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Basic Rules for Using Commas

Basic Rules for Using Commas. 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.

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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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