When to use a comma

Commas are required to help introduce material, offset information, organize lists, and separate other pertinent information within written text. This makes it easier for new writers to remember their use. #1. Coordinating Comma. A comma must be placed before a coordinating conjunction that joins together two independent clauses.

Comma Rule Twelve. Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year. I met my brother for the first time on January 6, 2009. If any part of the date is not present, the comma can be omitted. They finally met in January 2009. Comma Rule Thirteen. Use a comma to separate the name of a city from the state within which it is …3 Dec 2020 ... Use commas when you want to slow down the pace. Remove them when you want to speed things up. Personally I like minimizing commas for punchier ...In the world of data management, there are various file formats available to store and organize data. Two popular formats are XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and CSV (Comma Separa...Commas: When (and When Not) to Use. For their size, commas are deceptively tricky. Even experienced writers still get tripped up by the measly comma, that little squiggly punctuation mark that inserts a mid-sentence pause after listed items, before conjunctions, in compound and complex sentences, and in a variety of other grammatical situations.Revised on 11 December 2023. The Oxford comma (also known as the serial comma or Harvard comma) is the use of a comma before the conjunction in a list of three or more items (e.g., the comma before ‘and’ in ‘paints, brushes, and canvas’). The name comes from the fact that it’s recommended by Oxford University Press. 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). He walked down the street, and then he turned the corner. 2. Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. 11 May 2023 ... You should use a comma when you modify an entire sentence or independent clause with an adverb. Some common introductory adverbs include “ ...

Oct 25, 2022 · Things You Should Know. Use a comma before “but” in a compound sentence to separate 2 independent clauses. Place a comma after “but” if an interrupting phrase or word (such as "of course" or "in fact") follows it. Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction—remember them with the acronym FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). You should place a comma before “if” when it comes as an introductory remark. You can also use a comma after a mid-sentence transitive phrase. Finally, you will see a comma before “if” when it introduces a parenthetical element. Other than those times, a comma is not used. Watch the video: Only 1 percent of our visitors get these 3 ...The use of comma expressions here can kind of fake the pipeline operator that isn't in the language yet. Eliminating the space between $= simulates the feeling of a proper pipe token, |>. Note that the "topic" variable, $, can be anything here and that it's just shorthand for repeatedly overwriting the variable. So something more akin to ...Jul 25, 2022 · Example: Comma before “but” connecting two independent clauses. Maria hoped to go for a walk, but it rained all day. You must use a comma after “but” only when you include an interrupter. An interrupter is a word or phrase used to emphasize or qualify the statement and to express mood or tone. Use the adverb “respectively” at the end of a sentence to explain parallels of an ordered list. Place “respectively” in the middle of a sentence between 2 independent clauses to describe corresponding lists. Always put a comma before “respectively” if it’s at the end of a sentence, or place commas before and after the word if it ...Some people say you should use the mark (,) between the next-to-last item: a cat, a dog, and a bird. This is the so-called Oxford comma or serial comma. Others omit this comma: dollars, euros and yen. Whether or not to use the Oxford comma is a matter of style. But you should be consistent in how you use it. Rule #2.

Example: Comma before “but” connecting two independent clauses. Maria hoped to go for a walk, but it rained all day. You must use a comma after “but” only when you include an interrupter. An interrupter is a word or phrase used to emphasize or qualify the statement and to express mood or tone.In American English, the comma (,) has a similar appearance to a quotation mark (“), possessing a rounded head and a small, curved tail. This tail helps to differentiate the comma from a period (.), and while both punctuations act as a sort of breath between words, only the period can end a sentence. The comma can only end a clause, or in ...Commas are a form of punctuation used to mark a pause in a sentence. The pause is less long than the one warranted by periods, and commas are found in the middle of sentences, not at the end. They pretty much do the same job as brackets, but they just look a lot neater. Plus, you can use a lot of commas in your writing, but a lot of brackets ... 8. Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer to the beginning or middle of the sentence. Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the sentence without causing confusion. (If the placement of the modifier causes confusion, then it is not "free" and must remain "bound" to the word it modifies.) In this sentence, the colon separates the preposition “to” from its objects (“Rome,” “Israel,” and “Egypt”). To write this sentence correctly, the colon should be removed. When I graduate, I want to go to Rome, Israel, and Egypt. Lastly, colons should not be used after “including,” “especially,” or other similar phrases.

