Rules for Using Commas in English Writing
Learn the essential rules for comma usage in English writing to improve clarity and structure. Understand when to use commas in a series, compound sentences, introductory elements, interrupting phrases, coordinating adjectives, and more. Avoid common comma mistakes with these guidelines.
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Presentation Transcript
Comma Rule #1 The Serial Comma: Place a comma between items in a series (three or more). I have my laptop, my pens, my pencils, and my MP3 Player in my backpack. Before I leave work, I must type the TPS report, answer all my emails, and fix the tape dispenser. Generally, it is best to place a comma before the and to avoid confusion. I like hog jaws, collards, and rice and beans.
Comma Rule #2 The Compound Sentence: Place a comma before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses. The coordinating conjunctions are and, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet. Tatiana loves ice cream. She loves snow cones. Tatiana loves ice cream, and she loves snow cones. Grammar is fun, but commas can be confusing. My alarm clock didn t go off, so I was late.
Comma Rule #3 The Introductory Word , Phrase, or Dependent Clause : Always place a comma after an introductory word or phrase. John, what are you doing to my car? Wow, that was a great workshop! In the wee hours of the morning, Randy takes a jog. Between March and April, the boy grew three inches. As I walked down the street, I ran into a friend I hadn t seen in years. Before I left work, I filled in my calendar with all the tasks that I had to do for the following week.
Comma Rule #4 The Interrupting Word or Phrase Comma: Always place a comma before and after any word or phrase that can be removed from the sentence and still make sense. John wrote his name on the board. John, the teacher, wrote his name on the board. The game, as you remember, was a tie.
Comma Rule #4 However, remember that you cannot use commas if removing the interrupter would change the meaning of the sentence: Students usually succeed. Students who manage their time well usually succeed. If we were to place commas around the interrupter, then the meaning of the sentence would change: Students, who manage their time well, usually succeed. Of course, we are not saying that students usually succeed. Therefore, this is not correct.
Comma Rule #5 The Coordinating Adjective Comma: Always place a comma between two coordinating adjectives describing the same noun. It is best to use this guideline: Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are written with and between them? The two condescending young women ridiculed his sentence. (coordinating) Michael Jordan was a versatile, athletic ball player. (non- coordinating).
Comma Rule #6 The Quote Comma: Always place a comma before introducing a direct quote: Mark Twain said, Never argue with a fool. Then, there will be two of you. Thoreau asks, "Why should we live with such hurry and waste of life?" Twain says that all men are stupid.
Make Your Own Sentence Now, write your own sentence using each of the following comma rules: Serial Comma Compound Sentence Comma Introductory Word, Phrase, or Dependent Clause Comma Interrupter Comma Adjective Comma Quote Comma
