COMMAS

Coordinating conjunctions | FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) (commas before
FANBOYS)

1. Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) that
links two independent clauses.

Example: "I went running, and I saw a duck."

I went running (indep. Clause)

I saw a duck (indep clause)

Saw a duck (dependent clause)

I went running and saw a duck (no need for a comma)

If we were to eliminate the second "I" from that example, the second clause would lack a
subject, making it not a clause at all. In that case, it would no longer need a comma:

"I went running and saw a duck."

My brother refused to send me eidi, but I’m not mad at him. (coordinating conj.)

My brother refused to send me eidi but sent my sister.

I asked my sister for some money.

If I asked my sister for money, she will kill me.

2. Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence.

Example:

"When I went running, I saw a duck."

I saw a duck when I went running.

If Pak wins the match, I will cheer.

I will cheer if Pak wins the match.

While you were running the marathon, Anthony ate your chocolate.

Anothony ate your chocolate while you were running the marathon.
When sentence starts with a dependent clause, then put a comma after the
dependent clause.

Commas always follow these clauses at the start of a sentence. If a dependent clause
ends the sentence, however, it no longer requires a comma. Only use a comma to separate
a dependent clause at the end of a sentence for added emphasis, usually when negation
occurs.

3. Use commas to offset appositives/modifiers from the rest of the sentence.

Appositives/modifiers gives more information. A noun or noun phrase that provides more
information about another noun.

*The sentence sounds perfectly okay even when you remove the appositive/modifier. Try
removing it from a sentence to see if it’s actually a modifier or not.*

For example, "While running, I saw a mallard, a kind of duck."

"A kind of duck" is the appositive, which gives more information about "a mallard."

If the appositive occurs in the middle of the sentence, both sides of the phrase need a
comma. As in, "A mallard, a kind of duck, attacked me."

Exercise: Identify and punctuate the appositive/modifiers.

1. My friend, a talented musician, is performing tonight.

2. The painting, a beautiful landscape, was sold for a high price.

3. I saw a mallard a kind of duck while running.

4. The author J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter series.

5. My car, a red convertible, is parked outside.

4. Use commas to separate items in a series.

For example, "I saw a duck, a magician, and a liquor store when I went running."

That last comma, known as the serial comma, Oxford comma, or

I went to the park, the mall, and the cinema.

I went to the mall to buy shoes, socks, bands, and cycle.

5. Use a comma after introductory adverbs (words that describe adverbs, verbs and
adj).

"Finally, I went running."

"Surprisingly, I saw a duck when I went running."

Many adverbs end in "ly" and answer the question "how?" How did someone do
something? How did something happen?

Adverbs that don't end in "ly," such as "when" or "while," usually introduce a dependent
clause, which rule number two in this post has already covered.

Also insert a comma when "however" starts a sentence, too. Phrases like "on the other
hand" and "furthermore" also fall into this category.

Example: Unwillingly, Ahmed wrote the letter.

Ahmed wrote the letter unwillingly. (no comma)

;however,

However,

Ali reached the part on time ;however, Sara was very late.

6. Use a comma when attributing quotes.

1. If attribution comes before the quote, place the comma outside the quotation marks.

The runner said, "I saw a duck."

2. If attribution comes after the quote, put the comma inside the quotation marks.

"I saw a duck," said the runner.

7. Use a comma to separate each element in an address. Also use a comma after a
city-state combination within a sentence.

I work at 257 Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y. 10010.

Cleveland, Ohio, is a great city.

Karachi, Sindh, is in terrible conditions.

8. Also use a comma to separate the elements in a full date (weekday, month and day,
and year). Also separate a combination of those elements from the rest of the
sentence with commas.

"March 15, 2013, was a strange day."

Even if you add a weekday, keep the comma after "2013."

"Friday, March 15, 2013, was a strange day."

"Friday, March 15, was a strange day."

You don't need to add a comma when the sentence mentions only the month and year.
"March 2013 was a strange month."

9. Use a comma when the first word of the sentence is freestanding "yes" or "no."

"Yes, I saw a duck when I went running."

"No, the duck didn't bite me."

