COMMAS MADE SIMPLE

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Commas Made Simple

Three comma rules will cover most of the commas you need for professional sentences.

Rule 1

You may use a comma whenever a word or phrase appears before the main subject and verb of a sentence.

Because my grandmother has a swimming pool, I have always enjoyed swimming.

If an extra idea appears at the back of the sentence, do not use a comma:

I have always enjoyed swimming because my grandmother has a swimming pool. NO COMMA

Study these examples, noting which sentences have commas and which do not:

Although I enjoy swimming, I never learned how to water-ski.

I never learned how to water-ski although I enjoy swimming. NO COMMA

When I approached the house, I saw an elderly man peering out the window.

I saw an elderly man peering out the window when I approached the house. NO COMMAFor your information, this parking lot is for physicians only.

This handy rule covers subordinate clauses (word groups beginning with subordinate conjunctions such as if, when, because, although) as well as prepositional phrases (word groups beginning with prepositions such as of, in, by, for, with, to).

Rule 2

Use a comma with a coordinate conjunction (a FANBOYS word) when theres a sentence in front and in back. And and but are the most important coordinate conjunctions. Study these examples:

I enjoyed the movie, and I want to see it again.

I enjoyed the movie and want to see it again. NO COMMAThe storm raged but didnt spoil our fun. NO COMMAThe storm raged, but it didnt spoil our fun.

FANBOYS words: For

And

Nor

But

Or

Yet

So

Rule 3

Use two commas with a Superman sentence.

Bart Simpson, who often makes rude remarks to his parents, is not a good role model for children.

Superman, disguised as Clark Kent, fights a never ending battle for the American way.

Other Tips:

-Never use a comma directly after a subordinate or coordinate conjunction. Study the examples above to see where commas are placed.

-The seven coordinate conjunctions (FANBOYS words) are the only words that can be used with a comma to join two sentences. Use periods with other words:

Bill washed his car. Then he waxed it.

The job Im interested in pays well. Therefore, I expect a lot of competition.

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Note: These seven words are the only words you can use to join two sentences with a comma.

copyright 2007 by Jean Reynolds

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