Why are commas important examples?
The absence or presence of a comma can change the entire meaning of a sentence. For example, there’s a cannibalistic difference between “Let’s eat grandma” and “Let’s eat, grandma.” The same holds true for apostrophes, hyphens, colons, and other punctuation marks.
What are 5 ways to use commas?
The 5 Uses of a Comma
- Separating the main elements of a sentence from each other.
- Setting off a parenthetical element from the rest of the sentence.
- Separating elements in a series.
- Setting off dialogs or quotations.
- Other uses of the comma.
What are the most important comma rules?
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.
Are commas really necessary?
The comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a slight break, pause, or transition. Commas are necessary after introductory words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. Commas are necessary to set off elements that interrupt or add information in a sentence.
Why is punctuation important in writing?
Punctuation fills our writing with silent intonation. We pause, stop, emphasize, or question using a comma, a period, an exclamation point or a question mark. Correct punctuation adds clarity and precision to writing; it allows the writer to stop, pause, or give emphasis to certain parts of the sentence.
What are the three main uses of 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.
Do you need a comma after according to?
You usually need a comma before “according to” when it means “stated by.” If “according to” is part of a very short phrase preceded by “that” or at the end of a sentence, the comma may be optional. “According to” should not be preceded by a comma when it means “in proportion to” or “contingent on.”
Why is punctuation important for students?
As well as changing the meaning of a sentence, punctuation also helps to express ideas more clearly to the reader. When speaking aloud, we convey meaning not only through words, but volume, expression, and body language – contextual cues, which are replaced by punctuation in writing.
What is the proper use of commas?
Using Commas Use a comma to indicate a break or pause within a sentence. Use a comma when listing three or more items in a series. Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives describing a noun. Use a comma to separate a larger geographical area from a smaller one located within it.
What are some examples of commas?
A serial comma simply means that a comma will separate each element in a series of three or more, even before the coordinating conjunctions and and before or. The following are simple examples of serial commas: Lions, tigers, and bears. Apples, oranges, and bananas.
When to use commas in a list?
– 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.
How are commas used in a list?
Another common use of commas is to separate a list of three or more items within a sentence as follows: 4. When full dates and locations are used in a sentence, commas are used. A comma should be placed between the city and state and after the state in a sentence.