When should you use a comma - Jan 24, 2023 · For example, the Associated Press says not to use a comma before designations such as “Jr.” and “ Sr.” and specifically does not include a comma in the name “Martin Luther King Jr. Day.”. The Chicago Manual of Style says the comma is not required before “Jr.,” and also writes the holiday name without it. It’s still a style ...

 
As you've pointed out, the word as is sometimes used to connect two clauses. When as is used this way, it generally means while, when, or because, depending on the context, and it is called a subordinating conjunction.The rules about when to use a comma with as are the same as the rules for using commas with other subjordinating conjunctions, including …. The visitor horror

A comma is a punctuation mark that can be used in many different ways. Mainly, it's used to separate things —for instance, two thoughts in a sentence, multiple adjectives, or items in a list. There are many rules that tell us how commas should be used, but don't let it scare you. With a little practice, it'll start to feel like second …Punctuation can be a tricky thing to master, but one of the most essential marks of all is undoubtedly the comma. It might seem like nothing but a small, ...A comma is almost never used after the word “and,” barring a few exceptions, but it is commonly used before when you combine two complete sentences into a compound sentence or when listing more than two items. It is important to use commas properly to avoid overuse and help ensure writing clarity.With a simple sentence, however, the general rule is to omit the comma. Rule: Do not use a comma before a coordinating conjunction if the sentence contains only ... The semicolon is the colon's quirkier sibling. While the colon is simply two dots stacked : the semicolon is a dot hovering over a comma ; The semicolon does jobs that are also done by other punctuation marks, but puts its own spin on the task. Like a comma, it can separate elements in a series. Like a period or colon, it often marks the end of ... Jul 25, 2023 ... Commas are used to set off an interruption in the sentence. FYI, it's crucial to remember to close that interruption with a second comma. For ...Dec 29, 2022 ... There's debate in the writing world about putting a comma before “and” in a list of three or more objects. In this instance, the serial comma ...Apr 10, 2023 · Don’t use a comma before “and” if it’s not connecting two independent clauses. It goes without saying that a single word can’t be a clause, let alone an independent clause. That means if “and” connects two single words, you can’t insert a comma in front of it. Examples. “My favorite animals are llamas and sheep.”. Jul 25, 2023 ... Commas are used to set off an interruption in the sentence. FYI, it's crucial to remember to close that interruption with a second comma. For ...If those synonyms make sense, you can use etc. You should never use “and et cetera.” Remember, et means “and.” “And et cetera” is redundant. Usage note: Don’t use a comma after etc. if it is at the end of the sentence. Examples of et cetera usage “Less work,” Peter offered, cheerily. “If the dog’s imaginary, I mean.If you are emulating a style of casual speech, as the others have explained, you could use a comma after so, especially if you hear a significant pause.Such a pause may be caused by indignation, hesitation, etc. So, what do you want to play with next? Traditional style, on the other hand, forbids it.Whether or …Grammarly looks at 11 writing scenarios where you’ll want to use commas—with examples. Comma rules. Colons. Colons can be tricky for writers to understand. That’s why Grammarly has provided a roundup of helpful advice on how and when to use them properly. ... There are plenty of important punctuation rules, but here are five you should ...Don’t use a comma before while when you mean “during the same time.”; Do use a comma before while when you mean “whereas” or “although.”; When while is used as a conjunction, it has two meanings. One meaning is related to time. In the temporal sense, while describes something that is happening at the same time as something else. The …In fact, the rules for using commas are really rather simple, though complicated by the fact that the comma has four distinct uses. To begin with, forget ...Mar 21, 2023 · You should follow this rule if you’re writing in US English. It has the added bonus of removing the confusion about when to add a comma: if you only use “which” nonrestrictively, you’ll always add a comma before a “which” clause. The historical period which fascinates me the most is the Renaissance. A period, or “full stop,” is a punctuation mark in English that expresses the end of a sentence and sometimes abbreviations. It is one of the most used punctuation marks and the most common way to conclude a sentence. Period usage may seem easy enough, but there are a few rules that can get confusing, such as where to put periods in ...In very formal circumstances, you could follow your salutation with a colon. For example: When the salutation in your email starts with Hello or Hi, you should put a comma before the name of the ...A comma is used before “but” because it's a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions are the glue that holds your sentence together. In other words, ...Use a serial comma (also called an Oxford comma, Harvard comma, or series comma) between elements in a series of three or more items. Factors of personality include