10. Use a comma when directly addressing someone or something in a sentence.

My editor often asks, "Christina, is that article up yet?"

Ali, can you pass me the bowl?

11. Use a comma between two adjectives that modify the same noun.

For example: "I saw the big, mean duck when I went running."

She listened to the big, strong, clever man on her run.

The tree was big, strong, and old.

12. Use a comma to offset negation in a sentence.

For example: "I saw a duck, not a baby seal, when I went running."

I wrote a letter, not a script.

In this case, you still need the comma if the negation occurs at the end of the sentence.

"I saw a baby seal, not a duck."

Also use commas when any distinct shift occurs in the sentence or thought process.

"The cloud looked like an animal, perhaps a baby seal."

13. Use commas before every sequence of three numbers when writing a number
larger than 999. (Two exceptions are writing years and house numbers.)

For example, 10,000 or 1,304,687

Exercise 1: Insert commas where necessary.

1. After the show we went out for dinner.

2. She moved to 123 Maple Street Springfield Illinois.

3. "I can't believe it" she said.

4. Our new office is located at 456 Oak Dr Suite 8 Boston Massachusetts 02118.

5. My brother the doctor works at a hospital.

6. I saw the big mean duck when I went running.

7. No I haven't seen him today.

8. If you want to succeed you must work hard.

9. She wanted to buy apples not oranges.

Exercise 2: Correct the punctuation in the following sentences.

1. My sister an excellent cook made dinner for us.

2. The runner said "I saw a duck."

3. Our dog Max loves to play fetch.

4. Cleveland Ohio is a great city.

5. Friday March 15 was a strange day.

6. He was born on July 4 1980 in a small town.

7. He drove a car not a motorcycle.

8. Eventually they reached the top of the mountain.

9. I'm telling you Sarah, it's a bad idea.

10. The kit includes scissors, tape, glue, and markers.

Semicolons (;)

1. Linking Independent Clauses:

• Rule: Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses that are
not joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet).

• Example:

o Incorrect: I have a big test tomorrow, I can't go out tonight.

o Correct: I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

o Correct: I have a big test tomorrow, so I can’t go out tonight.

I have collected a lot of eidi.

My mother took all of it.

I have collected a lot of eidi; my mother took all of it.

I have collected a lot of eidi, but my mother took all of it.

I have collected a lot of eidi; however, my mother took all of it.

2. Complex Lists:

• Rule: Use semicolons to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain
commas.

They invited Sarah, Ali, Bilal, and Hussain to the party.

They invited the neighbor, the friend, the cousin, and the brother to the party.

They invited Sarah, the neighbour; Ali, the friend; Bilal, the cousin; and Hussain
,the brother to the party.

• Example:

o Incorrect: The meeting was attended by John, the manager, Sarah, the
assistant, and Tim, the intern.

John, the manager, Sarah, the assistant, Tim, the intern – incorrect

John, Sarah, Tim - correct

 The manager, the assistant, the intern - correct

o Correct: The meeting was attended by John, the manager; Sarah, the
assistant; and Tim, the intern.

Key Points to Remember:

• A semicolon is stronger than a comma but not as final as a period.

• It helps to link ideas closely related in thought.

Avoid using a comma when a semicolon is needed:

Incorrect: The cow is brown, it is also old.

Correct: The cow is brown; it is also old.

What's going on here? Both parts of the sentence are independent clauses, and commas
should not be used to connect independent clauses if there is no coordinating
conjunction. This mistake is known as a comma splice.

Incorrect: I like cows, however, I hate the way they smell.

Correct: I like cows; however, I hate the way they smell.

What's going on here? The conjunctive adverb however signals a connection between
two independent clauses, and commas should not be used to connect independent
clauses if there is no coordinating conjunction.

Incorrect: I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good, they give us beef, which also
tastes good, and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats.

Correct: I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good; they give us beef, which also
tastes good; and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats.

What's going on here? It's unclear what the three list items are, since the items are
separated by commas.

Avoid using a semicolon when a comma is needed:

Incorrect: Because cows smell; they offend me.
Correct: Because cows smell, they offend me.

