Oct 18, 2018 · This chart shows you Comma Rules 1, 2, and 3, along with the special words for each rule and example sentences. Click the link to download and print your own copy of the Comma Rules Chart.

Basic Comma Rules To better understand the use of the comma, begin by learning the following basic uses: 1. USE A COMMA TO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. Rule: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or nor, for) when it joins two complete ideas (independent clauses). A. He walked down the street, and then he turned the ...

To better understand the use of the comma, begin by learning the following eight basic uses. Download or print a PDF of these rules which also include exercises. 1. Use a comma to separate independent clauses. Rule: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or nor, for) when it joins two complete ideas (independent clauses).

There are many and varied comma rules; however, the following 8 simple comma rules with examples will get you started. 1. Use Commas With Lists. The first comma rule will help you use commas between words or groups of words in a series. For more information on the Oxford comma, click this link – The Oxford Comma. 2.

Mar 19, 2023 · Commas are used for grammatical reasons when we apply them in separating a series or list of words, phrases, or clauses that appear consecutively in a sentence. This is the most popular, the easiest, and the most functional use …

Key words for understanding some of the most essential comma rules are before, after, around, and between. Place a comma BEFORE a coordinating conjunction. A coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, or simple sentences, creating a compound sentence. The boys ran down the street, but they could not catch the girl on the bike.

8 Comma Rules to Remember This guide identifies some of the basic comma rules 1 . people often forget or apply incorrectly. Keeping these in mind can help you write with greater clarity and accuracy. Rule 1 . Commas are needed . when combining two independent. clauses (complete sentences) with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or ...

Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. • The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. • The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment. 5.

The 8 basic comma rules are: 1) use commas to separate items on a list, 2) to separate certain parts of a date, 3) to separate direct quotations, 4) to separate independent clauses, 5) to set off certain words, 6) to set off participial phrases, 7) after an introductory clause or phrase, and 8) between certain parts of an address.

Commas 101: The Basics Commas, the peskiest of punctuation marks, have six main uses. These uses are outlined below. 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, yet, so--a.k.a. fanboys) to separate two independent clauses:

Instead, we’ll explore the listing comma, the joining comma, the gapping comma, and the bracketing commas. Each use has its own set of rules, and by the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of when and how to use commas correctly.

Aug 19, 2024 · Comma rules are varied and easy to forget. Use this guide to using commas to find lists and examples for proper usage!

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. Remember that an “item” may refer to a noun, verb, or adjective phrase. Note: Usage of a comma to separate the second-to-last from the last item is optional.

Commas (Eight Basic Uses) To better understand the use of the comma, begin by learning the following eight basic uses: 1. SE A COMMA TO SEPARAU TE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. Rule: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or nor, for) when it joins two complete ideas (independent clauses). 1.

There are only three comma rules – Comma Rule 1 (the rule for “although”), Comma Rule 2 (the rule for and/but), and Comma Rule 3 (the rule for changing your voice). I hope you’ve downloaded the Commas Made Simple handout.

May 21, 2004 · 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.

Aug 24, 2022 · Understanding comma rules can help you figure out when and how to use commas properly. 1. Use Commas Before Coordinating Conjunctions. When you're writing a simple sentence, you're using only one independent clause, which can stand alone as a complete sentence. These sentences don't require commas. Mark loves cars. My brothers shopped all day.

Commas are one of the most common and confusing punctuation marks out there. They can seem scary because they are used in such a wide variety of contexts, and many comma rules have exceptions or differ based on individual preference. This guide covers the basic comma rules and some common errors to avoid.

Apr 9, 2020 · To separate independent clauses. Make a list of tasks, and check them off as you go. 3. After a subordinate clause. If you want to win, you must learn to lose. 4. To offset a contrast clause. Dogs run, whereas cats just teleport themselves to unknown places. 5. Around nonessential elements.

Here’s a clear comma rule to get us started. Do not put a comma between the subject of a sentence and its verb. For example, Thursday afternoon, is my favourite time of the week would be incorrect any day of the week, and simply looks as though someone leaned on the keyboard while reaching for a bottle of water.

Mar 25, 2025 · When to Use Commas in English: 6 Basic Rules 1. Serialized lists. Commas are used to separate items within a list or series of three or more. Commas can be used to separate words, clauses, or phrases within a series. Examples: Series of words: I searched for the fastest way to walk, bike, or drive to school.