You know the one… The one about comma usage We Need to Have That Talk

In your “record” column, add commas to the following sentences I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday July I watched television took the dog for a walk and drove to the store to get milk. I've had enough of your silly wild and inappropriate behavior. Winning the lottery would create more headaches than the money is worth but Fred still buys a ticket every week. Francine would you pass these papers out please. My cats Tomalty and Ebey are interesting and bizarre creatures. Driving to Seattle is fun; however my cat’s bad breath is less fun.

In your “record” column, add commas to the following sentences I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, July 31, I watched television, took the dog for a walk, and drove to the store to get milk. I've had enough of your silly, wild, and inappropriate behavior. Winning the lottery would create more headaches than the money is worth, but Fred still buys a ticket every week. Francine, would you pass these papers out please. My cats, Tomalty and Ebey, are interesting and bizarre creatures. Driving to Seattle is fun; however, my cat’s bad breath is less fun.

In your “reduce” column, write down the rules you used for adding commas Dates! Lists! Several adjectives referring to the same thing! Before co-ordinating conjunctions! (FANBOYS) When you’re talking to someone! Appositives! After conjunctive adverbs like “however”!

And non-restrictive phrases and subordinate clauses!

And that’s the tricky part… We’ll get there in a second, but first, write this in big letters in your notes: When in doubt, leave the comma out

Sources: l l