How to know when to use a comma?

What are the 8 rules for commas?

Commas (Eight Basic Uses)

• 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.

How do you use commas in a sentence?

Rule 1. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew. Note: When the last comma in a series comes before and or or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the Oxford comma.

When should you use punctuation?

Punctuation is used to create sense, clarity and stress in sentences. You use punctuation marks to structure and organise your writing.

When should you use a semicolon examples?

A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause. Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I’ll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

Where do I put commas?

Comma Use

1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.

Do we need to put comma before and?

The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. The proper place for the comma is before the conjunction. Therefore, we need a comma before and. Don’t use a comma before and when one of the clauses it’s connecting is a dependent clause.

What are the 4 types of commas?

There are four types of comma: the listing comma, the joining comma, the gapping comma and bracketing commas. A listing comma can always be replaced by the word and or or: Vanessa seems to live on eggs, pasta and aubergines. Vanessa seems to live on eggs and pasta and aubergines.

Do you use a comma when listing 3 things?

Use commas to separate three or more items in a series. Lists of three or more words, phrases, and clauses require commas between each item. For example: a. The fox shouts, cackles, and yells.

How do I get better at punctuation?

Top ten punctuation tips

1. Use apostrophes correctly.
2. Know where to place quotation marks.
3. Know how to punctuate with parentheses.
4. Use a hyphen for compound adjectives.
5. Distinguish between the colon and the semicolon.
6. Avoid multiple punctuation at the end of a sentence.

How do you punctuate for example?

A clause ending in a period or a semicolon comes before the introductory clause. Place a comma after the introductory phrase for example. Red bell peppers, for example, have a lot of vitamin C.

How do you punctuate quotes?

Quotation marks and other punctuation marks



In the United States, the rule of thumb is that commas and periods always go inside the quotation marks, and colons and semicolons (dashes as well) go outside: “There was a storm last night,” Paul said. Peter, however, didn’t believe him.

What are some examples of semicolons?

Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.

How do you use semicolons in a list?

When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank. Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases.

Do you use a semicolon before and in a list?

The general rule is to use the semicolons as you would use commas with ordinary list items: Sentences containing complex lists are complicated enough that you should always include the final semicolon to ensure that readers parse all of the list items properly without having to reread the sentence several times.