What's going on here? The first part is not an independent clause, so no semicolon is
required.
Colons (:)

1. Introducing Lists or Explanations:

• Rule: Use a colon to introduce a list, a quotation, an explanation, or a block of text

that elaborates on the preceding clause.

The following items are included in the grocery list:

• Example:

o Incorrect: You need to buy: eggs, milk, and bread.

o Correct: You need to buy the following items: eggs, milk, and bread.

2. Emphasis:

• Rule: Use a colon to emphasize a single word or phrase at the end of a sentence.

• Example:

o Incorrect: He had only one hobby reading.

o Correct: He had only one hobby: reading.

o He only had a few hobbies: reading, swimming, cooking.

3. Between Independent Clauses When the Second Explains the First:

• Rule: Use a colon between two independent clauses when the second clause
explains, illustrates, or expands on the first clause.

• Example:

o Incorrect: She had an epiphany she could start her own business.

o Correct: She had an epiphany: she could start her own business.

4.Use Colons After Complete Sentences

The most important thing to remember about colons is that you only use them after
statements that are complete sentences. Never use a colon after a sentence fragment.

For example, it's correct to say, "Grammar Girl has two favorite hobbies: watching
clouds and seeing how long she can stand on one foot." That's correct
because "Grammar Girl has two favorite hobbies" is a complete sentence all by itself.

Notice how the items after the colon expand or clarify what came before the colon. I
referred to my favorite hobbies before the colon and then specifically named them after the
colon. A quick and dirty way to decide whether a colon is acceptable is to test whether
you can replace it with the word namely. For example, you could say, "Grammar Girl has
two favorite hobbies, namely, watching clouds and seeing how long she can stand on one
foot." Most of the time, if you can replace a colon with the word namely, then the colon is
the right choice.

Let's go back to the complete-sentence issue: it would be wrong to say, "Grammar Girl's
favorite hobbies are: skiing and reading" because "Grammar Girl's favorite hobbies are" is
not a complete sentence by itself. (And, really, who would rather ski than stand on one
foot?) You can often fix those kinds of sentences by adding the words the following after
your sentence fragment. For example, it would be fine to say, "Grammar Girl's favorite
hobbies are the following: skiing and reading" because you've made the thing before the
colon a grammatically complete sentence by adding the words the following

Key Points to Remember:

• A colon indicates that what follows is closely related to the preceding clause.

• It introduces information that defines, explains, or provides a list related to the first
part of the sentence.

Summary

• Semicolons link closely related independent clauses and separate items in

complex lists.

• Colons introduce lists, explanations, and emphasize information following an

independent clause.

Exercise 1: Using Semicolons

Add semicolons where necessary to correctly punctuate the following sentences:

1. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

2. She loves painting and drawing; he prefers sculpting.

3. We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Madrid, Spain.

 4. The meeting was scheduled for 10 AM ;however, it was postponed.

5. I need to buy apples, which are my favorite fruit; oranges, which I dislike; and
bananas which are okay.

6. The grocery list consisted of apples, bananas, pineapples, and coconuts.

Exercise 2: Using Colons

Add colons where necessary to correctly punctuate the following sentences:

1. She had one goal in life to be happy.

2. He collected three things stamps coins and baseball cards.

3. The recipe calls for the following ingredients flour sugar eggs and butter.

4. There was only one solution to the problem quit the job.

5. Consider the following points first be prepared second stay focused and third keep a
positive attitude.

Exercise 3: Mixed Practice

Decide whether to use a semicolon or a colon in the following sentences:

1. He was an excellent student he always did his homework.

2. There are three types of rocks igneous sedimentary and metamorphic.

3. I have traveled to many countries France Italy and Japan are my favorites.

4. I have traveled to many countries France Italy and Japan.

5. She wasn't sure if she should stay or leave she decided to think about it.

6. His favorite hobbies are the following reading cycling and hiking.
 7. She went to the park to feed the bird however they were all in their nest.