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When you use the phrase 'of course' you have to use a comma. It doesn't matter whether it is in the middle or at the beginning of a sentence. I'm completely sure that the first two sentences are right, but the last one seems wrong to me. Except at the end of a sentence: Of course, you have to use a comma after of course.The Em Dash as Comma or Parenthesis. Em dashes are used in place of commas or parentheses to emphasize or draw attention to parenthetical or amplifying material. In this particular task, em dashes occupy a kind of middle ground among the three: when commas do the job, the material is most closely related to what’s around it, and when ... Use it at the end of an exclamatory sentence to show strong emotion. Examples: Happy birthday, Emma! Ugh! I can’t stop myself from spending money on books. Wow! The sunset is breathtaking. 4. Comma (,) One common cause of grammar mistakes in American English is the lack of commas. Use the comma to separate ideas and independent clauses. Commas may be the most varied and versatile punctuation mark in English. Here are the most common ways they’re used, complete with examples: 1. To separate words or elements in a list. Example: Bats, whales, and goats develop regional accents. 2. After introductory phrases. Example: Today, I discovered bamboo can grow up to 35 inches in …... two sentences into one. Do not use a comma before 'and' in a list of two. Only use a comma in a list of three or more if your region uses the serial comma.

Other Comma Uses. Another use of commas is to signal and set off introductory words, phrases, or clauses and nonessential clauses or parenthetical expressions.Oct 22, 2023 · Comma Rules. We use commas to separate a series of words. To separate a series of phrases. To connect two independent clauses. To set off introductory phrases or clauses. Used after certain words that introduce a sentence. To separate the parenthetical elements. To separate coordinate adjectives. When to Use a Comma. #1: Use a comma to separate independent clauses. The comma precedes a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to …Apr 19, 2023 · Learn the rules and tips for using commas correctly in different situations, such as joining independent clauses, adding conjunctions, and avoiding comma splices. Find out how to use the Oxford comma and other punctuation marks with commas. Jun 28, 2023 · The only time you need a comma after but is when it is immediately followed by an interrupter. An interrupter is a little word or phrase that interrupts a sentence to show emotion, tone, or emphasis. You should always use a comma before and after an interrupter. But, of course, it’s not safe for Spot to go outside on his own. Commas and periods always go inside quotation marks in American English; dashes, colons, and semicolons almost always go outside. Question marks and exclamation marks sometimes go inside and sometimes stay outside. 3. Always use quotation marks, brackets, braces, and parentheses in pairs. On Contractions of Multiple Words. Double possessives, semicolons, apostrophes, comma splices, and more explained here.Commas represent a short pause and are used to divide parts of a sentence. Learn how to use a comma in a sentence with these examples and best practices.You should place a comma before “if” when it comes as an introductory remark. You can also use a comma after a mid-sentence transitive phrase. Finally, you will see a comma before “if” when it introduces a parenthetical element. Other than those times, a comma is not used. Watch the video: Only 1 percent of our visitors get these 3 ...10 Feb 2023 ... Use a comma when the subject of the two clauses is different, or when the subject is repeated in the second half of the sentence. Example ...Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction if the clauses are already punctuated with commas or if the clauses are lengthy. Some people write with a word processor, tablet, or even a phone; but others, for different reasons, choose to write with a pen or pencil. Avoid using a comma when a semicolon is needed:

Colons go outside quotation marks: He explained “oleo”: It’s a non-dairy butter substitute. Adapted from: The Harbrace College Handbook (12th ed.) by Horner/Webb/Miller and A Writer’s Reference (4th ed.) by Diana Hacker. When and how to use commas: Commas come before coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when they ...

We use these commas when we address someone directly, dear viewers, add a state after a city, and add a year after a date. Those are all parentheticals and need both commas. parenthetical_commas.jpg. When it comes to clauses, the rules are a little bit more complicated, but the basic version is this. Whenever you begin a new independent clause ...Oct 25, 2022 · Things You Should Know. Use a comma before “but” in a compound sentence to separate 2 independent clauses. Place a comma after “but” if an interrupting phrase or word (such as "of course" or "in fact") follows it. Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction—remember them with the acronym FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Learn how to use commas correctly in English sentences with seven easy steps. Find out when to use commas with introductory bits, FANBOYS, lists, … Rule #1: Use Commas to Separate Items in a List. This probably the first use of commas you learned in school: separating items in a list of three or more things. Here’s an example: The cake mix requires flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Note that some style guides would not add the comma after the word “eggs”. Mar 11, 2020 · Learn about 8 basic comma rules for writing in English. I will teach you how to use commas, explain each of these rules, and show you several examples. I'll ... Oct 18, 2019 · Start writing. 14 rules to follow when deciding whether to use a comma. 1) If a dependent clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, use a …Example 1: I went to the store, and James went to the restaurant. Example 2: I went to the store, and then I went to the restaurant. Do NOT use a comma when the subject has neither been changed or repeated. Example: I went to the store and bought a scarf. Do NOT use a comma to separate two complete thoughts that are NOT joined by …Use the adverb “respectively” at the end of a sentence to explain parallels of an ordered list. Place “respectively” in the middle of a sentence between 2 independent clauses to describe corresponding lists. Always put a comma before “respectively” if it’s at the end of a sentence, or place commas before and after the word if it ...

