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1. Writing a list. When you're writing a list, use commas between each item in your list. Use and between the last two items, instead of a comma. For example: Today I need to buy milk, bread,...
Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. Commas customarily indicate a brief pause; they're not as final as periods. Rule 1. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Example:My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew.
A comma helps to make meaning clear by separating words, phrases or clauses in a sentence. Commas are used to separate clauses, coordinate adjectives and items in a list.
- Commas to Introduce A Sentence
- Dependent vs. Independent Clauses
- Commas in Compound Sentences
- Avoid The Comma Splice
- Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Clauses
- Avoid Splitting Subjects from Verbs
- Avoid Splitting Compound Subjects Or Objects
- Avoid Splitting Compound Predicates
- Oxford Commas
If you introduce a sentence with a transition word(e.g., however, hence, indeed, furthermore), follow it with a comma. 1. Howeverthe model is not always accurate. 2. However,the model is not always accurate. With longer introductory phrases that set the stage for the main part of the sentence, it’s generally best to use a comma, especially if the p...
A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. Sentences are often made up of several clauses. Whether you should put a comma (or some other form of punctuation) between them depends on the types of clauses and the relationship between them. An independent clause is a clause that could stand on its own as a full sentence....
A compound sentence contains more than one independent clause. The clauses can be joined by a semicolon, a colon, or a coordinating conjunction(for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). When two independent clauses are connected by a coordinating conjunction, always use a comma before the conjunction. 1. Many scientists have tried to solve the problem, and...
Two independent clauses should never be joined by a comma alone. This error is called a comma splice. 1. Model 1 was selected, it returns more accurate results. 2. The project ran over the deadline, data processing was extensive. 3. He did not take the easy way out, he is a man of principle. In each of the examples above, the two parts of the sente...
Sometimes the extra information added by a dependent clause is essential to the meaning of the main clause. This is called a restrictive clause because it restricts the meaning of the sentence. Commas should notbe used around a restrictive clause. 1. Bears that have young cubscan be dangerous. The information in the sentences is about a specific ty...
To avoid comma mistakes, pay attention to the function of different words in your sentences and their relation to each other. A comma should generally not come between a verb (the action word) and its subject(the person or thing doing the action). 1. This thesis,explores the use of concrete underwater. 2. This thesis exploresthe use of concrete und...
When two subjects or objects are connected to one verb, make sure not to separate them with a comma.
The predicate is the part of a sentence that contains the verb. A compound predicate occurs when two verbs in a sentence are connected to the same subject. In general, a comma should not be used between the verbs. 1. Many scientists have tried,and failed to solve the problem. 2. Many scientists have tried and failedto solve the problem. Pay attenti...
In lists, commas are used to separate each item, and the last item is separated by a conjunction (e.g., and, or). A comma before the conjunction, known as the serial comma or Oxford comma, is optional. Whether or not you choose to use it, make sure to be consistent. Sometimes a serial comma is necessary for clarity. One example is when the final li...
The comma, is a punctuation mark that appears in several variants in different languages. Some typefaces render it as a small line, slightly curved or straight, but inclined from the vertical, others give it the appearance of a miniature filled-in figure 9 placed on the baseline.
COMMA definition: 1. the symbol , used in writing to separate parts of a sentence showing a slight pause, or to…. Learn more.
An independent clause is a clause that could stand on its own as a full sentence. A dependent clause, in contrast, does not express a complete thought. It depends on another clause to form a full sentence. When a dependent clause comes at the start of a sentence, it should be followed by a comma.
