Using Commas

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Using Commas
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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.

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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.
• No comma is needed between adjectives that act
  separately
• (cannot be replaced by and)
• This was the third smelly mess of the week.
• (no commas)

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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 Pork 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

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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. Steven Wright
• A comma may not be needed with short clauses
• Vote early and vote often. Al Capone
• You can lead a boy to college but you can't make
  him think.

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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 Ill buy it. (interjection)

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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.

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Commas Clarify Meaning

• Use commas, when needed, to clarify meaning
• Those who can do. Those who cant teach.
• Notice how punctuation changes the meaning in
  these sentences
• A woman without her man is nothing.
• A woman without her man is nothing.

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Do Not Use Commas

• To separate a subject from a verb
• Employers all over the world are looking for
  people with computer skills. (no commas)
• My supervisor noticed that money was missing.
  (no commas)
• When joining short independent clauses
• You are ugly and your mother dresses you funny.

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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)

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