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When to Use the comma

Improve your writing skills with proper comma usage. Learn when to use commas in lists, conjunctions, introductions, adjectives, and more. Enhance readability and clarity in your writing.

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When to Use the comma

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  1. When to Use the comma

  2. The Serial Comma Use a comma to set off the elements of a series (three or more things), including the last two. You do not need to use the comma between the last two. Be careful they don’t appear attached to each other. My favorite foods are pizza, ice cream, and french fries.

  3. Coordinating Conjunction Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so) to separate two independent clauses. Mom appears a nervous wreck about her daughter’s wedding, but her daughter is calm and rational. If the two independent clauses are brief and nicely balanced, this comma may be omitted, but if in doubt the comma is always correct. The steak is good, but could be cooked more.

  4. Introductions Use a comma to set off introductory elements. Afraid of the storm, the children began to cry. In the spring of 1993, the Johnsons moved to Idaho.

  5. Coordinate Adjectives Use a comma to separate adjectives. I couldn’t bring myself to dive into the murky, dirty, weedy water. Rule of thumb: Add a comma between adjectives if it would sound correct to add an and or but. economical and efficient = economical, efficient But not a little and old house. A little old house would be correct.

  6. Proofreading Activity Where does the comma belong? I couldn’t bring myself to dive into the murky dirty weedy water. Afraid dinner the children went to bed. In the summer of 1996 I went to basketball camp.

  7. Contrast Use a comma to set off elements that express a contrast or a turn in the sentence. The car was beautiful, but not economical enough for their budget. They were looking for something economical, not luxurious.

  8. Dates, States, Titles Use a comma to set off states and countries, years (in a full date), titles, etc. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Bob Johnson, Clarkia Elementary Principal, proposed a new recess schedule at the staff meeting.

  9. Quoted Language Use a comma to set off quotes. “This movie is scary,” said Joey.

  10. Parenthical Elements Use a comma when an appositive phrase can be removed from a sentence without changing its meaning or making it ambiguous: My grandfather, a respected and loved member of the community, passed away. Use a comma when an absolute phrase is treated as a parenthetical element: Absolutely, you are right. An addressed person(s) is always parenthetical: I am telling you, my fellow colleagues, we must stand together. An interjection is treated as a parenthetical element: Excuse me, but there is, most certainly, more here than meets the eye.

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