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The comma is the most frequently used punctuation mark, but it can be tricky! The purpose of the comma is to keep the reader from being confused, and to make the meaning of a sentence more clear. A comma indicates a slight pause at that point in the sentence, and can indicate how particular words or phrases relate to other parts of the sentence. The placement of the comma in the following sentence can give it two entirely different meanings:
#1. Use commas to separate items in a series:
While there is some debate over whether there should be a comma between the final two items in a series, most experts now advise including it. In the example above, the comma after lilies is considered by most people to be correct.
#2. Use a comma between two or more adjectives that modify a noun:
#3. Use commas with compound sentences. A compound sentence is one containing two independent clauses, that is, two thoughts that could stand alone as sentences. The comma indicates that one independent clause has ended and another is beginning:
Exception: The comma may be eliminated if the two independent clauses are short and the meaning is clear without the comma:
#4. Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, clause, or a name used in direct address:
#5. Use commas around a word or phrase that interrupts a sentence (parenthetical expressions).
#6. Use commas if a quoted sentence is interrupted by words such as he said or she replied:
#7. If you are quoting a question or an exclamation, don't include a comma:
When in doubt about using a comma, you can read the sentence aloud to determine whether or not the meaning is clear. Of course, investing in a good grammar usage book takes the guesswork out of it completely, and you can be sure you are using good "comma sense".
Louann Vertrees, MA
Owner, http://azproofreader.com
The comma is the most frequently used punctuation mark, but it can be tricky! The purpose of the comma is to keep the reader from being confused, and to make the meaning of a sentence more clear. A comma indicates a slight pause at that point in the sentence, and can indicate how particular words or phrases relate to other parts of the sentence. The placement of the comma in the following sentence can give it two entirely different meanings:
"Did you cook Tony?"
"Did you cook, Tony?"
Do
we want to know if someone cooked Tony, or if Tony cooked a meal? The
placement of the comma makes the meaning of the sentence clear to the
reader."Did you cook, Tony?"
Here are some tips for the correct use of commas:
#1. Use commas to separate items in a series:
"Poppies, bluebells, Mariposa lilies, and lupine are all flowers that
are native to California."
While there is some debate over whether there should be a comma between the final two items in a series, most experts now advise including it. In the example above, the comma after lilies is considered by most people to be correct.
#2. Use a comma between two or more adjectives that modify a noun:
"The girl with the short, frizzy hair is my best friend."
#3. Use commas with compound sentences. A compound sentence is one containing two independent clauses, that is, two thoughts that could stand alone as sentences. The comma indicates that one independent clause has ended and another is beginning:
"Ryan wanted to play football, so Annette went shopping by herself."
Exception: The comma may be eliminated if the two independent clauses are short and the meaning is clear without the comma:
"We loaded up the van and were on our way."
#4. Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, clause, or a name used in direct address:
"Kelli, did you feed the cat today?"
"Because Travis did such a good job on the project, he was given a promotion."
"Because Travis did such a good job on the project, he was given a promotion."
#5. Use commas around a word or phrase that interrupts a sentence (parenthetical expressions).
"The car keys, Mathew, are on the hall table."
#6. Use commas if a quoted sentence is interrupted by words such as he said or she replied:
"For this trick," Randy said, "you need a string and a thumbtack."
#7. If you are quoting a question or an exclamation, don't include a comma:
"Let's go to the beach!" Nolan shouted.
When in doubt about using a comma, you can read the sentence aloud to determine whether or not the meaning is clear. Of course, investing in a good grammar usage book takes the guesswork out of it completely, and you can be sure you are using good "comma sense".
Louann Vertrees, MA
Owner, http://azproofreader.com
