Note that some style guides would not add the comma after the word eggs. Keeping in mind the rules a bove, decide whether or not the commas are correct in the following sentences. Commas can be some of the most confusing punctuation to work with, and no one understands that more than the editors at dog ear publishing. However, omission of the oxford comma can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Every main clause contains an independent subject and verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Comma tip 1 commas with introductory elements comma tip 2 commas with interrupters comma tip 3 commas with concluding elements comma tip 4 commas with and and other coordinating conjunctions. The cake mix requires flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. After you learn the basic structures of complex sentences, punctuating correctly becomes a matter of applying logical rules. Weve compiled a list of all of the times when you need the mighty comma. Here are rules with examples you can start using right now. The comma probably has more rulesthan all the other punctuation marks added together,and the comma is probably the most usedand the most abused punctuation mark. Comma worksheets and activities ereading worksheets. In dates, the year is set off from the rest of the sentence with a pair of commas. Subjects in the program of study include english, math, and. Learn the basics of comma usage in this first of two lessons on the comma.
When in doubt whether or not to use a comma, reading aloud the sentence you have written might help. They are problem sentences that contain two or more main clauses incorrectly joined together. Commas commas are used to separate parts of a sentence. Both restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses may begin with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose, that, which. An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that expresses a. The blue book of grammar and punctuation an easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes tenth edition jane straus. Comma rules can be confusing for even the most experienced or grammarobsessed writers, so dont worry if this feels like a lot to take in. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. So lets take a look at a few of the most common ways to use commas. Academics are often accused of being pedantic about grammar, spelling and punctuation, but all these seemingly endless rules are actually about effective communication expressing yourself clearly, accurately and precisely. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction and, but, yet, so, or nor, for when it joins two complete ideas independent clauses. Jenny didnt win the contest, but she won second place. As has already been said, rules concerning the use of commas in english are not as strict as in czech.
Check with your instructor or your citation manual if you are unsure of a disciplines standards. After going for conversation practice, naoes spoken english improved. Not all disciplines require a comma in front of the final item in the series. Sep 22, 2015 different languages have different rules about how to use commas. There are a few cases in which leaving out the comma can become confusing. Or is he thanking his parents, who happen to be karl marx and god. For more information on comma usage, see the writing centers commas. This quiz checks that you know how to appropriately use commas based on the rules we covered last week. Sometimes that word is the name of the person you are talking to. The comma is not used if the independent clauses are short. For those who are wondering, yes, there are more than six rules, but if you know the basic. To fix a comma splice or fused sentence, use one of the four strategies below. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. If in doubt about whether or not to use a comma, read your.
This probably the first use of commas you learned in school. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction and, but, yet, so, or nor, for when it joins. Help your middle and high school students understand basic comma rules with this fun, modern activity. My estate goes to my husband, son, daughterinlaw, and nephew. The little girl couldnt decide if she wanted apple juice, orange juice or grape juice for breakfast. A comma is a mark of punctuation used so the reader can best understand the text that is written. Once i learned some comma rules it became easier to use them. The receptionist will admit you, the radiologist will xray you, the nurse will prepare you for surgery, and the surgeon will operate.
A compound sentence is a sentence that has 2 independent clauses. Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. Aug 03, 2016 comma rules, part 1 grammar 4 major comma rules duration. Now that you know the basic hows and whys of comma rules, heres one rule for when not to use a comma. The basic rules runs from levels 1 to 20 and covers the cleric, fighter, rogue, and wizard, presenting what we view as the essential subclass for each.
Clauses which are essential are called restrictive. Jan 03, 2019 the comma rules for quotations can be especially frustrating because you have to worry about whether the comma goes inside or outside of the quotation marks. Grammar, spelling and punctuation university of kent. If an attribution introduces a quotation, the comma should appear outside the quotation marks. Comma before that common mistakes in business english. Its called the oxford or harvard comma because printers, readers, and editors at these university presses used this comma rule. Now that you know the basic hows and whys of comma rules, heres one rule for when not to. Go up two flights of stairs, turn right, walk to the end of the hall, and you will be there. Periods a statement or declarative sentence is followed by a period.
Learning to use commas and other punctuation with confidence requires a basic understanding of sentence structure. The comma worksheets below are free for you to print and use at home or in the classroom. Comma rules handout for more information on independent and dependent clauses. Rip, how to turn words kobe into basketball nba legend kobe bryant duration. Morton my english teacher says we have to learn how to use commas.
Because comma splices and fused sentences contain two main clauses, you can always add a period a full stop at the end of the first clause and then begin the second one with a capital letter. You cannot use the punctuation rules of your native language when you write in english you must use english rules. Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet to join two independent clauses that form a compound sentence. He lectures and runs seminars on electrical machines. Subjects in the program of study include english, math, and psychology. After surviving this ordeal, the trapper felt relieved.
