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Mastering the Comma: A Guide to Proper Comma Usage

Learn how to use commas correctly in your writing with this comprehensive guide. Find out when to use commas with coordinating conjunctions, in introductory elements, in series, and more.

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Mastering the Comma: A Guide to Proper Comma Usage

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  1. Cooperative Online Writing Lab Overcoming the Comma Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  2. ? What is a Comma , * A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence. * Commas help to clarify meaning to a reader. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  3. Where do you use a comma? Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, nor, for, yet, so) to separate two independent clauses. The television program was dull, but the commercials were entertaining. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  4. How to Remember Coordinating Conjunctions To remember the seven coordinating conjunctions, think of the phrase “fan boys”: for and nor but or yet so Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  5. Other Uses for Commas Use a comma to set off introductory elements. Anxious about the upcoming winter,settlers began to bicker among themselves about supplies. Use a comma to set off the elements of a series (three or more things), including the last two. My favorite uses of the Internet are sending e-mail,surfing the Web,and using chat rooms. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  6. Even More Uses for Commas Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives. Coaches grew weary of running practices in the drafty,dreary, run-down gym. Use a comma to set off elements that express a contrast or a turn in a sentence. The house was cute,but too expensive for the newlyweds. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  7. Common Error: Comma Splice A comma splice is an error in which two independent clauses are joined by a comma. We had a nice time, I hope we can meet again soon. The Internet has revolutionized the business world, online sales have increased dramatically this year. WRONG! Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  8. To Correct A Comma Splice Insert a conjunction between the two independent clauses. Start a new sentence. Insert a semi-colon between the two independent clauses (only in cases where the independent clauses are closely related in topic). *We had a nice time, andI hope we can meet again soon. *We had a nice time.I hope we can meet again soon. *The Internet has revolutionized the business world;online sales have increased dramatically this year. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  9. Unnecessary Commas Don’t separate a subject from its verb: The eighteen-year-old in most states,is now considered an adult. Don’t put a comma between two verbs: We laid out our music and snacks,and began to study. Don’t put a comma in front of every and or but. We decided that we should not lend her the money,and that we should explain our decision. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  10. It’s Your Turn!Correct the following sentences This semester I am taking calculus physics and economics. This semester I am taking calculus, physics, and economics. Calculus is my best subject, I am certain I will get an A. Calculus is my best subject, and I am certain I will get an A. Although I am very busy I still find time to have fun. Although I am very busy, I still find time to have fun. Last weekend my brother visited me and we went to a football game a party and a rock concert. Last weekend my brother visited me, and we went to a football game, a party, and a rock concert. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  11. More Practice: Would you place commas in these sentences? The place that I would most like to see is the Eiffel Tower. No comma is needed. The sentence is correct. Pierre who is one of my business contacts will meet me at the airport. Pierre, who is one of my business contacts, will meet me at the airport. I am planning a trip to Paris, which is one of the greatest cities in the world. I am planning a trip to Paris which is one of the greatest cities in the world. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  12. Now you can Overcome the Comma! Bluefield College COWL, 2005

  13. Need More Assistance? Stop by the Writing Center Come back to COWL again and again! or We Mooove fast to help you! Bluefield College COWL, 2005

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