When to use commas

1. When to use commas Comma usage (Part 1)

2. Use a comma with a conjunction to separate two independent clauses (sentences) • Know these common coordinating conjunctions: and, or, but, so • Ex. 1: The child played with her friend, but she lost her favorite doll. • Notice two sentences are connected by the word “but.” Thus, there is a comma placed BEFORE the conjunction “but” Separating two sentences

3. Be aware that, just because there is a conjunction, does not necessarily mean a comma is placed before it. • Ex. 2: The dog chased the rabbit in the field but was unable to catch it. • Notice that after the word “but,” there is NOT a complete sentence (“was unable to catch it.” • Since this time the word “but” does NOT join two sentences together, there is NOT a comma placed before it. Separating two sentences (cont.)

4. Appositive - part of a sentence that can be removed without changing the essential meaning of that sentence. The appositive is sometimes called "added information.“ • Ex. 1: Mariah Carey, who is second only to The Beatles, has 18 number one hits. • Notice how I could take out what is between the commas “who is second only to The Beatles” out of the sentence, and the sentence would still make sense Use commas to separate appositives

5. Separate items in a list with commas • Ex. 1: Jay-Z had to get a flea comb, a toothbrush, and a bag of treats at the pet store for his dog. • Notice how the commas separate different items in this list (in this case: flea comb, toothbrush, dog treats.) Use of commas to separate things in a list