The Comma

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The Comma
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What is the Comma?

• The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation
  device because it separates the structural
  elements of sentences into manageable segments.
• It is one of the most used, and often misused,
  forms of punctuation.

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What is it used for?

• It is used to separate
• The elements in a series
• Two independent clauses
• It is also used to set off
• Introductory phrases
• Non-essential elements

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Separating Elements in a Series

• The comma is used to separate three or more
  elements in a series. It creates a clearer
  sentence with less confusion.
• I like to eat apples, oranges, and bananas.
• The Constitution establishes the legislative,
  executive, and judicial branches of government.
• The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect
  the environment, reduce crime, and end
  unemployment.

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Separating two independent clauses.

• It is important to use a comma to separate
  independent clauses when they are joined by any
  of these seven coordinating conjunctions and,
  but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
• He hit the ball, but he ran toward third base.
• I like to play tennis with my friends, but I like
  to run by myself.
• I want to go to the movies, and I want to go to
  dinner.

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How the comma is used to set off introductory
phrases.

• Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b)
  phrases, or c) words that come before the main
  clause.
• You can recognize introductory phrases by Common
  starter words such as, after, although, as,
  because, if, since, when, while. Also, Common
  introductory words, yes, however, well should be
  separated by a comma.
• While I was eating, the doorbell rang.
• Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late
  for class.
• If you are sick, you should see a doctor.
• When the rain stops coming down, we'll go play
  outside.
• Well, perhaps he meant no harm.
• Yes, I want to go on a date with you.
• However, you may not be satisfied with the
  results.

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Continued (introductory phrases)

• Commas should also be used to separate long
  prepositional phrases over 4 words.
• Having finished eating, he left the table.
• To get a seat, you'd better come early.
• After the test, but before dinner, I went
  swimming.
• The sun radiating intense heat, we sought shelter
  in the cafe.

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Setting off Non-Essential Elements

• A pair of commas, in the middle of a sentence,
  should be used to set off clauses, phrases, and
  words that are not essential to the meaning of
  the sentence.
• These are three questions you should ask yourself
  to help you decided whether the sentence element
  is essential.
• If you leave out the clause, phrase, or word,
  does the sentence still make sense?
• Does the clause, phrase, or word interrupt the
  flow of words in the original sentence?
• If you move the element to a different position
  in the sentence, does the sentence still make
  sense?
• If you answer "yes" to one or more of these
  questions, then the element in question is
  nonessential and should be set off with commas

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Continued (non-essential elements)

• Examples of sentences using commas to separate
  non-essential elements
• Clause That Tuesday, which happens to be my
  birthday, is the only day when I am available to
  meet.
• Phrase This restaurant has an exciting
  atmosphere. The food, on the other hand, is
  rather bland.
• Word I appreciate your hard work. In this case,
  however, you seem to have over-exerted yourself.

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When not to use the Comma

• Don't use a comma to separate the subject from
  the verb.
• An eighteen-year old in California, is now
  considered an adult. (incorrect)
• An eighteen-year old in California is now
  considered an adult. (correct)
• Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb
  phrases in a compound predicate.
• Don't put a comma between the two nouns, noun
  phrases, or noun clauses in a compound subject or
  compound object.
• Don't put a comma after the main clause when a
  dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except
  for cases of extreme contrast).
• She was late for class, because her alarm clock
  was broken.(incorrect)
• She was late for class because her alarm clock
  was broken, (correct)

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Outside Sources

• Quiz on Comma Usage
• In this quiz you will be given a paragraph and
  you have to change the sentences when needed
• Quiz on Comma Usage
• In this quiz you will be given sentences in which
  you have to choose the correct answer from 3
  choices.

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Contents

• Home
• What is the Comma?
• What is it used for?
• Separating Elements in a Series
• Separating two independent clauses

• How the Comma is used to set off introductory
  phrases
• Continued (introductory phrases)
• Setting off non-essential elements
• Continued (non-essential elements)
• When not to use the Comma
• Outside sources