How do you use a comma for dummies?
Commas (Eight Basic Uses)
- Use a comma to separate independent clauses.
- Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
- Use a comma between all items in a series.
- Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
- Use a comma to set off appositives.
- Use a comma to indicate direct address.
- Use commas to set off direct quotations.
Where do you put a comma?
Comma Use
- Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
- Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
Does today need a comma?
If “today” is in the middle or at the end of the sentence, then a comma is not needed. However, if “today” comes at the beginning of the sentence as an introductory word, then it should be followed by a comma. Example: Today, we are going to finish our homework.
When to use series commas in English for Dummies?
English Grammar For Dummies, 2nd Edition. In English you can use series commas when you list items. Separating items in a list helps clarify things. Imagine that you text a shopping list to your roommate Charlie, who’s at the store shopping for your birthday party.
When do you use commas in a list?
When you read the list aloud, the commas emerge as breaths: Charlie has to buy flashlight batteries [breath] butter cookies [breath] ice cream [breath] and cake. You need commas between each item on the list, with one important exception. The comma in front of the word and is optional.
Which is an example of a comma in a sentence?
An example of an extremely vital comma. The basic purpose of commas is to clarify relationships between phrases and clauses. That’s a pretty broad goal, and there are a lot of different uses for commas. Luckily, you only really need to focus on a few main rules in order to do well on the ACT.
What do you need to know about commas for the Act?
The four rules you absolutely have to know deal with modifying phrases and clauses, introductory phrases and clauses, connecting independent clauses with a conjunction, and separating items in a list . Don’t worry if that all sounds like gibberish: we’ll go over each case with examples!