13 Essential Comma Rules to Enhance Your Writing Clarity

1. Correct Commas 13 Rules to Live By Information provided exclusively by: http://www.esf.edu/writingprogram/tipsheets/comma.htm

2. Why? • The comma exists to help readers. • When properly placed, commas clarify meaning by helping readers organize information. • Without it, sentence parts can collide into one another and cause confusion.

3. Do’s

4. Rule #1 • Commas separate items in a series (a list of 3+ things). • Example:The forecast calls for light showers, some clearing, and morning fog.

5. Rule #2 • Commas separate two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction (and, or, nor, but, so). • Example:Seven men were arrested on the east side, and ten more suspects were taken into custody six hours later.

6. Rule #3 • Commas set off long introductory clauses and phrases and shorter clauses and phrases that would be confusing without the comma. • Example:When the fire alarm went off for the third time that night, the motel clerk finally called the fire department.

7. Rule #4 • Commas set off non-restrictive (non-essential) clauses, phrases, and modifiers from the rest of the sentence. • Example of restrictive (essential) clause:Two sisters who sought refuge in a church died when the tornado hit. • Example of non-restrictive (non-essential) clause:Sandra Bullock,who is one of the more in demand actresses of Hollywood, won an Oscar for her performance in The Blind Side.

8. Rule #5 • Commas separate descriptive modifiers of equal rank. If you can use adjectives interchangeably and can successfully insert the conjunction "and" between them, they are coordinate and require a comma. • Example:Scientists will not predict the next activity of the fickle, explosive volcano.

9. Rule #6 • Commas set off parenthetical expressions. • Example:These same council members, you may recall, voted themselves a 35 percent pay increase last year.

10. Rule #7 • Commas are used when the absence of a pause can cause confusion. • Example:For the mayor, going fishing is enough of a vacation.

11. Rule #8 • Commas are used to set off participle phrases that modify some part of theindependent clause. • Example:The Senate adjourned today, having successfully defeated a filibustering attempt.

12. Don’ts

13. Rule #9 • Do not use a comma to separate two independent clauses that are not joinedby a coordinating conjunction. To do so would cause a comma splice. • Example:The inflation rate dipped to 3 percent, the unemployment rate stayed constant.

14. Alternatives • Use a semicolon to link the clauses: • The inflation rate dipped to 3 percent; the unemployment rate stayedconstant. • Use a coordinating conjunction with a comma: • The inflation rate dipped to 3 percent, but the unemployment ratestayed constant.

15. Rule #10 • Do not use a comma to introduce a subordinate clause. • (Tip: the use of a comma before the conjunction "because" is one of the biggest offenders.) • Example:The mayor decided to visit the protest site because she needed a firsthand report. • But... if the subordinate clause is being used to introduce the sentence, a comma is required: • Example:Because she needed a firsthand report, the mayor decided to visit the protest site.

16. Rule #11 • Do not use a comma to separate a noun or pronoun from its reflexive. • Example:Bryant himself will discipline the players.

17. Rule #12 • Do not use a comma between a word and a phrase that amplifies it if it will create a "false series.“ • Example of a Confusing Series:Rescuers discovered seven bodies, six transients, and one firefighter.BETTER:Rescuers discovered seven bodies-- six transients and one firefighter.

18. Rule #13 • Don't use a comma to precede a partial quotation. • Example:The mayoral candidate charged that the incumbent was "a charlatan of the lowest order.“ • But... If the quotation is a full sentence, it should be preceded by a comma: • Example:The defense counsel asked, "How would you like to be sent to prison for a crime you didn't commit?"