Category: Commas

Rule 1 - Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as well, why, hello, no, yes, etc. Examples: Yes, I do need that report. Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day… Rule 2 - Use a comma before and after introductory words such as namely, that is, i.e., for …

Rule 1 - Use a comma to separate a statement from a question. Example: I can go, can't I? Rule 2 - Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence. Example: That is my money, not yours. Pop Quiz Select the correct sentence. 1A. You’re Marvin from my old Denver neighborhood, aren’t you? …

Rule: Use a comma to separate two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction--and, or, but, for, nor. Example: He thought quickly, but he still did not answer correctly. Now, let’s look at a slightly different situation. Rule 1 - If the subject does not appear in front of the second verb, do not use …

NOTE: An independent (or strong) clause is a simple sentence with a subject, verb, and a complete thought. A dependent (or weak) clause has a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. Rule - Use a comma to separate two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction—and, or, but, for, nor. You …

Rule - When starting a sentence with a weak clause, use a comma after it. Conversely, do not use a comma when the sentence starts with a strong clause followed by a weak clause. Examples: If you are not sure about this, let me know now. Let me know now if you are not sure …

Rule – Use a comma to separate the city from the state, and always put one after the state, also. Example: I lived in Denver, Colorado, for 20 years. NOTE: The U.S. Postal Service's two-letter capitalized abbreviations (e.g., CO for Colorado, IL for Illinois) are not recommended in formal writing. However, when writing an address …

Rule – Use commas to set off the name or title of a person directly addressed. Examples: Will you, Aisha, do that assignment for me? Yes, Doctor, I will. NOTE: Capitalize a title when directly addressing someone. Joshua, please remember to buy lettuce. Please remember to buy lettuce, Joshua. Rule - Use commas to surround …

In this lesson, we'll examine a more advanced concept for using the comma. Rule: Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the adjectives are interchangeable. Examples: He is a strong, healthy man. We could also say a healthy, strong man. We stayed at an expensive summer resort. We would not say summer expensive resort, …

There are many uses for the comma in English grammar. Let’s look at a couple of them. Rule 1: To avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more. Examples: John likes to eat a hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, toast, and chocolate! (Omitting the comma after …

Today, we'll examine two more uses for the comma. Rule 1: If something or someone is sufficiently identified, the description following it is considered nonessential and should be surrounded by commas. Examples: Freddy, who has a limp, was in an automobile accident. (Freddy is named, so the description of him that immediately follows is not …