extraversion, conscientiousness, openness to experience, agreeableness, and neuroticism. If one or more items in the series already contain a comma, use semicolons between …The above are standard if/then clauses. "If" is a subordinating conjunction introducing a subordinate clause, so it is separated from the main clause, the "then" clause, by an ensuing comma. Now I know that if you leave the "then" implied, that you still use a comma. Examples: If you lie, you're out. If you do it right, you can have a cookie.Punctuation can be a tricky thing to master, but one of the most essential marks of all is undoubtedly the comma. It might seem like nothing but a small, ...has no comma at all. (edit, so this isn't a terrible answer if you edit your question) In the case of greetings such as the ones you wrote in your question, yes, a comma is necessary. In some cases, though, such as the greeting "Dear John" at the beginning of a letter, there is no comma before the name, but rather after.If the nonessential clause falls in the middle of the sentence, insert a comma before and after it, to denote pauses; if the clause begins or concludes the ...And, never use a comma with any other subordinating conjunction other than because. When since is being used to replace the word because, only place a comma before it if the preceding clause is negated by the new clause. Since is a very versatile word that can be used in many ways. However, only some of its uses require a comma.Dec 18, 2018 · But the greeting “Hi” is a form of direct address, which by convention is set off with commas: Hi, Anne, That said, “Hi” marks the correspondence as informal. Thus, you might omit the punctuation: Hi Anne, If you run the body of your correspondence into the greeting line, as in a text message, you might use a period instead of a comma ... Writers often ask whether they should put a comma before a conjunction (e.g., "and," "or," "but"). Use a comma before a conjunction that merges two sentences into one. Also, use a comma before the conjunction in a list of three or more items, but only if that's your local convention. (1) Use a comma before a conjunction if …When Not to Use a Comma. Just as omitting a necessary comma can cause confusion, inserting an unnecessary or poorly placed comma can also cause …Oct 22, 2023 · Comma Rules. We use commas to separate a series of words. To separate a series of phrases. To connect two independent clauses. To set off introductory phrases or clauses. Used after certain words that introduce a sentence. To separate the parenthetical elements. To separate coordinate adjectives. Do Not Use a Comma After "Dear". There is no comma after the word "Dear" when it is used at the start of a letter or an email. You should, however, use a comma after the salutation. For example: Dear Michael, …Oct 6, 2022 ... Comma before or after but? Use a comma before "but" when connecting two independent clauses and use it after "but" when it's an interrupter.Conjunction. We can use “like” as a conjunction when we want to connect two clauses with each other. In this way, no commas are needed when including “like,” and less punctuation is needed overall to get it correct. For example: He can’t get away with this. It seems. Becomes: It seems like he can’t get away with this. Add a comma after thus when it works as a coordinating conjunction or at the beginning of a sentence. Add a comma before thus when introducing a gerund or a gerund phrase. Add a comma on either side of thus when it interrupts an independent clause as a strong break or when thus comes between a helping and main verb. This rule is important. When you see a comma used, you know that the information following its placement is separate (albeit related) to the phrase or clause that preceded it. For example: We weren’t convinced there would be rain, and I made sure to watch the radar to avoid prematurely canceling the event. In this sentence, the comma ...Use a comma after an introductory phrase or an adverbial clause that begins a sentence. For example, this sentence needed a comma. Once upon a time, there ...Oct 6, 2022 ... Comma before or after but? Use a comma before "but" when connecting two independent clauses and use it after "but" when it's an interrupter.Rule 1. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, …1 Place punctuation marks inside quotation marks. When using a period, comma, or exclamation mark with quotation marks, place the punctuation inside the quotes. “We won!” …Don’t use a comma before “and” if it’s not connecting two independent clauses. It goes without saying that a single word can’t be a clause, let alone an independent clause. That means if “and” connects two single words, you can’t insert a comma in front of it. Examples. “My favorite animals are llamas and …What is a comma? At the end of a sentence, you will find a full stop. This is an indication that the sentence is over. However, a comma will indicate that you should take a smaller break. And, might also be referred to as a soft pause. It can separate ideas within a sentence, clauses, and words. There are a few rules about how to …A. Punctuation is not so simple that you can make a rule that a comma “always” follows a given word or phrase. Commas depend on syntax as well as pacing, tone, and personal preference. Two examples with next : Next comes the scene where he buries the toenails. Next, since he was still breathing, she worked a crossword puzzle.8. Use a comma to separate the elements in a full date (weekday, month and