COMMAS When to use them SERIES Use a

COMMAS When to use them…

SERIES ◊ Use a comma to separate the elements in a series: (three or more things) Example: He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base.

INDEPENDENT CLAUSES ◊ Use a comma + a little conjunction (and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so) to connect two independent clauses. Example: He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.

INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS ◊ Use a comma to set off introductory elements. Example: Running toward third base, he suddenly realized how stupid he looked.

PARENTHETICAL ELEMENTS ◊ Use a comma to set off parenthetical elements (a part of the sentence that can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence). Example: The Founders Bridge, which spans the Connecticut River, is falling down.

Appositives as parentheticals ◊ Appositives are almost always treated as parentheticals. Examples: Calhoun’s ambition, to become a professional goalie, is within reach. … Eleanor, his wife of 30 years, decided to open up her own business.

COORDINATE ADJECTIVES ◊ Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives Example: That tall, distinguished, goodlooking fellow (as opposed to little old lady)… rule: if you can put an “and” or a “but” between the adjectives, a comma will probably belong there.

QUOTED ELEMENTS ◊ Use a comma to set off quoted elements. Example: “The question is, ” said Annie, “whether you want to go or not. ”

WORDS THAT CONTRAST ◊ Use commas to set off words that express contrast Example: The puppies were cute, but very messy… or Some say the world will end in ice, not fire.

AVOIDING CONFUSION ◊ Use a comma to avoid confusion (Also…see Rule #3) Example: Outside the lawn was covered with broken branches. Outside, the lawn was covered with broken branches.

USE COMMAS WITH CAUTION ◊ The biggest problem that most students have with commas is their overuse. ◊ Try not to use a comma unless you can apply a specific rule to do so.