7 th English UNIT 10: 26.2—COMMAS

1.Use a comma before the conjunction to separate two independent clauses in a compound sentence  Ex: Marco Polo was fascinated with China, and he took home many souvenirs. COMMA RULES

 Remember: Use a comma before a conjunction only when there are complete thoughts on both sides of the conjunction  Ex: Incorrect: Polo visited cities, and farming areas.  Ex: Correct: Polo visited cities and farming areas. COMMA RULES

2.Use commas to separate 3 or more words, phrases, or clauses in a series  Exception: If each item in the series is already separated by a conjunction, you do NOT need a comma.  Ex: The beverages included fruit juice, ginger ale, and jasmine tea.  Ex: Ceramic vases were placed on the table, on the mantel, and on the windowsill.  Ex: We needed to know where we would catch the plane, when it would leave, and how much baggage we were allowed. COMMA RULES

3.Use commas to separate adjectives of equal rank.  If you can substitute the word “and” for the comma and the meaning of the sentence does not change, the adjectives are of “equal rank.”  Ex: You have made a polite, simple request.  Do NOT use commas to separate adjectives that must stay in a specific order.  Ex: I read descriptions of several ancient temples in my guidebook. COMMA RULES

4.Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause.  Chart on pg. 434 gives more examples  Ex: Well, I need a minute to decide.  Ex: Located on the coast of China, Hong Kong is an important port.  Ex: If the British had not relented, they might still rule Hong Kong. COMMA RULES

5.Use commas to set off parenthetical expressions (words that are not necessary in the sentence but add extra information)  Ex: Watch, Frank, while I show you.  Ex: You are, therefore, the person I would choose.  They are not given enough credit, I believe. COMMA RULES

6.When a date is made up of two or more parts, use a comma after each item.  Exception: If the month is followed by a day or just a year you do NOT need a comma.  Ex: On July 12, 1979, Aunt Mai arrived in this country with few possessions.  Ex: I will graduate in June COMMA RULES

7.When a geographical name is made up of two or more parts, use a comma after each item.  Ex: They lived in Marietta, Georgia, for several years then moved to Sarasota, Florida. COMMA RULES

8.Use a comma after each item in an address that is made up of two or more parts.  No commas are needed to separate the state from the ZIP code  Ex: She is corresponding with her friend Arlene Blackwell, 32 Birdsong Avenue, Falmouth, Massachusetts COMMA RULES

9.Use a comma after the salutation (beginning) of a personal letter and after the closing in all letters.  Ex: Dear Karen, Sincerely, 10.Use commas in numbers over 3 digits except ZIP codes, telephone numbers, page numbers, and serial numbers.  Ex: 3, Use commas to set off a direct quotation from the rest of the sentence.  “I thought,” Lydia said, “that you liked martial arts movies.” COMMA RULES