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Basic Rules for Using Commas

Learn the basic rules for using commas correctly, including conjunctions, introductory phrases, coordinate adjectives, and more. Practice your comma skills with examples and improve your writing clarity.

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Basic Rules for Using Commas

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  1. Basic Rules for Using Commas

  2. 1. Use a comma before the conjunction (and, for, but, or, nor, so) that joins the two independent clauses in a compound sentence. Example: I like working outside, and I also enjoy reading. He got out of school early, so he took a nap. • Use a comma after relatively lengthy introductory phrases or subordinate clause. Example: In order to be successful, one must learn to write well. After she learned the rules for using commas, her grades improved. ***It is important to note that a comma should not be use when the clause or phrase comes at the end of the sentence. Example: Her grades improved after she learned to use commas correctly.

  3. Use commas to separate items in a series. Be sure to insert a comma before the conjunction that precedes the last item. Example: Amy ordered two hamburgers, a Coke, and a large order of fries. • Use commas before and after non-essential elements (parts of the sentence providing information that is not important in order to understand its meaning). Example: Horace Mann Elementary, which is the smallest school in the district, enrolls only 160 students.

  4. Use commas between coordinate adjectives that modify the same noun. A great way to remember this rule is if you can place “and” between the adjectives, then put a comma there. Example: By the end of the game, the field was a slippery, wet mess. Another way to determine if the adjectives are of equal importance is to reverse them in the sentence. Do not separate adjectives of unequal importance. **You WOULDN’T put a comma between these adjectives because you cannot reverse them or place and between them Example: Her big blue eyes and bright red hair made her strikingly beautiful.

  5. Use commas to separate the elements of dates and places. Example: The date was June 12, 2012. He was born in Flowood, Mississippi. • Use a comma before a direct quotation. Example: When asked if he had studied for the test, Paul replied, “Only a little,” and his grade showed it! • Use commas before and after words and phrases like HOWEVER and NEVER THE LESS that serve as interrupters. Example: Adam did not like math. He was, however, very successful in his math classes.

  6. Comma Quiz • There are eight comma rules. Write down four of the eight rules; then, create your own unique sentence that uses commas correctly based on that rule. • ExampleComma Rule #3: ______________________________ • An original sentence using commas based on rule #3 • Comma Rule #7: ________________________________ • An original sentence using commas based on rule #7 • Comma Rule #1: ________________________________ • An original sentence using commas based on rule #1 • Comma Rule #4: ________________________________ • An original sentence using commas based on rule #4

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