Professional Documents
Culture Documents
I.
Use commas to separate INDEPENDENT CLAUSES when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. (FANBOYS) Ex- The semester was finally over, but I still had three papers to finish. Ex- The student rephrased her question, yet the professor still could not understand. Ex- I spent all weekend writing this paper, so the last thing I need is a new paper assignment.
II. Use commas after introductory clauses. Common starter words for
introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. Ex- When I woke up the next morning, my wallet was gone and there was no sign of my girlfriend. Ex- Since she was going to the store, I asked her to pick up some carrots and a six-pack. However, don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast). Ex- He failed the class, because he never attended the Writing Center. (INCORRECT) Ex- Her kids called me daddy since I looked like her ex-husband. (CORRECT) Ex- Janet was quite depressed, although we had been married that day. (CORRECT because it indicates extreme contrast)
III. 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. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. Ex- I enjoy your company; your food, on the other hand, is something you need to work on. Ex- My car, which was given to me by my grandfather, catches fire every time I start the engine.
IV. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written
in a series. The commas before the final member of the series (before and) is optional. Ex- The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment. Ex- My favorite cuisines are Mexican, Thai, and Indian.
VI. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the
month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.
VII. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse of a sentence and a
quotation. Ex- In 1848, Marx wrote, "Workers of the world, unite!" Ex- When the student was asked why he cheated on the test, he said, I didnt realize copying someone elses answers is cheating. However, if a quote is preceded by the word that, then no comma is used. Ex- The author believes that several schools will close before the end of the year.
VIII.
Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading. Ex- Shelley having drowned Byron presided over the funeral ceremonies on the beach. (INCORRECT) Ex- Shelley having drowned, Byron presided over the funeral ceremonies on the beach. (CORRECT)
I.
Do not use a comma to separate independent clauses unless it is paired with a coordinating conjunction. When only a comma separates two independent clauses, it is called a comma splice. Ex- I was excited to see her, I had always regretted breaking up with her. (INCORRECT) Ex- I was excited to see her; I had always regretted breaking up with her. (CORRECT)
II. Don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate)
clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast). Ex- The cat scratched at the door, while I was eating. (INCORRECT) Ex- The cat scratched at the door while I was eating. (CORRECT)
III. Don't use a comma to separate the subject from the verb.
Ex- An eighteen-year old in California, is now considered an adult. (INCORRECT) Ex- An eighteen-year old in California is now considered an adult. (CORRECT)
IV. Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb phrases in a compound
predicate. Ex- I turned the corner, and crashed into a patrol car. (INCORRECT) Ex- I turned the corner and crashed into a patrol car. (CORRECT)