USE OF COMMAS

USE OF COMMAS

1. To separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, and reduce crime.

2. To separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. I have painted the entire house, but he is still working on sanding the doors.

3. 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

4. To separate two or more adjectives that describe the same noun when the word "and" can be inserted between them. He is a strong, healthy man. (He is a strong and healthy man.)

5. After introductory clauses, phrases, or words that come before the main clause. While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door

6. Use a comma to separate contrasting pads of a sentence. That is my money, not yours.

7. Use a comma to separate a statement from a question. I can go, can't I?

8. Use commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed. Will you, Sam, have the surgery? Yes, Doctor, I will.

9. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates, addresses, and titles in names. I lived in San Francisco, California, for 20 years.

10. Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading. To Steve, Lincoln was the greatest president.

11. To separate a direct quotation from the rest of the sentence. Mother asked, "Who wants to get ice cream?" "I do," he said.