Editing marks...
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What to avoid in your writing
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Comma Rules
Rule #1 - Use a comma to separate item in a series (3 or more items). For example: We went to the grocery store to buy apples, bananas, and oranges. He hit the ball, threw down his bat, and ran to first base.
Rule #2 - Use a comma + a coordinating conjunction to join 2 independent clauses. Coordinating conjunctions can be remembered by using the term "FANBOYS"
F = for
A = and
N = nor
B = but
O = or
Y = yet
S = so
Examples: He hit the ball, but he ran to third base. She liked living with her roommate, yet she still wanted to move back home.
Rule #3
• Use a comma after a subordinate clause (when the subordinate clause comes at the beginning of a sentence) or introductory element.
• Example of subordinate clause at the beginning of a sentence: After he ran to third base, he realized how stupid he looked.
• Example of an introductory element: Running toward third base, he suddenly realized how stupid he looked.
• In some cases, you can omit the comma after a brief introductory element if the omission does not result in confusion or hesitancy in reading.
– First, you need to write in your journal. – correct
– First you need to write in your journal. – also correct
• When in doubt, use the comma. It is always correct.
Rule #4
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. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. See PowerPoint below for examples and more details of this rule.
Rule #2 - Use a comma + a coordinating conjunction to join 2 independent clauses. Coordinating conjunctions can be remembered by using the term "FANBOYS"
F = for
A = and
N = nor
B = but
O = or
Y = yet
S = so
Examples: He hit the ball, but he ran to third base. She liked living with her roommate, yet she still wanted to move back home.
Rule #3
• Use a comma after a subordinate clause (when the subordinate clause comes at the beginning of a sentence) or introductory element.
• Example of subordinate clause at the beginning of a sentence: After he ran to third base, he realized how stupid he looked.
• Example of an introductory element: Running toward third base, he suddenly realized how stupid he looked.
• In some cases, you can omit the comma after a brief introductory element if the omission does not result in confusion or hesitancy in reading.
– First, you need to write in your journal. – correct
– First you need to write in your journal. – also correct
• When in doubt, use the comma. It is always correct.
Rule #4
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. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. See PowerPoint below for examples and more details of this rule.
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/xls.png)
comma_rule4.ppt | |
File Size: | 67 kb |
File Type: | ppt |