Using CommasUsing Commas

Use Commas in ListsUse Commas in Lists

Use commas to separate three or more elements in a series.

A comma is optional (but recommended) before “and”

Business Administration involves courses in communication computer applications accounting and business principles.

Use commas to separate three or more elements in a series.

A comma is optional (but recommended) before “and”

Business Administration involves courses in communication computer applications accounting and business principles.

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Between AdjectivesBetween Adjectives

Use commas between coordinate adjectives

(if the comma could be replaced by “and”)

A warm wet puddle appeared by the dog.

A warm and wet puddle appeared by the dog.

No comma is needed between adjectives that act separately

(cannot be replaced by “and”)

This was the third smelly mess of the week.(no commas)

Use commas between coordinate adjectives

(if the comma could be replaced by “and”)

A warm wet puddle appeared by the dog.

A warm and wet puddle appeared by the dog.

No comma is needed between adjectives that act separately

(cannot be replaced by “and”)

This was the third smelly mess of the week.(no commas)

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Use Commas to InterruptUse Commas to Interrupt

To set off the names of people being addressed

We look forward to your visit Miss Piggy.

To restate names or titles (appositives)

Arnold Ziffle Manager of Pork Processing comes in every Monday.

To interject commentsWe will of course keep your resume on file.It is a profitable thing if one is wise to seem foolish. Aeschylus

To set off the names of people being addressed

We look forward to your visit Miss Piggy.

To restate names or titles (appositives)

Arnold Ziffle Manager of Pork Processing comes in every Monday.

To interject commentsWe will of course keep your resume on file.It is a profitable thing if one is wise to seem foolish. Aeschylus

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Joining Independent ClausesJoining Independent Clauses

Use commas to join independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction: and, or, but, nor, so

Show me a man with both feet firmly on the ground and I will see a man who can't get his pants off!

It's a small world but I wouldn't want to have to paint it. Steven Wright

A comma may not be needed with short clauses

Vote early and vote often. Al Capone

You can lead a boy to college but you can't make him think.

Use commas to join independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction: and, or, but, nor, so

Show me a man with both feet firmly on the ground and I will see a man who can't get his pants off!

It's a small world but I wouldn't want to have to paint it. Steven Wright

A comma may not be needed with short clauses

Vote early and vote often. Al Capone

You can lead a boy to college but you can't make him think.

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Introductory MaterialIntroductory Material

When he looked over my resume he shook his head sadly. (introductory clause)

As a matter of fact I do own the road. (introductory phrase)

Okay I’ll buy it. (interjection)

When he looked over my resume he shook his head sadly. (introductory clause)

As a matter of fact I do own the road. (introductory phrase)

Okay I’ll buy it. (interjection)

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Dependent ClausesDependent Clauses

When a dependent clause begins the sentence, a comma is needed.

Because he needed money Hal robbed a gas station.

A comma is not needed when a dependent clause ends the sentence.

Hal robbed a gas station because he was too lazy to work.

When a dependent clause begins the sentence, a comma is needed.

Because he needed money Hal robbed a gas station.

A comma is not needed when a dependent clause ends the sentence.

Hal robbed a gas station because he was too lazy to work.

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Commas Clarify Meaning Commas Clarify Meaning

Use commas, when needed, to clarify meaning

Those who can do. Those who can’t teach.

Notice how punctuation changes the meaning in these sentences

A woman without her man is nothing.

A woman without her man is nothing.

Use commas, when needed, to clarify meaning

Those who can do. Those who can’t teach.

Notice how punctuation changes the meaning in these sentences

A woman without her man is nothing.

A woman without her man is nothing.,

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Do Not Use CommasDo Not Use Commas

To separate a subject from a verbEmployers all over the world are looking for people with computer skills. (no commas)My supervisor noticed that money was missing. (no commas)

When joining short independent clausesYou are ugly and your mother dresses you funny.

To separate a subject from a verbEmployers all over the world are looking for people with computer skills. (no commas)My supervisor noticed that money was missing. (no commas)

When joining short independent clausesYou are ugly and your mother dresses you funny.

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Do Not Use CommasDo Not Use Commas

When joining restrictive clauses You should wear shoes at work that are comfortable for walking.

(The underlined clause is essential to the meaning)

However

Non-restrictive clauses do require commasI recommend that you buy work shoes that are both comfortable and stylish but these can be hard to find.

(The underlined clause is not essential to the meaning)

When joining restrictive clauses You should wear shoes at work that are comfortable for walking.

(The underlined clause is essential to the meaning)

However

Non-restrictive clauses do require commasI recommend that you buy work shoes that are both comfortable and stylish but these can be hard to find.

(The underlined clause is not essential to the meaning)

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