Commas Flashcards
Compound Sentence
When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, use a comma before the conjunction.
EX: Tara went to the store, and Tine stayed home.
This rule also applies in compound-complex sentences.
EX: Even though I felt sad, I watched the sunset over the ocean, and somehow I felt much better.
Subordinate Clauses
When a subordinate clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, it should be set off from the main clause with a comma. Subordinate clauses at the end of a sentence DO NOT need a comma.
EX: While I was at work, the fire alarm went off.
The fire alarm went off while I was at work. (No comma needed)
Introductory Words or Phrases
If the sentence starts with two or more prepositional phrases, set them off with a comma.
EX: Over the river beyond the trees, a small cottage was built.
If the sentence starts with transition words or phrases, set them off with a comma.
EX: First, open the box.
Comma Splice
Two independent clauses cannot be joined with just a comma. This creates a comma splice.
EX: (Incorrect) I tried to finish reading the book, I was interrupted by a phone call.
(Correct) I tried to finish reading the book, but I was interrupted by a phone call.
Direct Address
Use to set off a person’s name or title.
EX: Claire, stop running in circles.
Parts of a List
Separate items in a list or series with commas.
EX: For Christmas, I would like a pony, tablet, a new car, and an all-expense-paid vacation.
Oxford Comma
There is some debate as to whether a comma before the conjunction in a list is necessary. It becomes particularly necessary if any items in the list are compound, to help the reader avoid confusion.
EX: At Thanksgiving, we ate turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, bread and butter, and cranberry sauce.
Nonessential Phrase/Modifier/Appositive
Nonessential phrases are additional information that can be removed without the sentence losing its meaning. These phrases are separated from the main clause with a comma.
EX: Mrs. Hummel, my favorite teacher, teaches English.
Sequential Adjectives
When multiple adjectives are used to describe the same noun, use commas to separate them.
EX: Jackie wants to buy the pink, sparkly, short-sleeved, unicorn-print shirt in the corner.
Direct Quotations
Separate direct quotations from the rest of the text with a comma.
EX: George Washington said, “It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.”
Punctuating addresses or numbers
In numbers- 1,583
In parts of an address- 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, D.C. 20500
In dates- On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed.
Ages- My daughter, 3, really enjoys playing outside.
Titles- Jillian Roberts, M.D., donates her time to the soup kitchen.
To eliminate confusion
With repeated words, or just to ensure that your reader can follow the sentence though.
EX: What the problem is, is that you’re not listening to me.
