ByJeff N.

Commas are one of the most troubling punctuations

Here are various rules and hints that will help you out with proper comma use!

Use a comma after introductory words or phrases like, yes, why, no, in general, as far as I am concerned, etc, whenever they start a sentence.

Adapted from: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-

Commas

No, I am not a fan professional dancing. In general, it is better to keep one’s mouth

shut and appear a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.

By George, I think he’s done it! Yes, I would love to eat at Chipotles! As far as I am concerned, being shot is the

same thing as falling onto some bullets.

FANBOYS is a clever mnemonic device for remembering coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Coordinating conjunctions are used in connecting words, phrases, or clauses.

Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/

handouts/commas.html

I like llamas and pumas. Can you please pass the ketchup and

mustard? Did I leave my car at the mall or at the

movies? Should we go bowling or watch a movie? It is important to pay attention to your date,

so they don’t get annoyed.

A comma should always be used when you are combining two complete thoughts, but they are not necessary when you are combining a complete and incomplete thought.

Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/

handouts/commas.html

Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/

handouts/commas.html

Comma splices are when you have two complete separate thoughts conjoined using only a comma.

Examples: I love dogs, cats are super cool. Cheese is delicious, it can go on your

sandwich.

Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/

handouts/commas.html

There are four good ways to fix a comma splice:

1. Just add FANBOYS 2. Change the comma to a semicolon. 3.Add a subordinator 4. Make each clause a separate sentence

Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/

handouts/commas.html

1.Cheese is delicious, so it can go on your sandwich.

2.Cheese is delicious; it can go on your sandwich

3. Cheese is delicious because it can go on your sandwich.

4.Cheese is delicious. It can go on your sandwich.

Watch out for FANBOY fakers like However and Therefore. These are called conjunctive adverbs and go between two complete thoughts. Do not use a comma with these, either use a period if the word is combining two complete thoughts, or use a semi colon after the complete thought.

Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/

handouts/commas.html

I’m a big fan of Rush. However, I’d rather listen to Alice Cooper.

I’m a big fan of Rush; however, I’d rather listen to Alice Cooper.

My favorite cheese is cheddar. However, American is also acceptable.

My favorite cheese is cheddar; however, American is also acceptable.

Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/

handouts/commas.html

Commas should be used when listing things. It is not necessary to put a comma before the conjunction.

Examples: I like apples, dandelions and bears. Or: I like apples, dandelions, and bears. What do you think is better ham, turkey or

beef? Or: What do you think is better ham, turkey,

or beef?

Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/

handouts/commas.html

Commas are also used to divide adjectives when there is more then two words.

For example: I am intelligent, handsome, cunning,

resourceful, and completely dashing. Cats are cute, fluffy, and delicious!

Adapted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/

handouts/commas.html

Two commas can be used to set off additional information that appears within the sentence but is separate from the primary subject and verb of the sentence. These commas help your reader figure out your main point by telling him or her that the words within the commas are not necessary to understand the rest of the sentence. In other words, you should be able to take out the section framed by commas and still have a complete and clear sentence.

Quoted from: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/

handouts/commas.html

Earlier today, John Doe was shot by an old revolver, which has a high caliber.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of The United States, was known for his top hat.

My dog, Spot, disappeared after someone spilt spot remover on him.

Commas have two important functions in letters.

Firstly, commas are used at the opening letter.

Example: Dear John, or To whomever it may concern,

Secondly, commas are also used in the conclusion.

Example: Love, Joe or Sincerely, Bob

Adapted from:http://www.wikihow.com/Us

e-Commas

Here are some final rules to prevent comma abuse:

1. Do not use commas to separate verbs from subjects.

Example: An alien, abducted my family 2. Do not put commas between verbs in a

compound predicate. Example: I went for a bike ride, and ran

into a tree.

Adapted from: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/han

douts/grammar/g_comma.html

Do not put commas between nouns in a compound subject or object

Example: The goalie for the Detroit Red Wings, and the right wingman for the Tampa Bay Lightning are injured.

Do not put commas between a main clause and a subordinate clause.

Example: I like to watch television, because I am lazy.

Adapted from: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/han

douts/grammar/g_comma.html

“Commas.“ Handouts and Links. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 05 December 2008 <http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/commas.html>

“How to Use Commas.” WikiHow. 10 April 2008. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc… 06 December 2008. <http://www.wikihow.com/Use- Commas>

Using Commas.” Online Writing Lab. Purdue University. 06 December 2008.

<http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_comma.html>