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Things You Should Know. Use a comma before “but” in a compound sentence to separate 2 independent clauses. Place a comma after “but” if an interrupting phrase or word (such as "of course" or "in fact") follows it. Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction—remember them with the acronym FANBOYS (for, and, nor, … A Comma Splice occurs when only a comma separates two independent clauses. In the sentence above, both clauses referring to the roommates’ untidiness as well as their rowdiness can stand alone. When two independent clauses appear in a sentence, a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction is one way to solve the comma splice problem (listed ... 8. Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer to the beginning or middle of the sentence. Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the sentence without causing confusion. (If the placement of the modifier causes confusion, then it is not "free" and must remain "bound" to the word it modifies.)As a general rule, to write a date in the middle of a sentence, include a serial comma (i.e., final comma or Oxford comma,) both before and after the year: Example: Stan’s arrival on Saturday, January 11, 1988, was a huge relief for the whole family. When a date appears in the middle of a sentence with only the month and year, (or two ...1 Place punctuation marks inside quotation marks. When using a period, comma, or exclamation mark with quotation marks, place the punctuation inside the quotes. “We won!” shouted the coach to no one in particular. If you’re breaking up a sentence, place a comma after the first part, also inside quotes. “My goodness,” said my …Learn 6 quick comma rules for: intro elements, transitions, words in series, contrasts, direct quotations, two sentences joined by a conjunction.When and connects two independent clauses, you should use a comma. In a list of three (or more), the use of a comma before and is optional.Apr 4, 2017 · Here, the conjunction ( and) joins verbs ( scratched and added) in a compound predicate. Placing commas in this type of sentence is straightforward: Do not place a comma before the conjunction in a compound predicate. Always use commas around phrases (such as fretting over the punctuation) that intervene in a compound predicate. When to Use “Thank You” Without a Comma. You don’t always need to use a comma with “thank you.” You can avoid using a comma if “thank you” is not directed at someone by name or address. When this happens, “thank you” is often its own sentence. It is the only phrase used before closing the sentence with a period: Thank you. You ... ….

Confused on how to use commas? You're not alone. Read about 10 completely wrong ways to use commas at HowStuffWorks. Advertisement Some say proper grammar is on its way out. Rapid-...May 15, 2023 · When to Use a Comma Before “And” Grammarly. Updated on May 15, 2023 Grammar. Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on …As a general rule, to write a date in the middle of a sentence, include a serial comma (i.e., final comma or Oxford comma,) both before and after the year: Example: Stan’s arrival on Saturday, January 11, 1988, was a huge relief for the whole family. When a date appears in the middle of a sentence with only the month and year, (or two ...To ensure the proper use of commas in a list, you need to decide if the Oxford comma is for you or if you want to avoid it altogether. Since its absence can create confusion, you may prefer to use it to prevent comical or even embarrassing misrepresentations. Its use makes a list clearer to read. The list of elements commas separate includes ...For example, comma usage can sometimes be a matter of opinion rather than proper use. Some grammar guides recommend a serial comma, and others don’t. As a writer, you will have to decide whether to include a final comma before “and” and “or” in a list of three or more items.Apr 19, 2023 · Learn the rules and tips for using commas correctly in different situations, such as joining independent clauses, adding conjunctions, and avoiding comma splices. Find out how to use …A comma is used to denote a pause in the sentence, which is shorter than a colon or a semicolon. A comma is used to show the difference between two separate ... 1. Use Commas With Lists. The first comma rule will help you use commas between words or groups of words in a series. Brad, Jonathan, and David went fishing over the long weekend. (a series of nouns) The neighbor cleaned, mowed, and watered the lawn while I was in hospital. (a series of verbs) My sympathy went out to the tired, weary, and ... When to use a comma, [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1], [text-1-1]