When to use a comma examples
- a comma is used to
- a comma is used to separate
- a comma is used to show possession
- a comma is used to separate narration and dialogue
When to use a comma before and in a list!
Oxford comma
Extended Rules for Using Commas
Comma Use
1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.
The student explained her question, yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.
Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so she took him out to dinner.
2.
Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
a. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while.
While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.
Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class.
If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.
When the snow stops falling, we'll shovel the driveway.
However, don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast).
INCORRECT: The cat scratched at the door, while I was eating.
CORRECT:
- a comma is used to separate coordinating adjectives
- a semicolon is used to