Teach english writing commas, three essential rules main idea. We use commas while combining multiple phrases in one sentence or writing about different items in a list. Commas help your reader figure out which words go together in a sentence and which parts of your sentences are most important. A comma separates elements in a sentence, such as items in a list or series, but it also shows that those elements are connected to each other within the same sentence. As you can see, there are many reasons for using commas, and we havent listed them all. The book title, book, is not parenthetical content in your sentence. Just place a comma between each item and an appropriate punctuation mark at the end. Dont switch back and forth in the same document between using the oxford comma and not using it. Instead of using this as a guideline, there are several specific rules that dictate when commas should be used.
Using commas after setting the scene it is quite common for a sentence to start with words which set the scene. Use commas after introductory a clauses, b phrases, or c words that come before the main clause. Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to reallife, entertaining examples. Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with noncoordinate adjectives. A comma is never used as an end mark, and it is read with a shorter pause than an end mark. This resource also includes sections with more detailed rules and examples. Comma checker a guide on using commas gramlee blog. The farlex grammar book english punctuation commas commas what is a comma. The clause who live in glass houses is nonrestrictive.
Today, im sharing my grammar lesson plan for commas with you. Using commas worksheets punctuation worksheets, grammar. But in writing, the comma only makes the sentence seem stilted. Using a comma between all the items in a series, including the last two, avoids this problem. Learning and practicing these rules will help any writer become better at using commas. You set off information in a sentence when the modifier is nonessential, meaning if there is a specific enough noun that the info modifies, then you set off the phrase, clause, or word. Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. Writers are often tempted to insert a comma between a subject and verb this way because speakers sometimes pause at that point in a sentence. Yet the biggest problem that most students have with commas is their overuse.
Ten grammar rules every writer should know writing forward. The correct way to use commas with names and titles grammar. I took angie, the one with the freckles to the movie last night. Teaching commas can be overwhelming if you have no where to start. This can also be applied to short story writing, when characters address each other. If we learn the grammar rules and adopt best practices in the craft, our writing can shine. Commas can also be used to separate three or more items in a list. Commas quiz 1 the blue book of grammar and punctuation. Commas around for zelda mean that zelda loves raising flowers. There are more usages of a comma, for example, how adding or removing comma before and after a name changes the meaning of the sentence. To avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more.
Practice exaggerating pauses when reading these sentences aloud so students recognize the need for a comma when using a proper noun in a sentence. Commas can be used after the setting the scene for a sentence, after transitional phrases, after interjections, before conjunctions, for parentheses, after a long subject, in lists, and with the vocative case. If these interruptions are separate from the main subject and verb, separate the interruption phrase with commas to signal to the reader that this information is. The comma worksheets below are free for you to print and use at home or in the classroom. Often, the only commas we can ditch are the oxford comma and prepositions. Place a comma after believe before the closing quote.
Use a comma to separate two premodifiers in a noun phrase, when. Grammarlys writing assistant can help you make sure your punctuation, spelling, and grammar are. These words usually state a place, a time, a condition, or a fact before the main part of the sentence. The final two items in the list are usually separated by and or or, which should be preceeded by a comma. Commas in a series english grammar 101 online grammar. In international or military format, no commas are used.
Use a comma to separate independent clauses linked with coordinating conjunctions. Commas are used to separate a sentences elements, to connect independent clauses, to avoid confusion, and much more. This lesson helps esl students become better writers by showing three common uses for commas and some exceptions. Take this comma usage quiz hard innisdale ss and test your understanding.
Using commas correctly is vital for good grammar and is often overlooked. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. Presubmission basic grammar and style primer for children. The declaration of independence was signed on 4 july 1776. Hardcover books are more expensive, than paperback books. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences. Learning english rules governing the use of commas is tough.
Like the rule for joining sentences, the comma goes right before the conjunction. The book also omits the serial comma, as in eats, shoots and leaves, which is acceptable in the united. Quotation marks, sometimes referred to as quotes or inverted commas, are punctuation marks curly or straight most often used in pairs to identify the. Comma academic writing in english, lund university awelu. I took angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie, last night. We check cmos, harts and our favorite grammar books, and.
Amongst editors this final comma in a list is known as the oxford comma. As students follow this wacky character, they learn where commas belong in sentences, and why, and they practice what theyve learned. Most newspapers and magazines drop the oxford comma in a simple series, apparently. The comma, is one of the most commonly used punctuation marks in english.
