Common Punctuation Rules When do we use the comma? When do we break the rule?

Between Independent Clauses (FANBOYS Rule) Before coordinators for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so: This is a good rule, but we don’t always follow this rule in shorter sentences. No comma: I smiled but I felt sad. 

In a List of 3 or More Items (Serial or Oxford Comma Rule) Before the and of the final item: I bought 2 cans of beans, milk, bananas, and eggs. Hugo, Oumar, and Elizabeth found the error. BUT not everyone agrees with this rule. Google Oxford comma and you’ll see what I mean. Oxford comma

Between Adjectives He has a calm, friendly personality It was a busy, noisy class. BUT not between adjectives that must be in a certain order: She wore a beautiful pink dress. (Colors are placed closer to the noun they modify.)

After a Dependent / Subordinate Clause After it rained, the sun came out. If you enjoy grammar, you are lucky! Once you understand the rules, you will figure out which ones you can break.

Around a Nonidentifying Adjective Clause Interstellar, which I mentioned recently, is playing at the IMAX Theater at the Science Center.

Around a Nonessential Appositive* We like to argue about whether to use the Oxford, or serial, comma. Elinor Appel, an ESL teacher, used the Oxford comma in Boston. *An appositive modifies, explains, or gives more information about a noun.

With Direct Quotes In front of the quote: Elinor said, “We can break some grammar rules.” After the quote: “We can break some grammar rules,” she said.

With Transition Words and Phrases First, I will tell you about my parents. Next, I will tell you about myself. Finally, I will tell you about my children. Other transition words and phrases: moreover, however, in fact, as a result, for that reason …

In Place Names and Dates When both parts are words: She is from Mexico City, Mexico. Or when both parts are numbers: She left Mexico on July 13, 2009.

Between Duplicate Words Whatever you do, do the best you can.

To Avoid Confusion A panda walks into a café. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and proceeds to fire it at the other patrons. "Why?" asks the confused, surviving waiter amidst the carnage, as the panda makes towards the exit. The panda produces a badly punctuated wildlife manual and tosses it over his shoulder. "Well, I'm a panda," he says. "Look it up." The waiter turns to the relevant entry in the manual and, sure enough, finds an explanation. "Panda. Large black-and- white bear-like mammal, native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves."

To Direct Someone’s Attention Valentina, here is the information about commas that you asked for yesterday! Sources: CommasCommas, grammarbook.com Commas with DatesCommas with Dates, englishplus.com How to Use Commas in English WritingHow to Use Commas in English Writing, English Lessons with Alex (YouTube) Punctuation – CommasPunctuation – Commas, Owl at Purdue

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