day, and year). Also separate a combination of those elements from the rest of the sentence with commas. Rebecca Aydin ...Conjunction. We can use “like” as a conjunction when we want to connect two clauses with each other. In this way, no commas are needed when including “like,” and less punctuation is needed overall to get it correct. For example: He can’t get away with this. It seems. Becomes: It seems like he can’t get away with this.Too in the middle of a sentence. The only time commas with too are a grammatical requirement is when it is inserted in the middle of a sentence; it needs to be set off by a pair of commas so that readers don’t trip on it. In this way, the word follows the same rule as adverbial phrases; when it interrupts the logical flow of the sentence, you ...Thanks John or Thank You John. The original sentence “Thanks John” should also have a comma to make it “Thanks, John.”. The word “thanks” follows the same rule as “Thank you” when there is a direct address. Examples: Thanks, Mila, for welcoming us. Thanks for your never-ending support, Jaime. Thanks, Mr. Smith.The answer is simple. You should use a comma if you are joining two independent clauses (separate ideas). Alan is a good singer, but he’s a …Oct 23, 2020 · A comma before LLC is not a requirement as far as state LLC registration is concerned. Adding or not adding a comma is largely a grammatical preference. Experts are often divided on the issue. Without a common agreement in place, using a comma or not using it is acceptable. The choice to use or not use a comma in the LLC name is not required in ... Always place a comma before or when it begins an independent clause, but if it begins a dependent clause, don’t. In a series (or list) of three or …Just to try to explain why option (1) is easier to read: The expression 'for example' is very often used postpositively, thus a sentence like. " (3) It is common practice to do recalibration between trials, for example." would be a natural thing to expect. Using the second comma as in option (2) sort of creates a 'garden path sentence', because ...In the world of data management, there are various file formats available to store and organize data. Two popular formats are XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and CSV (Comma Separa...When you write a date, you should use a comma to separate the day from the month, and the date from the year, e.g. He was born on October 8, 1977. or …1. The word "since" is a conjunction introducing a coordinating clause in the structures presented by the OP; " since + subject + verb " forms a subordinating clause. According to grammar, when a subordinating clause with "since" comes before a main clause, you put a comma after the subordinating clause.The answer is simple. You should use a comma if you are joining two independent clauses (separate ideas). Alan is a good singer, but he’s a sensational guitarist. The jury debated for the whole afternoon, and they eventually came to a unanimous verdict. Do not use a comma if you aren’t joining …Apr 19, 2023 · The Oxford (or serial) comma is the final comma in a list of things. Please bring me a pencil, eraser, and notebook. The Oxford comma is the one right after eraser. The use of the Oxford comma is a matter of style, meaning that some publishing styles stipulate its use while others don’t. In other words, it’s not incorrect to use the Oxford ... The Basic Rule on Commas Before Conjunctions. If you’re looking for a general guideline, we recommend using a comma before coordinating conjunctions such as and, or, and but when they join two independent clauses. An independent clause is a group of words that include a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete thought.Updated on August 12, 2022 Grammar. Use a comma before which when it introduces a nonrestrictive phrase. Don’t use a comma before which when it’s part of a prepositional phrase, such as “in which.”. Don’t use a comma before which when it introduces an indirect question. Commas can be tricky, but they don’t … When an adverb modifies an entire sentence (or independent clause that follows it), then you should use a comma after it. Example 1: Correct: Sadly, they didn't understand me. Incorrect: Sadly they didn't understand me. Example 2: Correct: Strangely, the book hasn't arrived. Incorrect: Strangely the book hasn't arrived. As the MLA Handbook (sec. 1.5) explains, when writing dates, you should “be consistent in your use of either the day-month-year style ( 12 January 2014) or the month-day-year style ( January 12, 2014 ). In the latter style, the comma before the year has to be balanced by one after if there is no other punctuation after the year.”