8. Reluctantly they went to school.

Exercise 3: Mixed Practice

Decide whether to use a semicolon or a colon in the following sentences:

9. He was an excellent student he always did his homework.

10. There are three types of rocks igneous sedimentary and metamorphic.

11. I have traveled to many countries France Italy and Japan are my favorites.

12. I have traveled to many countries France Italy and Japan.

13. She wasn't sure if she should stay or leave she decided to think about it.

14. His favorite hobbies are the following reading cycling and hiking.

15. She went to the park to feed the bird however they were all in their nest.

16. Reluctantly they went to school.

 Sentence Correction | Punctuation

1. Comma Splice:

Imagine a comma splice like a broken jump rope. You can't really jump rope with it because the
rope isn't connected properly. A comma splice is like that - two complete sentences stuck
together with a weak comma, making the sentence bumpy to read.

• Fix:
o Add a "because" or "and" to connect the sentences like a proper jump rope
(conjunction fix).
o Turn the comma into a full stop to create two jump ropes (separate sentence
fix).
o Use a semicolon for a smoother connection, like a jump rope with fancy handles
(semicolon fix).

o I finished my homework, I went out to play. incorrect

o I finished my homework, so I went to play. correct

o I finished my homework; I went to play. Correct

o I finished my homework. I went to play. correct

2. Missing Comma:

Think of commas as tiny pause buttons in your writing. A missing comma is like forgetting a
pause button in a song - it can sound jumbled and confusing.

• Fix:
o Use commas to separate grocery items on your shopping list (list fix).
I got bananas, apples, oranges, and bread.
o Imagine you need to take a quick breath between two ideas in your sentence,
that's where a comma goes (clause fix).

3. Extra Comma:

Extra commas are like uninvited guests at a party - they disrupt the flow!

• Fix:
o Read your sentence out loud. Does it sound like you need a small pause
(comma) or a longer stop (full stop)?

4. Misplaced Semicolon:

A semicolon is like a strong handshake between two complete sentences. But if you use it in the
wrong place, it's like shaking hands with a single sentence - a bit awkward!

• Fix:
 o Mostly, semicolons connect two closely related complete sentences. If you have
one complete sentence, use a comma instead.

5. Colon Misuse:

Imagine a colon as a drumroll before an exciting announcement! It builds anticipation for what's
coming next. But if you use it for something not exciting, it loses its punch.

• Fix:
o Colons introduce lists (like the best pizza toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, and
extra cheese!), quotations, or explanations of something that came before.

• Incorrect:
• I need to: buy apples, oranges, and bananas.
• Correct:
• I need to buy: apples, oranges, and bananas.

Incorrect:

We visited many European cities, such as: Paris, Rome, and Berlin.

Correct:

We visited many European cities, such as Paris, Rome, and Berlin.

Exercise: Identify the error and rewrite the sentence for clarity and correctness.

1. The tired hikers finally reached the peak, exhausted but exhilarated they paused
to admire the view.

o The tired hikers finally reached the peak, exhausted but exhilarated; they
paused to admire the view.
o The tired hikers finally reached the peak, exhausted but exhilarated. They
paused to admire the view.

2. With its vibrant colors and exotic animals the rainforest is a truly fascinating
ecosystem.

o With its vibrant colors and exotic animals, the rainforest is a truly
fascinating ecosystem.
 3. Although she studied all night, Maria failed the test surprisingly the material
seemed easy.

o Although she studied all night, Maria failed the test. Surprisingly, the
material seemed easy.

4. Running late for work, I spilled coffee all over myself, what a terrible morning!

o Running late for work, I spilled coffee all over myself. What a terrible
morning!

5. He explained the concept in detail; however, the students remained

confused.(correct)

o He explained the concept in detail. However, the students remained

confused.(correct)

6. Her favorite hobbies include reading, painting and going to the movies.
7. Despite the rain, the game was still played, many fans left early.
8. We should visit the museum; it's supposed to have an amazing new exhibit.
9. Waving goodbye, she boarded the train and settled into her seat.
10. Between history and literature, I prefer the later because it allows for more
creativity.

Comma Rules

1. After Introductory Elements: Use a comma after introductory phrases or clauses.

o Example: After the game, we went out for dinner.

o Although it was raining we decided to go hiking.

o Before you leave make sure to lock the door.

