SUMMARY OF COMMA USES - Mr. Castillo


1. Comma plus a coordinator (conjunction) to join simple sentences: and, or, but, for, nor, so, yet. 
EXAMPLE: It rained today, yet the picnic is still scheduled.
 
2. To separate three or more items in a series 
EXAMPLE: We tugged, pushed, tilted, and lifted the heavy crate.
 
3. Introductory elements (ending in -ing, -ed, or to + a verb) or opening adjective or opening prepositional phrase 
EXAMPLE: To win this game, they will have to score quickly. Excited by the score, the fans yelled. Running up the hill, the child tripped. Ancient, the old man became tired.
 
4. To prevent misreading 
EXAMPLE: Inside, the house was quiet. On Monday, night schedules are posted.
 
5. To separate parenthetic exr)ressions from the rest of the sentence 
EXAMPLE: We agreed, nevertheless, to try the plan. I will, however, help you.
 
6. Appositives (rename or restate or identify) 
EXAMPLE: Mr. Anderson, our speaker for the evening, was interesting.
 
7. Contrasted elements 
EXAMPLE: The catcher, not the pitcher, made the error. Sam, but not Bill, survived.
 
8. Opening Transitions (in addition, as a result, next) 
EXAMPLE: However, I don't want it. In addition, please call me
 
9. Direct address (the person being spoken to) 
EXAMPLE: I believe, sir, that you are correct.
 
10. Separate dates and addresses 
EXAMPLE: On May 5, 1991,1 will move to 11 West First, Waco, TX 76218, for 8 months.
 
11. Mild interjections and yes and no 
EXAMPLE: Oh, I didn't see you standing there. Yes, that is what I need
 
12. Tag questions 
EXAMPLE: It's true, isn't it? You are going, aren't you?
 
13.  In quotations 
EXAMPLE: "Over that mountain," Bob said, "lies a beautiful valley."
 
14. Conjunctive adverb (after a semi-colon in a compound sentence) 
EXAMPLE: We went to the mountains; however, we did not camp overnight.
 
15. Adjectives which follow the nouns 
EXAMPLE: The contest, long and boring, seemed endless.
 
16. To separate clauses which describe (non-restrictive) 
EXAMPLE: Mrs. Dobbs, who won the contest, owns a cafe. 
(Restrictive clauses identify) The man who witnessed the accident testified.
 

 
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