ByJeff N.
Commas are one of the most troubling punctuations
Here are various rules and hints that will help you out with proper comma use!
Use a comma after introductory words or phrases like, yes, why, no, in general, as far as I am concerned, etc, whenever they start a sentence.
Adapted from: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-
Commas
No, I am not a fan professional dancing. In general, it is better to keep one’s mouth
shut and appear a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.
By George, I think he’s done it! Yes, I would love to eat at Chipotles! As far as I am concerned, being shot is the
same thing as falling onto some bullets.
FANBOYS is a clever mnemonic device for remembering coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Coordinating conjunctions are used in connecting words, phrases, or clauses.
Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
handouts/commas.html
I like llamas and pumas. Can you please pass the ketchup and
mustard? Did I leave my car at the mall or at the
movies? Should we go bowling or watch a movie? It is important to pay attention to your date,
so they don’t get annoyed.
A comma should always be used when you are combining two complete thoughts, but they are not necessary when you are combining a complete and incomplete thought.
Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
handouts/commas.html
Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
handouts/commas.html
Comma splices are when you have two complete separate thoughts conjoined using only a comma.
Examples: I love dogs, cats are super cool. Cheese is delicious, it can go on your
sandwich.
Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
handouts/commas.html
There are four good ways to fix a comma splice:
1. Just add FANBOYS 2. Change the comma to a semicolon. 3.Add a subordinator 4. Make each clause a separate sentence
Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
handouts/commas.html
1.Cheese is delicious, so it can go on your sandwich.
2.Cheese is delicious; it can go on your sandwich
3. Cheese is delicious because it can go on your sandwich.
4.Cheese is delicious. It can go on your sandwich.
Watch out for FANBOY fakers like However and Therefore. These are called conjunctive adverbs and go between two complete thoughts. Do not use a comma with these, either use a period if the word is combining two complete thoughts, or use a semi colon after the complete thought.
Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
handouts/commas.html
I’m a big fan of Rush. However, I’d rather listen to Alice Cooper.
I’m a big fan of Rush; however, I’d rather listen to Alice Cooper.
My favorite cheese is cheddar. However, American is also acceptable.
My favorite cheese is cheddar; however, American is also acceptable.
Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
handouts/commas.html
Commas should be used when listing things. It is not necessary to put a comma before the conjunction.
Examples: I like apples, dandelions and bears. Or: I like apples, dandelions, and bears. What do you think is better ham, turkey or
beef? Or: What do you think is better ham, turkey,
or beef?
Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
handouts/commas.html
Commas are also used to divide adjectives when there is more then two words.
For example: I am intelligent, handsome, cunning,
resourceful, and completely dashing. Cats are cute, fluffy, and delicious!
Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
handouts/commas.html
Two commas can be used to set off additional information that appears within the sentence but is separate from the primary subject and verb of the sentence. These commas help your reader figure out your main point by telling him or her that the words within the commas are not necessary to understand the rest of the sentence. In other words, you should be able to take out the section framed by commas and still have a complete and clear sentence.
Quoted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/
handouts/commas.html
Earlier today, John Doe was shot by an old revolver, which has a high caliber.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of The United States, was known for his top hat.
My dog, Spot, disappeared after someone spilt spot remover on him.
Commas have two important functions in letters.
Firstly, commas are used at the opening letter.
Example: Dear John, or To whomever it may concern,
Secondly, commas are also used in the conclusion.
Example: Love, Joe or Sincerely, Bob
Adapted from:http://www.wikihow.com/Us
e-Commas
Here are some final rules to prevent comma abuse:
1. Do not use commas to separate verbs from subjects.
Example: An alien, abducted my family 2. Do not put commas between verbs in a
compound predicate. Example: I went for a bike ride, and ran
into a tree.
Adapted from: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/han
douts/grammar/g_comma.html
Do not put commas between nouns in a compound subject or object
Example: The goalie for the Detroit Red Wings, and the right wingman for the Tampa Bay Lightning are injured.
Do not put commas between a main clause and a subordinate clause.
Example: I like to watch television, because I am lazy.
Adapted from: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/han
douts/grammar/g_comma.html
“Commas.“ Handouts and Links. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 05 December 2008 <http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/commas.html>
“How to Use Commas.” WikiHow. 10 April 2008. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc… 06 December 2008. <http://www.wikihow.com/Use- Commas>
Using Commas.” Online Writing Lab. Purdue University. 06 December 2008.
<http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_comma.html>
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