2. There are specific rules for the use of
commas. Often commas are placed where
one pauses, but that isn't a rule. All the
comma rules can be found in the Ashford
Writing Center. Following are the five
comma rules that I think are the most
important.
3. This rule helps the reader find the subject of the
sentence. The introductory material can be a
modifier, a prepositional phrase, or a dependent clause.
EXAMPLES:
Quietly, the cat snuck up on the mouse.
After a long day at the office, I have to fight traffic all
the way home.
When I get up in the morning, I go straight for the
coffee.
4. This rule is used to join two independent clauses, or
complete thoughts, into one compound sentence. Each
independent clause has a subject, verb, and complete
thought. There are seven joining words, often called
the FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
EXAMPLES:
I love chocolate, but I hate vanilla. (The joining word is
but.)
I am tired, so I am going to take a nap. (The joining
word is so.)
5. A series is three or more words or phrases.
EXAMPLES:
Sara, Maria, and Jonathan are going to the movies.
The little girl ran, jumped, and fell.
The American flag is red, white, and blue.
I like to hike in the mountains, bike in the desert, and
swim in the ocean.
6. These commas separate the direct quotations—written or
spoken words—from the rest of the sentence.
EXAMPLES:
“Hurry,” my friend said, “or you will be late.”
My friend said, “Hurry, or you will be late.”
“Hurry, or you will be late,” my friend said.
7. These words could be eliminated from the
sentence, and the sentence would still be complete.
They could be an appositive, a writer comment, or a
dependent clause.
EXAMPLES:
My brother, a lifeguard, has won many swimming
competitions.
You are, of course, going to have to clean your room
before you watch T.V.
The movie Dr. Zhivago, which is one of my
favorites, was released in 1965.
