1. Extending the Skills: Commas
Chapters 26 and 27
Extending the Skills: Commas
English Brushup, 3E
John Langan

2. USE COMMAS
On both sides of words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.
Between two complete thoughts connected by and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
In letter-writing and related informal situations.

3. COMMAS
Use commas around words interrupting the flow of thought.
Interrupting words are set off by commas. If you remove the words from the sentence and it still makes sense, the words are interrupters. Such nonessential information is set off by commas.
Examples:
Agriculture, especially the growing of cotton, was vital to the South’s economy.
Sometimes American civilians, who actually picnicked in the battle areas to watch the fighting, were trampled by retreating soldiers.

4. COMMAS
Use a comma between complete thoughts connected
by a joining word.
Examples:
Emotions ran so high that thousands of men rushed to enlist, and young boys were caught up in this movement.
The drum beat was needed to give directions to the men in the Civil War, but the bugle began to take over this role because it was easier to hear.

5. SPECIAL NOTE
There are two distinct uses of the word however with the comma.
When the word however is used as an interrupter, it requires the comma.
Example: The approval of the parents, however, was rare.
When the word however is used between two complete thoughts, both the semicolon and the comma are needed.
Example: The military easily decided on a uniform color and design; however, producing the uniforms for an entire army was more difficult.

6. Letter-Writing and Informal Situations
There were 270,000 letters written.
Dear Elise,
Sincerely,
Use commas with dates, addresses, numbers, and with the openings and closings of letters.
The armistice of World War I was November 11, 1918.

7. Avoid Unnecessary Commas
We wrote to our governor and telephoned our senator.
( No comma is needed because there are not two complete sentences.)
Also, exclude commas after SHORT introductory material:
Afterward the scientist figured out what had gone wrong with the expirement.

8. Correcting Run-On Sentences
One method of correcting a run-on is to use a semicolon to mark the break between two sentences.
A semicolon looks like a period above a comma.
When it is used to correct run-ons, the semicolon can be used alone or with a transitional word.
Kristin plays the guitar
well; she hopes to start
her own band.
Also correct:
Kristin plays the guitar
well; consequently,
she hopes to start
her own band.

9. Avoiding Run-Ons Personal Pronouns--I, you, he, she, it, we, they
Certain words can lead to run-on sentences. When you use
them, pay close attention to your use of punctuation,
particularly your comma use.
WORDS THAT CAN LEAD TO RUN-ONS:
Personal Pronouns--I, you, he, she, it, we, they
Transitional words--Therefore, in fact, moreover