Uses of Comma
1. Separates main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, so, yet). a. The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave. b. Today is her brother's birthday, so she will treat him later as a birthday present.
2. Sets off adverbial clauses and phrases that begin or interrupt a sentence. a. I am, as you have probably noticed, very nervous about this. b. If I win the lottery, I will buy a castle.
3. Sets off transitional words and phrases (indeed, however) and words that introduce examples (for example, namely, such as). a. Indeed, she always responds to emails from friends. b. Drew can play few musical instruments, such as the drums, the guitar, and the piano.
4. Separates words, phrases, or clauses in a series. a. The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. b. The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.
5. Seperates two or more adjectives that modify a noun. a. She is the most beautiful, talented participant in the pageant. b. Your cousin has an easy, happy smile.
6. Separates off a nonrestrictive word, phrase, or clause that is in apposition to a preceding or following noun. a. Avah Chen, who saved those kids from the burning house, will receive a hero’s celebration in the plaza tomorrow. b. Rose, the captain of the team, was injured in the game.
7. Separates a dialogue or quotation from a phrase identifying its source or speaker. a. "Why," I asked, "do you always forget to do it?" b. He actually said, "I do not care."
8. Sets off words in direct address and mild interjections. a. Jaxon, please let me use your computer to check my email. b. Oh, I don't know about that.
9. Precedes a tag question. a. Justin Bieber performed very well at his concert last night, didn't he? b. Your speech is a little wordy, isn't it?
10. Indicates the omission of a word or phrase used in a parallel
2. Sets off adverbial clauses and phrases that begin or interrupt a sentence. a. I am, as you have probably noticed, very nervous about this. b. If I win the lottery, I will buy a castle.
3. Sets off transitional words and phrases (indeed, however) and words that introduce examples (for example, namely, such as). a. Indeed, she always responds to emails from friends. b. Drew can play few musical instruments, such as the drums, the guitar, and the piano.
4. Separates words, phrases, or clauses in a series. a. The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. b. The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.
5. Seperates two or more adjectives that modify a noun. a. She is the most beautiful, talented participant in the pageant. b. Your cousin has an easy, happy smile.
6. Separates off a nonrestrictive word, phrase, or clause that is in apposition to a preceding or following noun. a. Avah Chen, who saved those kids from the burning house, will receive a hero’s celebration in the plaza tomorrow. b. Rose, the captain of the team, was injured in the game.
7. Separates a dialogue or quotation from a phrase identifying its source or speaker. a. "Why," I asked, "do you always forget to do it?" b. He actually said, "I do not care."
8. Sets off words in direct address and mild interjections. a. Jaxon, please let me use your computer to check my email. b. Oh, I don't know about that.
9. Precedes a tag question. a. Justin Bieber performed very well at his concert last night, didn't he? b. Your speech is a little wordy, isn't it?
10. Indicates the omission of a word or phrase used in a parallel