Using Commas Use Commas in Lists Use commas

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Using Commas

Using Commas

Use Commas in Lists Use commas to separate three or more elements in a

Use Commas in Lists Use commas to separate three or more elements in a series. A comma is optional (but recommended) before “and” Business Administration involves courses in communication, computer applications, accounting, and business principles.

Between Adjectives Use commas between coordinate adjectives (if the comma could be replaced by

Between Adjectives Use commas between coordinate adjectives (if the comma could be replaced by “and”) A warm, wet puddle appeared by the dog. A warm and wet puddle appeared by the dog.

Use Commas to Interrupt To set off the names of people being addressed We

Use Commas to Interrupt To set off the names of people being addressed We look forward to your visit, Miss Piggy. To restate names or titles (appositives) Arnold Ziffle, Manager of cows Processing, comes in every Monday. To interject comments We will , of course, keep your resume on file. It is a profitable thing , if one is wise, to seem foolish. Aeschylus

Joining Independent Clauses Use commas to join independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction: and,

Joining Independent Clauses Use commas to join independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction: and, or, but, nor, so , Show me a man with both feet firmly on the ground and I will see a man who can't get his pants off! It's a small world but I wouldn't want to have to paint it. ,

Introductory Material When he looked over my resume, he shook his head sadly. (introductory

Introductory Material When he looked over my resume, he shook his head sadly. (introductory clause) As a matter of fact , I do own the road. (introductory phrase) Okay, I’ll buy it. (interjection)

Dependent Clauses When a dependent clause begins the sentence, a comma is needed. ,

Dependent Clauses When a dependent clause begins the sentence, a comma is needed. , Because he needed money Hal robbed a gas station. A comma is not needed when a dependent clause ends the sentence. Hal robbed a gas station because he was too lazy to work.

Commas Clarify Meaning Notice how punctuation changes the , , sentences meaning in these

Commas Clarify Meaning Notice how punctuation changes the , , sentences meaning in these A woman without her man is nothing. , : , ,

Do Not Use Commas To separate a subject from a verb Employers all over

Do Not Use Commas To separate a subject from a verb Employers all over the world Ø are looking for people with computer skills. (no commas) My supervisor noticed thatØ money was missing. (no commas) When joining short independent clauses You are uglyØ and your mother dresses you funny.

Do Not Use Commas When joining restrictive clauses You should wear shoes at work

Do Not Use Commas When joining restrictive clauses You should wear shoes at work that are comfortable for walking. (The underlined clause is essential to the meaning) However Non-restrictive clauses do require commas I recommend that you buy work shoes that are both comfortable and stylish but these can be hard to find. , (The underlined clause is not essential to the meaning)