Using Commas (adapted from ://www. englishforeveryone. org/PDFs/Commas Using Commas (adapted from ://www.englishforeveryone.org/PDFs/Commas.pdf 1. Use commas to separate items in a list of three or more. Remember that an “item” may refer to a noun, action verbs, verb phrases or adjective phrases. Examples: I need to buy eggs milk lettuce and bread. X I need to buy eggs, milk, lettuce, and bread.   1 2 3 4

They were walking, talking, and eating at the same time! (Continued) They were walking, talking, and eating at the same time! They were walking at a fairly fast pace, talking very loudly, and eating their breakfasts at the same time! Jo ate a low fat breakfast, a healthy and nutritious lunch, and a huge carton of greasy chips for supper! Note that the usage of a comma to separate the second to last from the last item is optional. Also, if you decide to use the comma, place it before the ‘and.’

+ = Commas can change the meaning of your sentence or phrase: ‘No smoking, food or beverages permitted in the clinic’ Commas can change the meaning of your sentence or phrase: (there are no commas between the three items ) + = ‘No smoking, food ,or beverages permitted in the clinic’ =

Exercises My favourite colours are blue red and silver. Carlos wants to visit Paris Italy Germany and China. My favourite colours are blue red and silver. I like to go hiking fishing swimming and camping during summer. I have to clean my room walk the dog and take out the trash. The tree is very tall old and green. I need to visit my grandmother wash my car and buy six stamps. He wants a big house a fast car and an indoor swimming pool.

2. Use a comma to separate an introductory element (introductory part of the sentence) from the rest of the sentence.

3. Use a comma to separate an introductory dependent clause from the main clause (remember that the main clause would still make sense on its own, but a dependent clause needs the rest of the sentence to make sense.) Exercises In five minutes the building will close. When I get home I will watch my favourite TV show. If a get that new job I will be very happy. On his eleventh birthday Harry received a letter from Hogwarts School. After work my friend and I are going out for a Chinese meal. Because the weather is warm we will go to the beach.

Exercises Unfortunately we don’t have enough time. Yes I’ll let him know. However I can meet you tomorrow. Well I hope you feel better soon. Wow that was brilliant! Thanks I really appreciate it. Exercises

4. Use a comma to separate a town/ city, county and country/ state. Examples: I live in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. Last year, she moved to Paris, France. Exercises They are going on holiday to Florence Italy. Jo moved to Barnsley South Yorkshire. The hurricanes hit Tulsa Oklahoma and Destin Florida in the United States.

5. Use a comma to separate the day of the week, the day of the month and the year. Example: Today is Monday, 19th October, 2015.   Exercises Halloween will be on Saturday 31st October. Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1st 1926. In 2016, Eid ul Fitr will fall on Wednesday 6th July.

6. Use commas to separate words and phrases that add extra information about the subject (when they are not essential to the rest of the sentence, or needed to identify a specific item or person from possible others.) ......................................... Examples: Jake, a seventeen-year-old boy, loves to watch horror films. (Note that ‘Jake loves to watch horror films’ still makes sense without the extra information in the middle.) I’m going to cuddle my cat, Sephie, when I get home. (Again, ‘I’m going to cuddle my cat when I get home’ makes sense without the extra information.)

Leave out the comma when you need to specify which person or item you mean: For instance, if you have several brothers and want to say which one you are talking about, you don’t need to add a comma: My brother John paid for our meal. If you write, “My brother, John, paid for the meal”, you are saying that you only have one brother (John), so his name is simply an extra detail. Similarly, if you write, “The film Titanic was nominated for various Oscars” (without inserting commas before and after ‘Titanic’), you are singling out Titanic as the film that received the Oscar nominations.

Exercises The car a red Ford Fiesta was found abandoned on wasteland. She and her best friend Amy went shopping in Leeds. I am reading one of my favourite books To Kill a Mockingbird at college. Jo an NHS ward nurse works long shifts. Jupiter the largest planet in our solar system is made of gas.

7. Use commas to separate quotes from the rest of the sentence. Examples: “I’m going home,” Jess announced. Sara asked, “Why? I thought you planned to stay out until late.” Exercises “I’m so tired” he sighed. “Listen” he whispered. “Somebody is following us!” Over the noise, Snape said "And a point will be taken from Gryffindor house for your cheek, Potter.” Chris said softly, with great regret “Where do you want it, Ace? Arm or leg?

8. Use commas when addressing (talking to) someone. Examples “Stick with me, Gordie. Stick with me, man.” “Adam, what did you think of the film?” “Is his leg broken, Doctor?” Exercises “Everyone can I have your attention?” “Lena are you ready yet?” "Harry we want to help you!" Luna whispered. "Go both of you!