A great kids book that can make learning grammar rules fun wow i never thought i would put those words together in a sentence. I took angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie last night. Here are ten of most frequently ignored or unknown grammar rules and writing practices. Commas with numbers when a number is over 999, use commas to separate the numbers. Commas have very strict rules, so there is a very clear right and wrong in using them. This last commathe one between the word and and the preceding wordis often called the serial comma or the oxford comma. Adding commas to your writing can change the outcome of a sentence very quickly. Use commas to offset expressions that interrupt the sentence. A serial comma eliminates the possibility of misreading, so even if youre not using serial commas in your writing, make an exception for sentences like this. William steigs delightful alphabet rebuses, or introductory grammar books by brian. Learn about comma use with introductory elementsconjunctive adverbs. One use of the comma is to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a list or series. Buy our book smashing grammar 2019 written by the founder of grammar monster, smashing grammar includes a glossary of grammar essentials from apostrophes to zeugma and a chapter on easily confused words from affecteffect to whetherif. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating.
If attribution comes before the quote, place the comma outside the quotations marks. This grammar lesson offers an explanation on the correct use of commas and gives examples of commas used in sentences. There are a few exceptions that require you to use the oxford comma in a list, but they are pretty rare. When making a list, commas are the most common way to separate one list item from the next. If attribution comes after the quote, put the comma inside the quotation marks. The sentence is correct with or without the comma before and. When using dialogue, the quotation and the main clause should be separated by a comma. Commas are the same in appearance as apostrophes, but they are placed on the bottom line of the text in the same location as periods. The following is a short guide to get you started using commas. This rule is controversial, because some grammar books and professors will. Words that set the scene at the start of a sentence are usually followed by a comma. Students learn to use commas to separate words in a series, then practice this skill by correctly writing five weatherthemed sentences. Mix play all mix learn english with alex engvid youtube writing transitions therefore, thus, consequently duration.
Generally speaking, commas are used to connect two or. Use commas to enclose clauses not essential to the. Never connect two complete sentences with a comma alone also see using. Many teachers divide sections of how to teach commas. In the same way, using your commas incorrectly could have detrimental effects.
I missed a few basic grammar rules along the way and have never been really clear about when to use commas. Here are some clues to help you decide whether the sentence element is essential. Using commas, semicolons, and colons within sentences two weeks ago we revisited the case of the lawsuit brought by a group of maine dairy truck drivers that centered on the proper use of commas. For each of the following, choose the sentence with the correct comma placement. We know that commas are used to separate a series of words to make it sound more like a person talking. As with most rules associated with writing and grammar, there are times when, contextually, the above rules can be.
My estate goes to my husband, son, daughterinlaw, and nephew. Rule 1 to avoid confusion, use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of three or more. Remember that if you can put and between the adjectives that describe the noun and they still make sense, then there should be a comma in between them. The last item is usually joined by a conjunction like and, or, or nor. English lessons with adam learn english engvid 1,322,374 views. There are wonderfully funny drawings on each page to emphasize exactly what each sentence means so. My writers grammar guide has 20 pages about commas, half of which includes exceptions to the rules. Besides the period, the comma may be the most used punctuation mark in english. While a comma often denotes a pause, it may also clarify the meaning of words, as in coordinating adjectives. Sometimes, prepositional phrases and other phrases interrupt the main sentence, serving as nonrestrictive modifiers.
Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. When the last comma in a series comes before and or or after daughterinlaw in the above example, it is known as the oxford comma. 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. Commas in fiction are used as sparingly as possible, but you need to ensure you arent creating a grammatical nightmare or a neverending sentence at the same time.
If the subject of the sentence is singular, its verb must also be singular. A comma marks a slight break between different parts of a sentence. Use commas with caution as you can see, there are many reasons for using commas, and we havent listed them all. Using commas incorrectly may confuse the reader, signal ignorance of writing rules, or indicate carelessness. In this article let us understand how to correctly use commas with names. I dedicate this award to my parents, jane austen, and albert einstein. Examples of inverted commas in a sentence, how to use it. Topics include comma placement in dates, using commas in lists, and using a comma to separate quotations in dialogue. Punctuation commas these printable worksheets can be used to teach your students about correct placement of commas in their writing.
Although using commas correctly may seem mysterious, it can be easy if you follow a few guidelines. If you use a comma correctly, you can make the meaning of sentences clear by grouping and separating words, phrases, and clauses. Interestingly, the dispute was resolved through the use of semicolons and cash. See more ideas about commas in a series, 4th grade writing and grammar and punctuation. Richard nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and english at georgia southern university and the author of several universitylevel grammar and composition textbooks. Extended rules for using commas purdue writing lab. A, i took angie, the one with the freckles to the movie last night.
In the current edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation and on the website, we have stated a preference for use of the serial, or oxford, comma. The subject and verb of a sentence must agree with one another in number whether they are singular or plural. Here are 15 common grammar mistakes that can kill your credibility as a writer. Although many publishing houses have their own inhouse style or grammar guides stipulating how to treat serial commas or ellipses or em dashes, the following primer will guarantee you a manuscript thats clean enough to impress any nitpicking editor even if she later changes it to reflect the publishing houses style choices. I took angie the one with the freckles, to the movie last night.
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