Commas are arguably the most important grammatical tool the English language has to offer. They splice a sentence, providing cohesion and unity . Commas also allow the reader to understand the proper connotation of a writer’s words.
How do effective writers use commas?
- Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. ...
- Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
How are commas used effectively in written communication?
Commas indicate a pause or a list in a sentence . A comma should be used after an introductory word to separate this word from the main sentence. A comma comes after each noun in a list. ... When you write a letter, you use commas in your greeting at the beginning and in your closing at the end of your letter.
What are commas and how are they used in everyday writing?
The comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a slight break, pause, or transition. Commas are necessary before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that separates two independent clauses. Commas are necessary after introductory words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence .
How are commas supposed to be used?
Rule: Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. A comma tells readers that the introductory clause or phrase has come to a close and that the main part of the sentence is about to begin. 1. When Evan was ready to iron, his cat tripped on the cord.
What is the most important job that commas have?
Commas are arguably the most important grammatical tool the English language has to offer. They splice a sentence , providing cohesion and unity. Commas also allow the reader to understand the proper connotation of a writer’s words.
Why is correct punctuation important?
Punctuation primarily helps to indicate the pauses and the emphasis on certain ideas or thoughts that are discussed in the text . Particularly, in academic writing, it is essential to accurately use punctuation as it helps to strengthen arguments that are made in the text.
What are the 8 rules for commas?
- Use a comma to separate independent clauses. ...
- Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. ...
- Use a comma between all items in a series. ...
- Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses. ...
- Use a comma to set off appositives. ...
- Use a comma to indicate direct address. ...
- Use commas to set off direct quotations.
Do you put a comma after in particular?
“In particular” is an idiomatic expression that means “in distinction from others” or “specifically”. This expression usually refers to nouns and is set apart by a comma when it occurs at the beginning of a sentence or a phrase .
Do you use a comma after in fact?
When “in fact” is used as a sentence-initial disjunct, or simply an introductory expression, a post-comma is necessary. ... Lastly, a comma should similarly come after “in fact” when it serves as the final word in a mid-sentence parenthesis .
Is it grammatically correct to put a comma before and?
1. Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) that links two independent clauses. You may need to learn a few grammatical terms to understand this one.
Is a comma a symbol?
Punctuation marks are symbols that are used to aid the clarity and comprehension of written language. Some common punctuation marks are the period, comma, question mark, exclamation point, apostrophe, quotation mark and hyphen.
What are the five primary uses of a comma?
Separating the main elements of a sentence from each other . Setting off a parenthetical element from the rest of the sentence. Separating elements in a series. Setting off dialogs or quotations.
Can you end a sentence with a comma?
The rule is that you separate the quote and speaker tag with a comma . Therefore, you put a comma after “again” and a period after “Jason,” which is where your sentence actually ends. The rule is fairly simple. ... Period, new sentence, capital letter if tag does not refer to the act of speaking.
How do you describe a comma?
A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause in a sentence or separates items in a list . A comma is also used before the words “and” or “but” to join two independent clauses.
When listing three things do you use a comma?
When we have a list of three or more items, we use a comma to split the items in the list . This comma is known as a listing comma, e.g. I like rice, beans, and plantains. Listing commas can usually be replaced by “and” or “or,” e.g. I like rice and beans and plantains.
