Punctuation Review
THE COMMA
Importance
Lists
Rule 1
To avoid confusion, use commas to separate words
and word groups with a series of three or more.
Example:
My $10 million estate is to be split among my husband, daughter, son, and nephew.
Descriptions
Rule 2
Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the
word and can be inserted between them.
Examples: He is a strong, healthy man. We stayed at an expensive summer resort. You would not say expensive and summer resort, so no comma.
Rule 3
Use a comma when an -ly adjective is used with other
adjectives.
Examples:
Felix was a lonely, young boy.
Exception
NOTE: To test whether an
-ly word is an adjective, see if it can be used alone with the noun. If it can, use the comma.
I get headaches in brightly
lit rooms.
Brightly is not an adjective
because it cannot be used alone with rooms; therefore, no comma is used between brightly and lit.
Insertions
Rule 4: Name
Use commas before or
surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed.
Examples:
Will you, Aisha, do that assignment for me? Yes, Doctor, I will.
Rule 5: Date
Use a comma to separate
the day of the month from the year and after the year.
Example:
Kathleen met her husband on December 5, 2003, in Mill Valley, California.
Exception
If any part of the date is
omitted, leave out the comma.
Example:
They met in December 2003 in Mill Valley.
Rule 6: Expressions
Use commas to set off
expressions that interrupt sentence flow.
Example:
I am, as you have probably noticed, very nervous about this.
Rule 7: Descriptions
If something or someone
is sufficiently identified, the description is considered nonessential and should be surrounded by commas.
Examples:
Freddy, who has a limp, was in an auto accident.
Exception
The boy who has a limp
was in an auto accident.
We do not know which
boy is being referred to without further description; therefore, no commas are used.
Rule 8: Interrupters
Use commas surrounding
words such as therefore and however when they are used as interrupters.
Examples:
I would, therefore, like a response.
I would be happy,
however, to volunteer for the Red Cross.
Rule 9: Phrases
Use a comma after phrases
of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional.
Examples:
To apply for this job, you must have previous experience.
Rule 10: Conjuctions
Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined
by a coordinating conjunction--and, or, but, for, nor. You can omit the comma if the clauses are both short.
Examples:
I have painted the entire house, but he is still working on sanding the doors. I paint and he writes.
Rule 11: Questions
Use a comma to separate
a statement from a question.
Example:
I can go, can't I?
Rule 12: Contrasts
Use a comma to separate
contrasting parts of a sentence.
Example:
That is my money, not yours.
Rule 13: Introductory words
Use a comma when
beginning sentences with introductory words such as well, now, or yes.
Examples:
Yes, I do need that report.
Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day
Rule 13
Use either a comma or a
semicolon before introductory words such as namely, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they are followed by a series of items. You may be required to bring many items, for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
Examples: