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.

Does a comma go before or after than?

No, yes, and yes. It's fine to write “and then” as you did in your first sentence. If you leave out and, add a comma before then: “He got a DUI, then resisted arrest.”

When should commas be used in a sentence?

Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. a. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.

What are the 5 Rules of commas?

• Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. ...
• Use commas before and after a parenthetical phrase or clause. ...
• Use a comma to separate two independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor or, so, yet) ...
• Use a comma to separate items in a series.

13.3 When do you use a comma before but?

What words do you put a comma before?

Comma Rules

• 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.

Do commas always go after because?

Because is a subordinating conjunction, which means that it connects a subordinate clause to an independent clause; good style dictates that there should be no comma between these two clauses. An exception can and should be made when the lack of a comma would cause ambiguity.

How do you remember comma rules?

Remember These 12 Rules When Using Commas

1. #1 Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) that links two independent clauses. ...
2. #2 Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence. ...
3. #3 Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence.

What are the 3 comma rules?

Since I made such a stink about it, let's start with this rule:

• Use a comma between items in a series or list.
• Use a comma between two independent clauses separated by a conjunction.
• Use a comma between two adjectives preceding a noun.
• Your Mission.

What are the 12 rules for commas?

Share

• Use a comma to separate items in a list (but beware of the serial comma). ...
• Use a comma to join independent clauses. ...
• Use a comma to join a dependent clause and an independent clause. ...
• Use a comma following an introductory word group. ...
• Use a comma to interrupt a sentence or to provide additional information.

Why do you put a comma before but?

In general, you should put a comma before the word “but” when the word connects two independent clauses. An independent clause can function on its own without the rest of the phrase. A dependent clause needs the other clause to work as a sentence.

Do you ever put a comma after the word and?

Some people put the comma before the "and" while others leave it out, but it definitely does not go after. It is possible to follow an "and" with a comma that serves another function: "He walked into town and, while he was there, enjoyed a curry."

Where do you not use commas?

Plain Writing Tips - Comma or No Comma?

1. Do not use a comma between the subject and verb of a sentence. ...
2. Do not use a comma when the subject has two verbs. ...
3. Use a comma at the end of a date. ...
4. Use a comma after place names using states or counties. ...
5. Use a comma before “and” when listing a series.

Do you put a comma before for example?

Use a comma before and after for example (or for instance) in the middle of a sentence. I would recommend low-sugar fruits, for example, strawberries or avocados. I would recommend low-sugar fruits for example strawberries or avocados. Replace the first comma by a semicolon to introduce a complete sentence.

Is the Oxford comma?

The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction at the end of a list of things. For example, in “the flag was red, white, and blue”, the Oxford comma would be the one appearing before “and”. Proponents of the Oxford comma say it's necessary for removing ambiguity in sentences.

Do commas go inside quotation marks?

Additional Punctuation Rules When Using Quotation Marks

Put commas and periods within quotation marks, except when a parenthetical reference follows. He said, "I may forget your name, but I never forget a face."

What are some common mistakes to watch for when using commas?

6 Common Comma Usage Mistakes

• Adding A Comma Before “That” In A Clause. ...
• Not Using a Comma Between Two Independent Clauses That Are Connected By A Coordinating Conjunction. ...
• Using A Comma Before A Verb In Relative Clause. ...
• Comma Splice and Run-On Sentence. ...
• Using A Comma in An Essential Adjective Clause.

Can you put 2 commas in a sentence?

Use two commas, not one, to set off a nonrestrictive clause in the middle of a sentence. Incorrect: The city, a polyglot of different races and religions provided many opportunities for cultural exchange. Correct: The city, a polyglot of different races and religions, provided many opportunities for cultural exchange.

What are the 13 comma rules?

13 Rules For Using Commas Without Looking Like An Idiot

• Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) that links two independent clauses. ...
• Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence. ...
• Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence.

What is a superfluous comma?

Except after an introductory dependent clause, do not use a comma to separate a dependent clause from a main clause unless the dependent clause provides nonessential information.

Can you use a comma without a conjunction?

When you join two independent clauses with a comma and no conjunction, it's called a comma splice. Some people consider this a type of run-on sentence, while other people think of it as a punctuation error. Here's an example of a comma splice: Koala bears are not actually bears, they are marsupials.

How many commas rules are there?

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.

Is it okay to have 3 commas in a sentence?

If you have sentences like, "Bob walked, to, the store, slowly" then yes, there are too many commas. But a sentence that contains a list could legitimately have many commas. Like, "He found a bottle, three coins, two keys, a small metal box, a pack of matches, some scraps of paper, and a patridge in a pear tree."

How many commas do you need for 3 words?

Rule 10. Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional. Examples: To apply for this job, you must have previous experience.