Comma rules Flashcards
Rule 1
Commas
Use a comma to separate the elements in a list (three or more things) including the last two
He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base.
Sheila likes to go to the beach, amusement parks, and movies
Rule 2
Commas
Use commas to separate two independent clauses (sentences) when they are joined by any of these: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So (FANBOYS)
The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave
The student explained her question, yet the instructor didn’t seem to understand
Yesterday was her brother’s birthday, so she took him out to dinner
Rule 3 (Prepositional phrases
Use a comma after prepositional phrases
What is a prepositional phrase
Prepositional phrases are dependent and will appear before the subject in a sentence. These phrases serve to introduce the action of the sentence. Common prepositional phrases begin with OF, AFTER, IN, INTO, ON, BY, WITH, AT, and BEFORE. There are many more prepositions in the english language
What is an introductory clause
Introductory clauses require a comma and look very similar to prepositional phrases. A clause contains a SUBJECT AND A VERB whereas a phrase has EITHER A NOUN OR A VERB (not both). A clause is essentially a complete sentence with a word added to the beginning
Rule 3 (participle and Gerund phrases)
A participial phrase (a verb phrase being used as an adjective EX: feeling lonely, the girl left the store) at the beginning of a sentence needs a comma regardless of the amount of words. Gerund phrases ( a word with -ing that is used as a noun, NOT a verb EX: singing is my favorite thing to do) serve as a noun in the sentence and do not require a comma
Rule 3 (infinitive phrases)
Infinitive phrases require a comma. These phrases begin with the word “to” and contain an object/modifier. Infinitives, like gerunds, can also serve as the subject of a sentence; in this case, no comma is needed.
To please his parents, he did all his homework
NOT To write an essay without planning would be foolish
Comma rule 4
Use a comma to separate the appositive from the rest of the sentence. AN APPOSITIVE is a noun or noun phrase the RENAMES another noun right beside it. The appositive can be a short or long combination of words. If the less specific noun if first or there are no qualifiers in the appositive, no commas are needed
EX: Jack, my golden retriever, is a smart dog
Not My brother Bill was supposed to pick me up.
What is a parenthetical expression
A word or phrase that interrupts the sentence with information that may be helpful, but is not essential. Use commas to set off parenthetical expressions.NOTE: to determine if the parenthetical expression is nonessential, delete it from the sentence. If the sentence still reads as a complete sentence, they you know you need commas
EX: the Sox game, which began at 7:00 pm, lasted three hours
Rule 5 commas
Use commas between coordinate adjectives
WHat are coordinate adjectives
Adjectives that equally modify the same noun. Equally means that all the adjectives carry the same weight in the sentence. This means one adjective is not more important than the other, and the adjectives can be reordered with the sentence’s meaning staying the same. It also means that “and” can be inserted into the sentence between the coordinating adjectves instead of a comma and the sentence would still make sense.
I tore off a piece of fragrant, crusty French bread
NOT
We saw a young (and) golden retriver
TWO tests for it
the “and” test
Reverse order
Comma rule 6 Miscellaneous
-Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names. No comma between month and year if you are just using month and year
-Use a comma to shift between the narration (main discourse) and dialogue
-Use commas whenever necessary to prevent confusion
EX: To George, Harrison had been a sort of idol
-Use commas to set off names, titles, or other words to address someone
Lawrence T. Mahoney, Jr walked to the board.
