Do you know what a comma is? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on commas, including the definition, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Grammar Book, a comma can be used in a plethora of different ways. You can use a comma any time you combine two independent clauses, but not between an independent clause and a dependent clause. Use a comma when you are showing a big contrast between two things, when a dependent clause is followed by an independent clause or complete thought, when a sentence starts with a word or phrase that introduces it, in the middle of sentence to separate out information that provides extra details (in which the final comma is called the appositive comma), when listing three or more things, when you have more than one adjective in a row describing something, for introductory words and introductory phrases, for phrases at the end of a sentence, and more. The general rule is that a comma, like a semicolon, is a pause in dialogue. However, you shouldn’t put a comma between two nouns in a compound subject or compound object. The comma before the last item in a list is called the Oxford Comma.
This is one of many punctuation marks in English grammar like a question mark or colons. Commas are used to eliminate confusion, before quotation marks, to form a compound sentence, to connect parts of a sentence or a clause to the rest of the sentence and more. It is unnecessary to use a comma after short introductory prepositional phrases. Commas can also be used in the middle of a sentence to introduce additional information or nonessential information, before direct quotations or a quote, after a day of the month or day of the week, for a place name, after interjections and more. The use of the comma can seem tricky, but is crucial to the meaning of a sentence as are other things for complete sentences. Study comma usage and you will be ready to provide complete ideas and essential information in no time!
A comma can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or literary technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge. Try using this term of the day in a sentence today! Below are a couple of examples of commas from Grammar Book and English Sentences that can help get you started incorporating this tool into your everyday use. Take a look at the following examples and note the placement of the modifier in the first sentence and second sentence.
Sally had a terrible time at the dance, even though she was elected prom queen.
If you go to the dance, don’t forget to bring your cellphone.
The pet store has cats, dogs, hamsters, fish, and turtles.
Toni Morrison wrote, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
I’m from the Akron, Ohio, area.
My dress was blue, sparkly, and long.
John, who has a limp, was in an auto accident.
After the dance next week, we should go out to a late-night diner
He is a strong, healthy man.
My brother, Bill, is here.
When you are walking to the dance, be careful not to break your high heels!
No, you can’t have a dollar.
Will you, Aisha, do that assignment for me?
Sally, don’t forget to bring your cellphone to the dance.
Hello, how are you?
Our planning meetings will take place on Friday, November 13 and Thursday, December 10.
My sister, too, loves artichokes.
I drove to the dance with Sally, Sam, and Tom.
Yes, old friend, I will.
The long, sparkly dress was perfect for the dance.
Yesterday afternoon, I went to the mall to buy a dress for the dance.
Good day, Captain.
We had coffee, cheese and crackers and grapes.
After he walked all the way home, he shut the door.
Sally was having great time at the dance, until she found out she wasn’t prom queen.
I need to buy a dress, so I am going to the mall.
I saw that she was busy, and prepared to leave.
The twins didn’t attend Tulane, because their parents went there.
That is my money, not yours.
The three items, a book, a pen, and paper, were on the table.
My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew.
He said, “I don’t care.”
Sleeping bags, pans, warm clothing, etc., are in the tent.
“Stop,” he said.
“I don’t care,” he said.
It was in the Sun’s June 5, 2019, edition.
Well, I don’t like dances, but I guess I will go.
Al Mooney, Sr., is here.
Look over there, that girl in the blue dress is Sally.
He walked all the way home, and he shut the door.
I can’t go to the dance, but you should go without me.
Well, if you really want pancakes, I guess I can make them.
The dance, held in the school gym, ended at midnight.
Last Sunday, evening classes were canceled.
Jill, who is my sister, shut the door.
Last summer, I went to France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.I really want to eat pizza, so I am going to the pizzeria to get a slice.
I really wanted cereal this morning, but I didn’t have any milk.
The actor, knowing it was late, hurried home.
Did he walk all the way home, or did he take a bus?
I need to buy a dress, so I am going to the mall.
I am, by the way, very nervous about this.
“Why,” I asked, “don’t you care?”
Al Mooney, M.D., is here.
Why, I can’t believe this!
I can’t go to the dance, but you should go without me.
You may be required to bring many items, e.g., sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
My dress, which was handmade, was perfect for the dance.
The rabbit hopped, and then he ate a carrot.
My best friend, Joe, arrived.
If you are not sure about this, let me know now.
Having finally arrived in town, we went shopping.
In summary, a comma is used for many different things in a complex sentence or series of words. A serial comma is used for lists, but a the use of a comma can also be used for
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
Kevin
December 14, 2021
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