Commas must be used correctly depending on the context of the sentence. Commas are used with compound sentences before coordinating conjunctions, with introductory phrases and clauses, and within prepositional phrases. However, commas should not be used unnecessarily as they can disrupt the meaning of a sentence.

2. Like chameleons, commas must match the context of a sentence.

3. In all of these situations: Compound sentences Introductory clauses Prepositional phrases Within lists Use one of these:

6. But The Comma Splice

7. Examples of comma splices and corrections: incorrect: Americans speak too rapidly, this is a common complaint by foreign visitors. correct : Americans speak too rapidly; this is a common complaint by foreign visitors. correct : Foreign visitors commonly complain that Americans speak too rapidly. (Purdue)

8. What kinds of corrections are required? Reword the sentence to change one clause into a subordinate (or dependent) clause Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma (FANBOYS) Replace the comma with a semicolon Replace the comma with a period, question mark, or exclamation point, and capitalize the first word of the second clause comma splice

9. Can you find the comma splice on this bottle?

13. But beware…commas can be disruptive