Writing Lessons, Quick and Easy! Learn about the different ways to use a comma. For Comma Usage Part 1, navigate to the following link:

1. Texas A&M International University
Writing Center
Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall 203
www.tamiu.edu/uc/writingcenter
writingcenter@tamiu.edu
956.326.2884

2.  

3. Covered in Using Commas Part1
o Joining independent clauses
(FANBOYS)
o Subordinating conjunctions
o Making a list
o Using multiple adjectives
o Using quotes
o Dates and addresses
Covered in Using Commas Part 2
o Appositives
o Absolutes
o Conjunctive adverbs
o Nonrestrictive relative clauses
o Past participle phrases
o Present participle phrases

4.  An appositive is
a noun or noun
phrase that
directly follows
and renames
another noun or
noun phrase
 Use commas to
set off the noun
or noun phrase.
Mr. Smith, my stock
broker, lost all my
money in the
market.
My favorite dog,
Rusty, was hiding
under the porch.
The Burj Khalifa,
the world’s tallest
building, is in
Dubai.

5.  An absolute is usually a noun
and a modifier (a present
participle, for instance) used
to modify or describe nouns or
entire sentences.
 Absolutes add details and
resolution to a sentence.
Her eyes glistening with tears, the
graduate proudly strode to her
seat.
The SpaceX Falcon 9, its engines
roaring in the sky, exploded
violently.
George ran into his house, his boots
caked with mud.
The image is of Falcon 9 exploding
less than three minutes after launch
on June 28, 2015 (it was unmanned).

6. Common conjunctive adverbs: however, therefore, then, moreover
 1. Joining two independent clauses
Graduates do not regret their education; however, they do sometimes
regret the cost.
 2. Beginning an independent clause
Graduates do not regret their education. However, they do sometimes
regret the cost.
 3. After the subject of an independent clause
Jason hates horror flicks. Janet, however, loves them.

7.  A nonrestrictive relative
clause supplies extra
information or description to a
noun or noun phrase.
o Nonrestrictive relative clauses
usually begin with who, which,
or whom.
o Commas separate the
nonrestrictive relative clause
from the rest of the sentence.
The Empire State Building, which
is 102 stories tall, is in New York
City.
Stephen King’s first novel, which
was bought by Doubleday for
$2,000, is a classic American
horror story.
Laverne Cox, who is best known
for her role in Orange is the New
Black, is a renowned activist.
Margaret Thatcher, who served as
Prime Minister of England for
twenty-one years, often spewed
vitriol at those who disagreed
with her.

8.  Past participle phrases
begin with a past
participle, a verb ending in
–en or –ed.
 They function as an
adjective or adverb.
 They describe what
something is.
 Separate past participle
phrases with commas at the
beginning of a sentence or
in the middle.
When angered, the wolverine
will slash at unsuspecting
humans.
Jim, invigorated with new
hope, went in search for a
new job.
The cake, topped with
strawberries and whipped
cream, called to me from
across the room.

9.  Present participle phrases begin with a present participle, a verb ending in –ing.
 They function as an adjective or adverb.
 They describe what something does.
 Separate present participle phrases with commas at the beginning of a sentence
or in the middle.
Examples
Howling at the moon, the boy turned into a
werewolf.
Greg, climbing the ladder of opportunity,
presented his résumé.
Cynthia, focusing on her chemistry assignment,
told her little sister to go play elsewhere.

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