comma rules pdf
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Rules for Comma Usage
When two independent clauses that each contain a subject and a verb are connected by for and nor but or yet or so (a list of coordinating conjunctions also known by the acronym FANBOYS) put a comma before the FANBOYS I chased the purse-snatcher but he got away NOT: I chased the purse-snatcher but he got away NOT: I chased the purse-snatc |
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Basic Comma Rules
Basic Comma Rules He walked down the street and then he turned the corner You can go shopping with me or you can go to a movie alone |
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COMMA RULES WITH EXERCISES
Comma use: Use commas to join main clauses in compound sentences Use commas after introductory word groups in a sentence Use commas to set off items in a series Use commas to set off nonessential phrases and clauses Use commas between coordinate adjectives which modify a noun |
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Comma rules
Comma Rules Note: This document should only be used as a reference and should not replace assignment guidelines Commas are used to separate parts of a sentence for clarity or pacing Below are some of the most common situations in which commas are needed Between Three or More Items in a Series |
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Comma Rules
Use commas to separate three or more items in a list Keep in mind that items can be nouns verbs or adjectives I need to buy kiwis coconuts and limes This afternoon I’m going to study work and babysit The marbles are bright colorful and round Use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause |
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Commas
Notice the comma in the final example You should always have a comma before FANBOYS that join two independent clauses (two subjects and two verbs that make up two complete thoughts) Look carefully at the next two sentences to see two independent clauses separated by comma + FANBOYS |
Do you use a comma in a series?
USE A COMMA BETWEEN ALL ITEMS IN A SERIES. Rule: Use a comma to separate each item in a series; a series is a group of three or more items having the same function and form in a sentence. We bought apples, peaches, and bananas today. (series of words) 2.
Should you put a comma in a sentence?
If in doubt about whether or not to use a comma, read your sentence aloud and consider whether you need a pause anyplace. When two independent clauses that each contain a subject and a verb are connected by for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so (a list of coordinating conjunctions also known by the acronym FANBOYS), put a comma before the FANBOYS.
Do I need a comma before fanboys?
that join two independent clauses (two subjects and two verbs that make up two complete thoughts). Look carefully at the next two sentences to see two independent clauses separated by comma + FANBOYS. If you do not have two subjects and two verbs separated by the FANBOYS, you do not need to insert the comma before the FANBOYS.
Can a restrictive clause be set off with commas?
Don’t be misled into setting off a restrictive clause with commas. A restrictive clause, usually introduced by that or who, gives essential information, as opposed to a non-restrictive clause, which is introduced by which.
Compound Sentences
When two independent clauses that each contain a subject and a verb are connected by for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so (a list of coordinating conjunctions also known by the acronym FANBOYS), put a comma before the FANBOYS. I chased the purse-snatcher, but he got away. NOT: I chased the purse-snatcher but he got away. NOT: I chased the purse-snatc
Introductory Elements
Words, phrases, and dependent clauses that appear at the beginning of a sentence need to be followed by a comma. This lets your reader know the main action of the sentence is yet to come. Finally, I found the purse-snatcher’s hideout. After several hours, I found the purse-snatcher’s hideout. Although I was completely exhausted and just wanted to g
Parenthetical/Non-essential Elements
Phrases or clauses that can be omitted from a sentence without changing its basic meaning should be set off by commas. The purse-snatcher, a small man, ran past me. The purse-snatcher, who wore a ski cap, ran past me. Here the information about the purse-snatcher’s size and haberdashery is secondary to the main point of the sentence: he ran that wa
Coordinate Adjectives
Two adjectives that modify one noun should be separated by commas if they both have the same descriptive force: The silly, frightened purse-snatcher dropped the purse with all its contents. However, adjectives should not be separated by a comma if they are not coordinate; that is, if they do not have the same importance as describers: I returned th
Complementary or Antithetical Elements
Two phrases that both refer to one word or share a function in a sentence should be separated by commas. This construction usually expresses contrast: I found the purse, not the purse-snatcher. The older, but still beautiful, owner of the purse was quite grateful. twp.duke.edu
Series and Lists
In a series consisting of three or more elements, the first two elements should always be separated by commas if they are not separated by conjunctions: The little old lady, the cop, and I all went down to the precinct. NOT: The little old lady, and the cop, and I all went down to the precinct. Sometimes, writers will drop the comma before the fina
