Commas

How to use them and how not to abuse them

What is a comma?
A comma is a punctuation mark indicating a pause between parts of a sentence. Also used to separate items in a list Connects two or more clauses in a sentence

When to use a comma?

Making a list in a sentence Separating clauses or phrases Set off a geographical place, important date, address, or title in a name
ex. Since May 2, 1998, John Smith, MD, has lived at 742 Evergreen Terrace, in Lawrence, Kansas.

Conjunctions to use BEFORE a comma

and but for or nor yet so

Use these when combining two or more clauses

What every comma feels

Common comma mistakes

Forgetting to or not remembering the comma in between the subject and verb depending on your meaning

Common comma mistakes

Placing a comma after the second adjective where there shouldnt be
ex. (Correct) He was a relaxed, carefree student. (Incorrect) She had an obnoxious, black cat.

How to avoid and revise these mistakes

Read your sentence with long pauses on the commas. If the comma sounds unnecessary, it probably is.

The Oxford Comma

The optional comma before the and in a list Used to clarify the meaning of the sentence when the list is not just single words

$250,000 $125,000 $75,000 $50,000 $25,000 $10,000 $5,000 $2,000 $1,000 $500

Comma-n Try For That Quarter

$500
Do you understand what Im saying, Rudy?

A) Sentence is correct as written. C) Do you understand, what Im saying Rudy

B) Do you understand what Im saying Rudy? D) Do you, understand what Im saying, Rudy?

A) Sentence is correct as written.

$1,000 Lily stopped abruptly then turned around.

A) Lily, stopped abruptly then turned around. C) Lily stopped abruptly, then turned around.

B) Lily, stopped abruptly, then turned around. D) Sentence is correct as written.

C) Lily stopped abruptly, then turned around.

$2,000
The lady bought apples caramel and nuts.

A) The lady bought, apples caramel and nuts. C) The lady bought apples, caramel and nuts.

B) The lady bought apples, caramel and nuts D) Sentence is correct as written.

C) The lady bought apples, caramel, and nuts.

$5,000
Tom heard a noise, turned around, and walked towards that area.

A) Tom, heard a noise, turned around, and walked towards that area. C) Sentence is correct as written

B) Tom heard, a noise, turned around, and walked towards that area. D) Tom heard a noise turned around and walked towards that area.

C) Sentence is correct as written.

$10,000
I said Dont forget to text me ok?
A) I said, Dont forget to text me ok? C) I said , Dont forget to text me, ok? B) I said, Dont forget to text me, ok? D) Sentences is correct as written.

B) I said, Dont forget to text me, ok?

$25,000
I forgot my backpack in my dorm so I wasnt able to bring my homework to class.

A) I forgot my backpack in my dorm so I wasnt able to bring, my homework to class. C) I forgot my backpack in my dorm, so I wasnt able to bring my homework to class.

B) I forgot, my backpack in my dorm, so I wasnt able to bring my homework to class. D) Sentence is correct as written.

C) I forgot my backpack in my dorm, so I wasnt able to bring my homework to class.

$50,000
I feel like my cat, that I love, and care for, doesnt love me back.

A) Sentence is correct as written. C) I feel like my cat that I love, and care for, doesnt love me back.

B) I feel like my cat, that I love and care for doesnt love me back. D) I feel like my cat, that I love and care for, doesnt love me back.

D) I feel like my cat, that I love and care for, doesnt love me back.

$75,000
Hurry up so we can eat grandpa!

A) Hurry up, so we can eat grandpa! C) Hurry up, so we can eat, grandpa!

B) Sentence is correct as written. D) Hurry up, so we can, eat grandpa.

C) Hurry up, so we can eat, grandpa!

$100,000
After I wake up in the mornings I eat eggs bacon and potatoes.

A) After I wake up in the mornings, I eat eggs, bacon, and potatoes. C) Sentence is correct as written.

B) After I wake up in the mornings I eat eggs, bacon, and potatoes. D) After, I wake up in the mornings, I eat eggs, bacon and potatoes.

B) After I wake up in the mornings I eat eggs, bacon, and potatoes.

$250,000
Bhima, a tired, aged woman, that is respected and recognized by her neighbors, fights a love and hate rush for her pregnant granddaughter.
A) Bhima a tired aged woman that is respected and recognized by her neighbors fights a love and hate rush for her pregnant granddaughter. C) Bhima, a tired, aged woman that is respected and recognized by her neighbors, fights a love and hate rush for her pregnant granddaughter. B) Sentence is correct as written.

D) Bhima a tired and aged woman, that is respected and recognized by her neighbors, fights a love and hate rush for her pregnant granddaughter.

B) Sentence is correct as written.

Work Cited
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/words/what-is-the-oxford-comma

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