BASIC COMMA RULES
A SENIOR LIT “REFRESHER” COURSE
What do you already know?
Why should we care about commas?
“Let's learn about commas: they're used all the time and are one of the most important punctuation marks in writing. There may be a lot to learn, but each small lesson is pretty easy. Let's go!”
--From hubpages.com
From hubpages.com
SEPARATING ITEMS IN A SERIES
Commas are used to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a series.
EXAMPLE
Study for a test several days before, after
school, and just before falling asleep at night.
From Google images…
SEPARATING ADJECTIVES
Commas separate adjectives in a list modifying a noun (act as a replacement for “and” and “or”).
EXAMPLE
It was a dark, stormy night.
INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE
Commas are used after a group of words before the subject of a sentence that do not form a complete sentence (an introductory dependent clause).
EXAMPLE
If you enjoy computer games, you will love the newest download.
INTRODUCTORY WORDS
Commas are used to set off introductory words and phrases, including introductory adverbial, participial, and infinitive phrases.
EXAMPLES
Hopefully, we will be on time for the appointment. (word)
Not wanting to disturb him, she tiptoed to the dresser. (phrase)
COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
Commas are used between independent clauses (a group of words that makes a complete sentence) joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, or, nor, for, but, yet, so).
EXAMPLE
The grass was too tall, so I mowed it.
NONESSENTIAL PHRASES
Commas separate nonessential phrases and clauses from the rest of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
The camera, I believe, has a warranty.“I believe” is not essential to the meaning of the
sentence.
APPOSITIVE
Commas set off an appositive (a word or phrase that renames a noun).
EXAMPLE
Lisa, my cousin, works in a hospital.“My cousin” renames “Lisa,” so it is an
appositive.
From wordpress.com
COMMA SPLICE
A comma splice incorrectly joins two main clauses with a comma.
EXAMPLEJoe studied hard for the test, he failed it
anyway.CORRECTIONS
…test, BUT he failed it anyway
…test; he failed it anyway.
Recognizing a Fused Sentence
A fused sentence, also called a run-on, occurs when a writer has connected two main clauses with no punctuation. A main clause makes a complete thought, so you should not find two of them smashed together in a single sentence, like this:
main clause + Ø + main clause.
EXAMPLE:Driving home from school, Brett vowed to protect the
fragile ecosystem all the while the tires of his Cadillac Escalade flattened the toads hopping on the wet streets. --from chompchomp.com
From someecards.com
LET’S PRACTICE!
http://chompchomp.com/hotpotatoes/commas01.htm
