Comma Rules Date:__________ Hour:__________ Why are commas - - PDF document

Comma Rules

Why are commas important? Commas set apart _______ or _______ of _____ within a sentence. Using commas correctly helps make your __________ clear.

• 1. Items in a series

Use commas to separate items in a series. A series is three or more items written one after another.

• a. Words in a series
• b. Phrases in a series
• c. Clauses in a series
• d. Short independent clauses
• e. Two or more adjectives before a noun.

Name:_________________________ Date:__________ Hour:__________

Grammar Guy Says… If all items in a series are joined by _____, _____,

• r _____, do NOT use commas to separate them.

Grammar Guy Says… To determine if a comma should go between two _____________, try switching the order of the adjectives. If the sentence does not make sense this way, do not use a __________.

• 2. Compound Sentences

Use a comma before and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet when it joins independent clauses in a compound sentence.

FANBOYS = F – for A – and N – nor B – but O – or Y – yet S – so

• 3. Interrupters

Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.

• a. Words used in direct address

• b. An appositive or appositive phrase describes or identifies another noun.

Use commas to set off appositives and appositive phrases when they are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence.

___________________________________________

• 4. Introductory Elements

Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.

• a. Mild exclamations such as well, oh, or why
• b. Introductory words such as yes and no
• c. Introductory participial phrases
• d. Two or more introductory prepositional phrases or one long one

To remember all the reasons to use commas, think of the word LIES: Lists of items _____________________________________________________________ Introductions _____________________________________________________________

Extra information _____________________________________________________________ Sentences put together _____________________________________________________________

• 5. Conventional Situations

Use commas in certain conventional situations.

• a. Separate items in dates and addresses
• b. After the salutation of a personal letter
• c. After the closing of any letter

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