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Flashcards in Commas Deck (16)
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1
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1

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Between Independent (Main) Clauses: such as when two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction. Put a comma at the end of the first clause.

2
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2

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Introductory Elements: such as an introductory adverb clause or a prepositional phrase. Also, a verbal phrase or an adverb or phrase applying to the whole following clause, not just to the verb. [e.g. “Without a doubt, they did not know what they were doing.”]

3
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3

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Items In a Series: such as between words, phrases, and clauses in a series. [e.g. “The bikers roared through the park, down the main street, and into the Capitol parking lot.”

4
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4

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Between Coordinate Adjectives: in a series of two or more adjectives of the same kind and importance, use a comma. Do not use a comma after a word used to describe another adjective (e.g. “a bright orange vest”) or if the last adjective is considered part of the noun (e.g. “a tall pine tree”).

5
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5

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Parenthetical Expressions: words or word groups that interrupt the main flow of thought in a sentence but are not necessary to the sentence (e.g. “They were, in my opinion, not guilty.”).

6
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6

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Nonessential Clauses, Phrases, and Appositives: clauses and phrases that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence (e.g. “Soccer, which Europeans call football, is growing more popular in the United States.”).

7
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7

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To Control Your Meaning: (e.g. “Her friends who live nearby worried about her.” [only the friends who lived nearby her worried about her] versus “Her friends, who live nearby, worried about her.” [All of her friends, who all live nearby, worry about her.]

8
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8

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Absolute Phrases: [e.g. “The ATM having kept his card, Finch had no cash.”]

9
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9

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Names or Other Words Used in Direct Address. [e.g. “Mr. President, may we quote you on that?”]

10
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10

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Yes and No at the Beginning of a Sentence

11
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11

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Mild Interjections. [e.g. “Oh, I think it could use some sauce.”]

12
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12

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Direct Quotations: Generally, use a comma to set off a direct quotation (someone’s exact words) from words that precede, follow, or interrupt it. [e.g. “‘This,’ said Ms. Marple, ‘is the final clue.’”]

13
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Examples Introduced by “such as”, “especially”, “particularly”; Expressions of Contrast. [e.g. “She excelled in many sports, particularly track.”]

14
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Whenever Needed for Clarity: Omitting or misplacing needed commas can change your intended meaning. [e.g. “By leaving Nora Helmer gained freedom.” (unclear who left – Nora Helmer? Or did Mr. Helmer leave Nora? Or was it the case that Nora Helmer gained freedom by leaving?]

15
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15

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In Place of Omitted or Understood Words. [e.g. “Walter was her first husband; Taylor, her second.”]

16
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16

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Before a Confirmatory (Tag) Question: [e.g. “The campus is safe, isn’t it?”]