correct, because it is an example of extreme contrast. A comma or its absence can change a sentences message. Usage basic punctuation rules utah valley state college writing center correct punctuation is essential for clear and effective writing. Commas commas are used to separate parts of a sentence. In this article, were going to cover some of the rules. Use commas to separate three or more items in a series. One of the most common comma placement errors is the usage of a comma after a conjunction rather than before. In a simple series, use a comma to separate the elements, but dont put a comma before the conjunction. The comma before the and in a list of three or more items is optional. Utah valley university uvu does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation.
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