Commas!

1. Commas are used when linking two independent clauses. A coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, yet, so) links the clauses together after the comma. The house approved the bill, but the senate rejected it. Commas!

2. You can, however, omit it if the clauses are very short. Love it or leave it. Use your best judgment with longer independent clauses. Commas can also be used to add a pause; sometimes, it is a judgment call. Commas!

3. Pause. Take a breath! Questions?! Time Out!

4. Use commas when you are dealing with a series of three or more coordinate elements. These are elements that are joined by a coordinating conjunction. You may pay by check, with a credit card, or in cash. If there is already a comma in the sentence, use a semicolon! Three important criteria are; fat content, salt content, and taste. Coordinate Elements!

5. In a list ending with "and" use a comma before and to make sure people know it is part of the list. The downtown area includes a bakery, a florist, a small supermarket with an excellent butcher, and a bookstore. Coordinating adjectives need a comma unless they are joined by a conjunction already. She brushed her long, shining, hair. The baby was tired and cranky and wet. (no comma needed) Commas & Coordinate Adjectives

6. Pause. Take a breath! Questions?! Time Out!

7. A dependent clause that offsets the rest of a sentence is normally offset by a comma. When war came to Baghdad, many victims were children. If it is short, again, you may omit the comma. Use your best judgment whether the sentence will still be clear. When I exercise I drink plenty of war. (I might keep the comma. What do you think?) Introductory Elements!

8. More examples down 273. Transitional words will be set off by a comma. However, any plan enacted must be fair. Summarize the rest of 275. Transitional Words!