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How are commas used in everyday writing?

#1 Comma Use 1. Use commas to separate elements in a series. Example: Natasha grabbed her math book, a ruler, and two pencils from her desk. o This rule applies when there are three or more elements in the series. o Always use a comma to separate the last two items in a series so that the wording creates no confusion.

#2 Comma Use 2. Use a comma before a conjunction that connects a second independent clause. Example: Julian hit the ball, and then he ran to first base. o A common mistake is to place the comma after the conjunction. o However, though there may sometimes seem to be a natural pause here when reading, a comma is unnecessary and seldom correct.

#3 Comma Use Use a comma to set off introductory elements in a sentence. Example: Hoping for the best, she finished the remainder of her test booklet. o The comma here helps with organization of the sentence, providing the natural pause that is needed.

#4 Comma Use 4. Use a comma to set off parenthetical elements. Example: Mount Rushmore, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located in Keystone, South Dakota. o The parenthetical element in the sentence is “which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.” o This phrase further describes Mount Rushmore and can be removed from the sentence without changing the meaning.

#4 Comma Use Another Example: Jason, the smartest kid in class, always answered the bonus questions correctly.

#5 Comma Use 5. Do not use a comma after a parenthetical element that follows a coordinating conjunction connecting two independent clauses. Example: The animal shelter had adopted out 15 dogs that day, but of course, they usually have quite a few families come in during the Christmas season. (no comma after “but”)

#5 Comma Use Example: Ralph had received a fair score on the test, but honestly, he had expected a lower score. (no comma after “but”) Example: The neighborhood garage sale went well, and although the organizers didn’t sell all of the items, they raised enough money for new playground equipment. (no comma after “and”)

#6 Comma Use 6. Use a comma to separate a state or country’s name that becomes a parenthetical element. Example: Jackie’s family visited Dallas, Texas, every year for Thanksgiving. o The state or country’s name becomes the part of the sentence that can be removed without affecting the meaning of the sentence.

#7 Comma Use 7. Use commas after absolute phrases or interjections that begin a sentence. Example: Forming a spiral into the night sky, the bats swirled rapidly out of the cave.

#7 Comma Use Example: No, he will not be punished, of course, for his good deed. o Here again, the comma helps avoid confusion and tells how to read the sentence correctly.

#8. Comma Use 8. Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives. Example: The shadowy, mysterious man disappeared into the alley. o The general rule for these situations is to see if “and” or “but” can be inserted between the adjectives. o For example, you might say “the shadowy and mysterious man,”; therefore, you should use a comma only when “and” or “but” could be a proper substitute.

#9. Comma Use 9. Use a comma to set off quoted elements. Example: Someone once said, “An exclamation point is like laughing at your own joke”. o Usually the quotation needs to be set off from the phrase that explains or introduces it.

#10. Comma Use 10. Use commas to set off phrases that show contrast. Example: The football player was strong, but not very tall. o The commas will help further emphasize the difference you are trying to show.

Let’s give it a try… Try reading the passage to identify the comma usage errors (too many commas or not enough commas).

Try it with a partner Share your findings with your partner… What did they find that you didn’t see? What did you find they didn’t see? How does comma usage relate to your writing? Review some of your writing samples for comma usage errors.