I need to call sally tom brad and kelly about the party. Putting a comma before that is a very common mistake. Rules for using the comma use a comma before the conjunction in a compound sentence. Rules for finding and fixing comma splices and fused sentences. This is a video about some of the basic comma rules. Rules for finding and fixing comma splices and fused. Usage basic punctuation rules utah valley state college writing center quotation marks quotation marks are used to show the beginning and end of a quotation or a title of a short work. Usage may vary, especially with adverbs and short phrases. A comma is a mark of punctuation used so the reader can. Most newspapers and magazines drop the oxford comma in a simple series, apparently feeling its unnecessary. Before we go any further, you need to know that the rules you are about to learn are based on whats in the ap stylebook.
The elements of an address or place name are separated by commas. Wrong the claimants attorney stated, that his client was unable to attend the hearing. When positioned correctly, the comma prevents misreadings, assisting the reader in understanding the meaning of a sentence and how its parts fit together. Place in an interactive notebook and write examples under the flaps. Commas indicate a separation of ideas or elements within the structure of a sentence. F for b but a and o or n nor y yet s so use a comma if you have one of the fanboys and the format most important. In this article, were going to cover some of the rules as painlessly as possible. When an attribution follows a quotation, the comma should be placed inside the quotation marks. The receptionist will admit you, the radiologist will xray you, the. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction and, but, yet, so, or nor, for when it. After each rule and example, add commas to the sentences where needed. Some people disagree and omit the final comma in a series.
Before going to the tlc, naoe found it hard to pronounce certain letters. No need to worry about your english grammar any more. In other words, these are the rules that most newspapers and many magazines follow, but they do not conform in every instance. Use commas to enclose clauses not essential to the meaning of a sentence.
Proper comma placement is essential when writing, so test your knowledge on the subject with this quiz and worksheet. An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that expresses a complete thought. Subject verb one of the fanboys subject verb for example. Commas after introductory elements first things first sentences often begin with a little something extra a word that doesnt quite flow with the rest of the sentence.
For helping me finish this project, i would like to thank my parents, karl marx and god. Different languages have different rules about how to use commas. Nov 30, 2016 using the oxford comma clears this up. Here are some clues to help you decide whether the sentence element is essential.
End of sentence punctuation end of sentence punctuation is used to let the reader know when a thought is finished. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades. The coordinator comma links a series of three or more equal elements nouns, adjectives, verbs, phrases. Grammar, punctuation, and mechanics commas what is a comma. A man of ideas he lived with his mother a grey silent. Download basic punctuation rules in pdf the comma, the comma is useful in a sentence when the writer wishes to. They tell readers to pause between words or groups of words, and they help clarify the meanings of sentences. Comma rules foldable teaching writing, writing classes. On december 12, 1890, orders were sent out for the arrest of sitting bull. It is true that language is dynamic, so conventional rules about grammar and punctuation change all the time.
Included in your free resource student handout with comma rules for the most common errors that students make 6 cell phone text messaging task cards. In the quiz, you will be tested on comma rules and conjunctions. Commas show division within the sentence and add clarity. When the last comma in a series comes before and or or after daughterinlaw in the above example, it is known as the oxford comma.
These nonessential clauses are called nonrestrictive. Sammy loves to play basketball, and he loves to play baseball. I hope that these worksheets, resources, and activities will help you better learn or teach comma. Understanding these comma basics is the key to correct comma usage. Read each sentence, and choose the answer that correctly adds commas to. If the dependent clause begins in the middle of the sentence, no comma is needed. While a comma often denotes a pause, it may also clarify the meaning of words, as in coordinating adjectives. Use a comma after a dependent clause that begins a sentence. Before a conjunction and, but, or, nor, so, far, yet to connect independent clauses. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Add commas to the following sentences where needed.
Naoes spoken english improved after going for conversation practice. Fanboys use a comma and a coordinating conjunction for, and, nor, but, or, yet, soa. Unfortunately, the only way to defeat this scourge of grammatical correctness is to know your comma usage rules. Use commas to separate items in a series of three or more. Is the author thanking four peoplehis mother, his father, karl marx, and god. Most often, you will hyphenate between two or more adjectives when they come before a noun and act as a single idea. My three favorite foods are pasta pizza and ice cream. If you know how sentences are structured, then it is easy to understand how punctuation helps writers negotiate their expressions. Even the most experienced writers have problems remembering all the rules. Click on the title to read the details about a worksheet or to download the pdf. Four basic comma rules subjects in the program of study. The write place 2010 revised by nichole held adapted from jane strauss. Use commas after introductory a clauses, b phrases, or c words that before the main clause.