Elliptical Constructions
Sometimes commas are used to indicate omitted material in a sentence that can be understood from context: The little old lady’s statement took forty-five minutes; mine, four hours. However, if you don’t need these commas for clarity, don’t use them. twp.duke.edu
Quotations
Direct quotations of complete thoughts are often introduced by commas: The cop asked me, “What did you think you were doing, chasing that guy?” I responded, “Your job, since you weren’t doing it.” But when quotations are incorporated into sentences, they are punctuated according to the needs of the sentence: Telling the cop “Your job, since you wer
Questions
When a sentence includes a direct question but does not solely consist of that question, the question is usually set off from the rest of the sentence using commas: I asked myself, how do I get myself in these situations? The cop wanted to know, who did I think I was? But when these questions come at the beginning of a sentence, the question mark d
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Comma-Rules.pdf
Comma Rules. Use commas to separate three or more items in a list. Use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause. |
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Commas (Eight Basic Uses)
Rule: Use a comma to separate each item in a series; a series is a group of three or more items having the same function and form in a sentence. 1. We bought |
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Comma rules
Between Independent Clauses Separated by a Conjunction. An independent clause is a group of words that can form a complete sentence on its own (See Basic. |
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8 Comma Rules
8 Comma Rules. Directions: After each rule and example add commas to the sentences where needed. 1) Use commas to separate items in a list of three or more |
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Rules for Comma Usage
Adverbs don't join independent clauses into one sentence. Conjunctive adverbs need to be preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma when they arise in the |
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14 Comma Rules.pdf
Rule #2. Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence. Examples: When I went running I saw a duck. If we go to the movies |
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Strunk & White Elements Sty
essentials the rules of usage and principles of composition most commonly violated. If a conjunction is inserted |
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Comma handout
Aug 24 2016 Commas are used for many things. They are often used for lists |
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Clarion University
The 6 Most Basic Comma Rules. 1. Use a comma when there is a list. Always use commas with complex sentences in which the dependent clause is at the. |
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10 Rules for Using Commas
10 Rules for Using Commas i. 1. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and or |
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Comma Rules
Comma Rules Use commas to separate three or more items in a list Keep in mind that items can be nouns, verbs, or adjectives o I need to buy kiwis, coconuts, |
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8 Comma Rules - EnglishForEveryoneorg
8 Comma Rules Directions: After each rule and example, add commas to the sentences where needed 1) Use commas to separate items in a list of three or |
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Rules for Comma Usage
Manual of Style (14th Ed ), are not an exhaustive outline but rather an introduction to the basic rules If in doubt about whether or not to use a comma, read your |
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14 Comma Rules
Use commas to separate items in a series Examples: My sister went shopping for milk, cookies, apple juice, and bread The athletes warmed up, ran for a mile, |
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Comma Rules
I expect you to use ALL these rules at a proficient level before leaving middle school # Comma Rule Example 1 Use a comma to separate independent clauses |
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Commas 101 - The Evergreen State College
Understanding these comma basics is the key to correct comma usage Rule #1: Fanboys Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, |
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ADVANCED COMMA RULES The comma is an important
Comma Rule 1: Put a comma BEFORE and, but, for, or, nor, yet, and so when they connect two independent clauses (Reminder: An Independent Clause has the |
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GRAMMAR_10 Rules for Comma Usage
Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series Example: Cholla, prickly pear, and creosote are native Sonora Desert Species 2 Use a comma before a |
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How to Use Commas - Collin College
Many people find rules for comma usage confusing because commas can perform Use a comma to separate an introductory word, phrase, or clause from the |
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Comma Rules - Memorial University of Newfoundland
FOUR BASIC COMMA RULES 1 Use commas to separate items in a series of three or more • Subjects in the program of study include English, math, and |
