I.) |
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Use a comma to separate elements in a series (three or more things) including the last two: |
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a. "Hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base." |
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II.) |
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Use a comma + a little conjunction (and, but, for, so, nor, yet, or) to connect two independent clauses. The comma always comes after the coordinating conjunction. |
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a. "He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base." |
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III.) |
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Use a comma to set off introductory elements: |
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a. "Running toward third base, he suddenly realized how stupid he looked." |
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IV.) |
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To set off parenthetical elements. Absolute phrases and interjections are always treated as parenthetical elements: |
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a. "The Founders Bridge, which spans the Connecticut River, is falling down." b. "I’m telling you, George, I am very surprised." |
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V.) |
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To set off quoted elements: |
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a. "The question is," said Alice, "whether you can finish the assignment." b. "I would like to sell these eggs, please," she said. "How do you sell them?" |
VI.) |
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To set off phrases that express contrast: |
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a. "Some say the world will end in fire, notice." b. "The puppies were cute, but messy." |
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VII.) |
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Use a comma to avoid confusion: |
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a. Without comma: For most the year is already finished." b. With comma: For most, the year is already finished." |
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VIII.) |
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Never use only one comma between a subject and a verb. |
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IX.) |
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Typographical reasons: |
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a. Between a city and a state: Hartford, Connecticut"
b. A date and a year: June 4, 1981"
c. Between a name and a title, when the title comes after the name: Bob Downey, Professor of English" |
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X.) |
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Never overuse commas! |