Uses of Commas - ✔✔commas seperate items in a series
Fragments - ✔✔group of words that may have a subject, or a verb, or a subject and a verb, but
fails to create a complete thought. In other words, a fragment lacks a main or independeny
clause.
Rule # 1 - ✔✔Commas separate items in a series.
ex-She enjoys cross country, volleyball, and glee club.
Rule # 2 - ✔✔Commas separate 2 adjectives before a noun.
ex-Some sweet, kind girl helped her friend with her homework.
Rule # 3 - ✔✔Commas separate independent clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions--
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS).
ex-Some people love soccer, but I love lacrosse.
Rule # 4 - ✔✔Commas go before and after appositives, words that describe a noun or pronoun.
ex-The university, a beautiful stone building, is the one that I want to attend.
Rule # 5 VERY IMPORTANT RULE! - ✔✔Place comma after introductory words.
ex-If you go to the store, you must take me with you.
, HINT: Find the main sentence with its subject and verb. If there are words introducing the main
sentence, add a comma after the words.
Compound Sentence - ✔✔Use a comma before the conjunction if the conjunction joins two
complete sentences.
Introductory Phrases/Clauses - ✔✔ALWAYS set off introductory adverb clauses(begin with
subordinate conjunctions) and introductory participial phrases.
Items in a Series - ✔✔Use a comma to set off items in a series unless a conjunction is used.
Note- the comma before the last item in a series (by the conjunction) is optional. - ✔✔...
Parenthetical Expressions - ✔✔Set off parenthetical expressions (a side remark that adds
information or shows relationship between ideas)- use commas
Adjectives - ✔✔Use a comma to separate 2 or more adjectives preceding a noun if the word
order can be reversed and if the word "and" can be substituted for a
Note- do not place a comma between the last adjective and the noun - ✔✔...
Nouns of direct address - ✔✔Always set off using commas