What is the golden rule for commas?
But, if we use too many, of them, our writing becomes difficult, for people, to read, and our ideas end up fragmented, instead of connected. For years participants in my grammar and writing workshops have magnanimously imparted their golden rule for commas: use a comma whenever you would take a breath.
What are the 5 comma rules with examples?
Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. Use commas before and after a parenthetical phrase or clause. Use a comma to separate two independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor or, so, yet) Use a comma to separate items in a series.
Where do you put the comma in by the way?
Yes, I would usually put a comma after by the way. And if it is in the middle of a sentence, a comma on each side would be appropriate: By the way, my name is spelled with a b rather than a p. My name, by the way, is spelled with a b rather than a p.
What are the 8 rules for commas?
Commas (Eight Basic Uses) Use a comma to separate independent clauses. Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. Use a comma between all items in a series. Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses. Use a comma to set off appositives. Use a comma to indicate direct address. Use commas to set off direct quotations.
What are the 5 comma rules?
Commas (Eight Basic Uses) USE A COMMA TO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. USE A COMMA AFTER AN INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE OR PHRASE. USE A COMMA BETWEEN ALL ITEMS IN A SERIES. USE COMMAS TO SET OFF NONRESTRICTIVE CLAUSES. USE A COMMA TO SET OFF APPOSITIVES. USE A COMMA TO INDICATE DIRECT ADDRESS.
What is the most important comma rule?
Rule: Use commas to enclose clauses not essential to the meaning of a sentence. These nonessential clauses are called nonrestrictive. Clauses which are essential are called restrictive. Both restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses may begin with a relative pronoun (such as who, whom, whose, that, which).
What is the comma rule for examples?
Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. Example: I love vanilla ice cream, but my brother prefers chocolate. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
Do I need a comma in this sentence?
Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. Example: In the beginning, there was light. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.