2. Between Items in a Series: Use commas to separate three or more items in a list.

o Example: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

o For breakfast I had eggs toast and orange juice.

o She bought pencils notebooks and markers for school.

3. Before Conjunctions in Compound Sentences: Use a comma before conjunctions

(and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet) that join two independent clauses.
 o Example: I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

o I want to buy a new laptop but I don't have enough money.

o She loves to travel and she has visited many countries.

4. Around Nonessential Information: Use commas to set off nonessential (non-

restrictive) clauses and phrases.

o Example: My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us this weekend.

o My car which I bought last year is already having problems.

o The library located on Main Street is open until 8 PM.

5. To Set Off Appositives: Use commas to set off appositives (nouns or noun phrases
that rename a nearby noun).

o Example: My best friend, Sarah, is coming to visit.

o My friend Emily is a great singer.

o The capital of France Paris is known for its art and culture.

Semicolon Rules

1. Between Closely Related Independent Clauses: Use a semicolon to connect

closely related independent clauses not joined by a conjunction.

o Example: I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

o I have to finish my project it's due tomorrow.

o She enjoys reading she especially loves mystery novels.

2. Before Conjunctive Adverbs: Use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs

(however, therefore, moreover, etc.) when they join two independent clauses.

o Example: I wanted to join them; however, I was too tired.

o I wanted to join them however I had other plans.

o He's a great player therefore he was chosen as the team captain.

Colon Rules

1. Before a List or Explanation: Use a colon to introduce a list, quotation, or

explanation that follows an independent clause.
 o Example: You need to bring the following items: a flashlight, a sleeping bag,
and a tent.

o You need the following items a pen a notebook and a calculator.

o There are two choices available stay here or leave immediately.

2. Between Independent Clauses: Use a colon to connect two independent clauses

when the second clause explains or elaborates on the first.

o Example: He got what he worked for: he earned a promotion.

o She got what she deserved she was promoted to manager.

o He made one thing clear he would not tolerate any excuses.

Dash Rules

1. To Set Off Additional Information: Use dashes to set off additional information or
to create a break in a sentence for emphasis.

o Example: Everything we saw—paintings, sculptures, and photographs—was

impressive.

o The results which were unexpected surprised everyone.

o We finally reached our destination a small village in the mountains.

Apostrophe Rules

1. To Show Possession: Use apostrophes to indicate possession.

o Example: Sarah's book, the dogs' owner

o That is Jacks jacket.

o The childrens toys were scattered all over the floor.

2. In Contractions: Use apostrophes to indicate omitted letters in contractions.

o Example: Don't (do not), It's (it is)

o Theyre going to the movies later.

o Its important to check your work.

Quotation Mark Rules

 1. To Enclose Direct Speech: Use quotation marks to enclose direct speech or
quotations.

o Example: She said, "I'll be there soon."

o He said I will be there soon.

o She asked Have you seen my keys?

2. For Titles: Use quotation marks for titles of short works (articles, poems, short
stories, songs).

o Example: Have you read "The Tell-Tale Heart"?

o Did you read the article The Impact of Technology on Education?

o My favorite poem is The Road Not Taken.

Exercises

• Although it was late we decided to watch another movie.

• For dinner we had chicken salad and pasta.
• He studied hard but he didn't pass the exam.
• My sister who is a doctor lives in California.
• We visited the museum located downtown yesterday.
• I need to buy bread milk and eggs from the store.
• She is a talented writer her books are bestsellers.
• I'll be there soon he said.
• You need to bring the following items a flashlight a map and a compass.
• I wanted to help however I was too busy.
• The teacher said Please take your seats.
• It's important to finish your homework before you go out.
• My favorite movie is The Lord of the Rings.
• She loves reading especially novels by Jane Austen.
• My parents anniversary is next week.
• After finishing her homework Sarah went for a run.
• The dog wagged its tail happily.
• He enjoys playing basketball and he plays every weekend.
• They couldn't decide whether to go to the beach or the mountains.
• That book which I borrowed from the library is very inbebteresting.