comma.
md 2024-05-22
Usage of Commas
1. Basic Rules of Comma Usage
Separating Items in a Series: Use commas to separate three or more items in a list.
Example: "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."
Between Coordinating Adjectives: Use commas between adjectives that equally modify a noun.
Example: "It was a long, tedious, and boring meeting."
2. Comma + FANBOYS Conjunctions (Coordinating Conjunctions)
Connecting Independent Clauses: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor,
but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.
Example: "She wanted to go to the park, but it was raining."
Incorrect Usage: Do not use a comma to join two independent clauses without a conjunction
(comma splice).
Incorrect: "She wanted to go to the park, it was raining."
3. Introductory Elements
After Introductory Phrases: Use a comma after introductory clauses, phrases, or words that
precede the main clause.
Example: "After the meeting, we went out for dinner."
Introductory Words and Transitions: Use a comma after words like "however," "therefore," and
"meanwhile" when they introduce a sentence.
Example: "However, we decided to stay home."
4. Non-Essential (Non-Restrictive) Clauses and Phrases
Setting Off Non-Essential Information: Use commas to set off non-essential information that can
be removed without changing the main meaning of the sentence.
Example: "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week."
Identifying Non-Essential Clauses: Non-essential clauses can be identified because if you remove
them, the sentence still makes sense.
Example: "The book, which was published last year, has become a bestseller."
5. Essential (Restrictive) Clauses
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comma.md 2024-05-22
No Comma Needed: Do not use commas for essential information that defines the noun it follows.
Example: "The students who studied hard passed the test."
Identifying Essential Clauses: Essential clauses cannot be removed without altering the meaning of
the sentence.
Example: "The house that Jack built is on the hill."
6. Comma with Conjunctive Adverbs
In the Middle of a Sentence: Use commas to set off conjunctive adverbs (e.g., however, therefore,
moreover) within a sentence.
Example: "She wanted to go to the park; however, it was raining."
At the Start of a Sentence: Use a comma after conjunctive adverbs when they appear at the
beginning of a sentence.
Example: "Therefore, we decided to stay home."
7. Comma with Dependent Clauses
After Dependent Clauses at the Beginning: When a dependent clause comes before an
independent clause, use a comma.
Example: "Although it was raining, we went to the park."
No Comma When Dependent Clause Follows: Do not use a comma when the dependent clause
follows the independent clause.
Example: "We went to the park although it was raining."
8. Additional Tips
Before "Self" Words: Do not place a comma before words like "itself," "myself," "themselves."
Example: "The city itself is very beautiful."
Compound Nouns and Adjectives: Do not use a comma between compound elements joined by
"and."
Incorrect: "Ada Lovelace, and Charles Babbage were pioneers."
Correct: "Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage were pioneers."
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