Grammar - Comma Use

GrammarComma

Use

the CommaAfter the period, the comma is the most

frequently used punctuation mark. Commas usually indicate that there is a brief pause in the sentence. However, commas are used

differently depending on the situation.

Learn the rules associated with commas if you want to use them correctly!

Rule #1

• Independent clause: Expresses a complete thought (could stand alone as a complete sentence).

• Dependent clause: Expresses an incomplete thought (can NOT stand alone as a complete sentence).

Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by coordinating

conjunctions (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet).

Practice Directions:

Label each example as an independent or dependent clause:

Together, let's complete group PRACTICE.

1. ___He was my favorite cat 2. ___Although he was my favorite cat 3. ___As soon as she gets home 4. ___She will be home soon

(group)

Rule #1BAD:

Kitty walked into the kitchen and he ate the food. GOOD:

Kitty walked into the kitchen, and he ate the food.

EXAMPLE:

Because “he ate the food” could stand alone

as its own complete sentence, it needs to be separated with a comma.

Practice 1Directions:

Add commas to the sentences that need them according to rule #1:

1. I went to the store and I bought a cat. 2. I took my cat for a walk and fed her dinner. 3. I went to the store to get milk but they were

out of it.

#1: Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, but,

for, or, nor, so, yet).

Rule #1NEVER use a comma to separate two

independent clauses if there is no conjunction present:

Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet).

BAD: He ran into the room, he chased a mouse.

GOOD: He ran into the room, and he chased a mouse.

Rule #2Use commas to separate words and word groups in a series of three or more items.

BAD: My cat is brown fat and ugly.

GOOD: My cat is brown, fat, and ugly.

EXAMPLE:



1. My cat can jump five feet in the air chase its tail and eat an entire bowl of food in one minute.

2. My cat gives me dead mice hairballs scratch-marks and love.

Use commas to separate words and word groups in a series of three or more items.

Rule #2Note:

When making a list, some people do not include a comma before the final coordinating conjunction.

For example: “My cat is brown, fat and ugly.” Use of the comma before the coordinating

conjunction in the list is called the “oxford comma.” For example: “My cat is brown, fat, and ugly.”

Most people prefer to always use the oxford comma because sometimes when you leave it out, the

sentence becomes unclear… For example: “In my dream I talked to Nelson

Mandela, an 800-year-old god and a doll collector.”

Rule #2

Rule #3Use commas after introductory phrases or words that come before the main subject/predicate of

the sentence.

BAD: Suddenly my cat attacked the little girl.

GOOD: Suddenly, my cat attacked the little girl.

EXAMPLE:

Rule #3MORE EXAMPLES:

While I was eating breakfast, my cat scratched the door. Without a doubt, my cat is better than your cat. No, cats are not allowed at school. However, if cats were allowed at school it would make the day more interesting. If I propose this idea to Mrs. Jerabek, we might be able to keep a cat as a class pet. Angry that I asked such a dumb question, Mrs. Jerabek walked away scowling.



1. With a sound like thunder my bookshelf fell to the floor.

2. Interestingly my cat managed to push it over all by herself.

Use commas after introductory phrases or words that come before the main subject/predicate of the sentence.

Rule #4Use commas to set off nonessential words,

clauses, and phrases (modifiers) that provide additional information in a sentence.

BAD: Kitty who hates water tried not to touch the bath.

GOOD: Kitty, who hates water, tried not to touch the bath.

EXAMPLE:

Rule #4MORE EXAMPLES:

Levi, my Alaskan husky, hated my cat. The poor dog, knowing I loved Kitty more than him, ran away a year ago. My cat, of course, was happy to see him go. I wonder what happened to Levi, the dog who vanished so long ago. Kitty refuses to walk on a leash, though I wish he would. I tried, by the way, to make him walk on a leash. Kitty’s favorite movie, “Cat’s Meow,” is now playing.



1. Cats which are better than dogs make wonderful pets.

2. Kitty is a wonderful pet because she purrs sweetly and quietly.

Use commas to set off nonessential words, clauses, and phrases (modifiers) that provide additional information in a

sentence.

Rule #5Use commas to set off the name, nickname,

term of endearment, or title of a person directly addressed.

BAD: Good morning to you Kitty.

GOOD: Good morning to you, Kitty.

EXAMPLE:



1. Will you my friend go buy milk for my cat? 2. Yes darling I will. 3. Thank you Captain.

Use commas to set off the name, nickname, term of endearment, or title of a person directly addressed.

Rule #6Use a comma to separate two adjectives when

the adjectives are interchangeable.

BAD: He is a fluffy adorable cat.

GOOD: He is a fluffy, adorable cat.

EXAMPLE:You could equally say “He is an

adorable, fluffy cat.

Rule #6Note:

Rule #6 has a catch: you don’t put a comma between adjectives when one of the adjectives forms a meaningful

“unit” with the noun it modifies. For example: “Kitty has a fancy, custom collar.” (BAD)

For example: “Kitty has a fancy custom collar.” (GOOD)

“Custom collar” becomes a meaningful unit, and

now “fancy” is modifying “custom collar” instead

of just “collar.”



1. What a smelly ugly cat you are. 2. He is an exotic Siamese cat.

Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the adjectives are interchangeable.

Good Luck!

Grammar - Comma Use

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