Proper Comma Proper Comma UsageUsage

Graduate Writing CenterJessica Erkfitz

Proper Comma UsageProper Comma Usage

When to use commas:When to use commas:• In a seriesIn a series• With compound sentencesWith compound sentences• For an introductionFor an introduction• When inserting extra informationWhen inserting extra information• With quotationsWith quotations

Be sure not to use commas where they are Be sure not to use commas where they are not needed.not needed.

SeriesSeries

If there is a list comprised of three or If there is a list comprised of three or more clauses, phrases, or words, commas more clauses, phrases, or words, commas should be used to separate them.should be used to separate them.

EX:EX: We should provide the ladder shingles tar hammer and nails for our neighbors to fix the leak on their roof.

PhrasesMake sure to let the dog out of his cage fill his bowl with fresh water and refill his dish with dog food.The person must be one who enjoys practical jokes who thinks creatively and who does not shy away from difficult tasks.

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,WordsClauses

Compound SentencesCompound Sentences

Compound sentences can be combined Compound sentences can be combined by coordinating conjunctions, other by coordinating conjunctions, other conjunctions, or simply a semicolon.conjunctions, or simply a semicolon.

There are 7 coordinating conjunctions: There are 7 coordinating conjunctions: and, but, yet, so, nor, for, or.and, but, yet, so, nor, for, or.

The kittens often discover the smallest holes to lodge themselves in they tend to fight anyone who seeks to help them free as well.

It can be useful to relax from the struggles of life one is labeled lazy when the break becomes a state of being.

Compound SentencesCompound Sentences

When two independent clauses are When two independent clauses are combined to form one sentence with a combined to form one sentence with a coordinating conjunction, use a comma coordinating conjunction, use a comma before the conjunction.before the conjunction. If there is NO coordinating conjunction, DO If there is NO coordinating conjunction, DO NOT insert a comma to separate the NOT insert a comma to separate the independent clauses.independent clauses.

EX:EX: Comma presentNo comma present , but;

Compound SentencesCompound Sentences

When other conjunctions are used When other conjunctions are used besides the seven coordinating besides the seven coordinating conjunctions, a semicolon is placed conjunctions, a semicolon is placed before the conjunction while a comma is before the conjunction while a comma is placed after it.placed after it.EX:EX: The time of winter is drawing to an end

much of the ice has disappeared.; therefore,

IntroductionIntroduction

If the sentence begins with a clause, phrase, If the sentence begins with a clause, phrase, or word not required for the core meaning or word not required for the core meaning (not part of the main subject/verb/object (not part of the main subject/verb/object structure)structure), it should be set apart with a , it should be set apart with a comma.comma.

EX:EX: ClauseWordPhrase watch out for stray farm animals roaming near the road. the flow of costumers begins to dwindle. Charles determined to paint the house blue.Therefore,After nine,When you come to the crossroad,

InsertsInserts

If a clause, phrase, or word is used within a If a clause, phrase, or word is used within a sentence but is not essential for the sentence but is not essential for the meaning, it should be set off with commas.meaning, it should be set off with commas.

EX:EX: Justin asked if we knew anyone to help with the cantata.

, who leads the choir for our church,ClauseWordPhraseHand tools might be more portable but are more exhausting to use.

, on the other hand,Jeffery has been too sick to join the discussion.

, however,

,” Henry Ford once remarked, ““I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can't be done.”

Nathan Hale exclaimed while fighting for American freedom.

QuotationsQuotations

When quoting someone and declaring When quoting someone and declaring who he is within the same sentence, a who he is within the same sentence, a comma should be used to separate the comma should be used to separate the two parts. This should be done before the two parts. This should be done before the quotation mark.quotation mark.

EX:EX: Quote firstQuote firstQuote lastQuote lastSplit quoteSplit quote Chaos often breeds life, when order breeds habit.”“I only regret I have but one live to give for my country,”Henry B. Adams once said, “

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Incorrect UsageIncorrect UsageBe careful not to place a comma Be careful not to place a comma

where none are needed.where none are needed.

Do notDo not put a comma... put a comma... • at the beginning of a seriesat the beginning of a series

EX:EX: Make sure not to leave without a backpack, a Make sure not to leave without a backpack, a sleeping bag, a tent, and our food. sleeping bag, a tent, and our food.

• after a coordination conjunctionafter a coordination conjunctionEX: EX: The flight plan has been given, but they have The flight plan has been given, but they have

not not spent back its approval yet. spent back its approval yet.• before phrases starting with than or thatbefore phrases starting with than or that

EX:EX: We are planning to take the boat that your We are planning to take the boat that your grandfather bought last year. grandfather bought last year.

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Incorrect Usage cont.Incorrect Usage cont.Do notDo not put a comma... put a comma... • before a parenthesisbefore a parenthesis

EX: EX: She began as an intern (with a closet as her office) She began as an intern (with a closet as her office) but ended up as president of the company. but ended up as president of the company.

• with a question mark or exclamation point in with a question mark or exclamation point in quotationsquotations EX: EX: “Where did Joe go? ” asked James.“Where did Joe go? ” asked James.

• to separate restrictive or essential elementsto separate restrictive or essential elements EX:EX: The baby wearing a yellow jumpsuit has a cold.The baby wearing a yellow jumpsuit has a cold.

• between a subject and its predicate/ a verb and its between a subject and its predicate/ a verb and its objectobject EX: EX: Applying for the position before August 20 will Applying for the position before August 20 will better your chances of securing a spot on the better your chances of securing a spot on the team.team.

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