Little bit of punctuation Flashcards
In neutral style we can use:
commas, period (=full stop)
In informal style we can use:
commas, periods, exclaimation marks, question marks
When enlisting things
we need commas between all of them (including the one before ‘and’)
Mary, Liz, and Mark went to the cinema together.
When coordinating independent clauses (you cannot ask a question from one clause to another)
we need commas with linkers and, but, or, nor, so, yet
I was supposed to go to work this morning, but I was sick. Either we do it together now, or you will have to do it yourself.
BUT it works only with clauses, not with separated words:
Bob cannot speak or write clearly. I liked everything but the cake.
When a sentence begins with a dependent clause (you can ask a question towards the first clause)
we need a comma with temporal, conditional, reasoning clauses
After the seminar is over, Ellen goes to the cafeteria to eat dinner with her friends.
as well as with preposition phrases with the same functions in the beginning of the sentense
When in Mexico, you have to try tacos.
When a dependent clause is at the end of the sentence (you can ask a question towards the last clause)
we don`t need any commas
You should call me if he shows up. Ellen goes to the cafeteria to eat dinner with her friends after the seminar is over.
When a descriptive clause/phrase (acting like an adjective or adverb) is necessary for understanding
we don`t need any commas
The book that you gave me was very interesting. I am practicing a tutorial which will help me to understand comma usage.
When a descriptive clause/phrase (acting like an adjective or adverb) is not necessary for understanding and can be omitted
we need commas whereever it is
Moscow, which is the capital of Russia, is a big bustling city. My roommate, who hates extra work, definetely wouldn`t do this tutorial.
With several adjectives describing something from one point of view
we need commas coz it`s a list
He was a bright, sophisticated, very intelligent young man.
With several adjectives describing something from different points of view
we don`t need commas, however, we need a specific word order
Three bright red elephant pins were given to Ericka.
When introducing additional information (which can be omitted)
we need commas whereever it is
As for me, it is not the best solution. They were, in fact, the best players in the history of football. I`ve always been into science, by the way.
