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Grammar rules to write by

Grammar rules to write by. Comma usage. When are commas used?. To separate items in a series. Example : She had been a correspondent for the wire service in London, Paris, Rome, and Madrid. [words in a series]

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Grammar rules to write by

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  1. Grammar rules to write by Comma usage

  2. When are commas used? • To separate items in a series. • Example : • She had been a correspondent for the wire service in London, Paris, Rome, and Madrid. [words in a series] • I studied for the test on the way to school, during homeroom, and in study hall. [phrases in a series] • The reporter wanted to know who I was, where I went to school, and how I felt about getting my drivers license. [clauses in a series]

  3. Rule #1 • When and, or, or nor joins the last two items in a series, writers sometimes omit the comma before the conjunction if the comma is not needed to make the meaning of the sentence clear. • Unclear example: • Joetta. Lucia and Ben are rehearsing a scene from the musical Grease. • Clear example: • Joetta, Lucia, and Ben are rehearsing a scene from the musical Grease.

  4. Rule #2 • If all of the items in a series are joined by and, or, or nor, do not use commas to separate them. • Example: • Derrick and Han and Jina will represent the senior class. • Also, short independent clauses in a series may be separated by commas. • Example: • I came, I saw, I conquered.

  5. Fun fact! • Long independent clauses separated by commas can be difficult to read. To make a break between clauses more distinct, use semicolons instead of commas. • DON’T FEAR THE SEMICOLON!!!!

  6. Rule #3 • Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives preceding a noun • Example: • Katherine Dunham is a creative, talented dancer and choreographer. • Do not use a comma before a final adjective in a series if the adjective is thought of as part of a noun. • Example: • Lawanda hung colorful, delicate Chinese lanterns around the patio.

  7. Rule #4 • Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, nor, or, so, or yet) when it joins independent clauses. • Example: • The sky looks clear, yet rain has been forecast. • I saw a performance of August Wilson’s Fences, and how I am eager to read his other plays.

  8. Rule #4 Con’t • Always use a comma before for, so, or yet joining independent clauses. The comma is sometimes omitted before and, but, or, or nor when the independent clauses are very short and the meaning of the sentence is clear without a comma. • Unclear example: • I will work with Emma and Josh will help Madison. • Clear example: • I will work with Emma, and Josh will help Madison.

  9. Rule #4 Con’t • Also, keep in mind that compound subjects and compound objects are not separated by commas unless they are made up of three or more items. • Example: • When you begin a project and when you finish it are closely related.

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