. The ...Dec 9, 2018 ... This video reviews some of the situations in English writing in which a comma must be used. Note that this is merely an overview and there ...Modifiers that are essential do not require commas. Example: Tell the students who failed the exam that they will have to retake the course. (Only the students ...A comma is almost never used after the word “and,” barring a few exceptions, but it is commonly used before when you combine two complete sentences into a compound sentence or when listing more than two items. It is important to use commas properly to avoid overuse and help ensure writing clarity.Introductory bits (small-medium-large) Setting off introductory words, phrases, or clauses …Sep 30, 2022 · The answer depends on how you are using or. Always place a comma before or when it begins an independent clause, but if it begins a dependent clause, don’t. In a series (or list) of three or more items, you can use a comma before or, but this is a preference, not a rule. People often get muddled about whether to place a comma before ... Rule #1: ALWAYS use a comma before which when it introduces a nonrestrictive clause. A nonrestrictive phrase adds detail to a sentence, but it is considered non-essential information and unnecessary for the overall understanding of the sentence. When a nonrestrictive phrase begins with the word which, comma usage is necessary to indicate the ...Jun 19, 2011 · The simplest rule-of-thumb, one that will rarely lead you wrong, is always to avoid comma after "So" at the start of a sentence, immediately after a semicolon, or immediately after a comma. That applies regardless of what "so" means there or what grammatical term you think would describe it. Using Commas With Dates. When a date includes two or more parts, use a comma after each item. An exception to this rule is when you use a month followed by a day or a year. For Example: The assignment was due on Monday, April 26, and had to be turned in online. The class trip to Greece departs on November 16, 2023.You should place a comma before “now” when it’s part of a secondary clause in a sentence. Generally, it starts a new clause, but that clause is still part of the previous sentence, meaning that “now” comes somewhere in the middle of the sentence. As we’ve stated, this isn’t a common occurrence. Most people prefer to place a period ...You should never place a comma between the preposition and “which,” and there’s also no need for a comma after “which” in these phrases. …When “which” introduces sentence-final, nonrestrictive information. The nonrestrictive clause may also come at the end of the sentence, and likewise, a pre-comma should be placed before “which” in this structure. The keys are in the blue purse inside my bag, which is on the countertop. The which-clause provides further information about ...The word "however" is not a conjunction (like "but"). It is a conjunctive adverb (like "subsequently"). When "however" starts a new idea and provides a bridge to the previous idea, it cannot be preceded by a comma. It can be preceded by a semicolon, but, most often, it should start a new sentence. For example:We don't usually need a comma before "if necessary", "when needed", etc. in the middle or at the end of a sentence. I will help you if needed. But use commas to add nonessential information or create a parenthetical feel in the middle or at the end of a sentence. Use disposable gloves, when required, before handling food.Aug 12, 2022 · Write with Grammarly. There are several types of introductory phrases, including prepositional phrases and appositive phrases. Sometimes a comma is necessary after an introductory phrase. Other times, the comma is optional, and there are also times when a comma should not be used. It is important to note that a comma should always be used if ... Dec 9, 2018 ... This video reviews some of the situations in English writing in which a comma must be used. Note that this is merely an overview and there ...Write the recipient’s name on the first line. Write the street address or post office (P.O.) box number on the second line. Write the city, state, and ZIP code on the third. To put this into use, let’s use an example of two characters communicating with addresses and dates in their writing. Jill is from Mars.A. Punctuation is not so simple that you can make a rule that a comma “always” follows a given word or phrase. Commas depend on syntax as well as pacing, tone, and personal preference. Two examples with next : Next comes the scene where he buries the toenails. Next, since he was still breathing, she worked a crossword puzzle.The Oxford comma is a punctuation mark whose use is hotly debated among certain English language writers, reporters, teachers, and academics. The use, or lack thereof, of the Oxford comma may cause confusion, depending on ... Personally, I think you should always use it to avoid confusion before it becomes …May 15, 2023 · Comma before and that joins two independent clauses. The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. The proper place for the comma is before the conjunction. On Monday we’ll see the Eiffel Tower, and on Tuesday we’ll visit the Louvre. When “which” introduces sentence-final, nonrestrictive information. The nonrestrictive clause may also come at the end of the sentence, and likewise, a pre-comma should be placed before “which” in this structure. The keys are in the blue purse inside my bag, which is on the countertop. The which-clause provides further information about ...Trask's summary of the rules for including bracketing commas are: Use a pair of bracketing commas to set off a weak interruption which could be removed from the sentence without destroying it. If the interruption comes at the beginning or the end of the sentence, use only one bracketing comma. Make sure the words set off are really an interruption.In certain cases, you can skip the comma when introducing a quotation. First, skip the comma if the quotation is introduced by a conjunction like “that,” “whether,” or “if.”. Following that guidance, I might write sentences like this: Eddard Stark is constantly reminding people that “winter is coming.”.Sep 16, 2015 ... If removing the phrase would change the meaning of the sentence, then it is restrictive and a comma should not be used. On the other hand, if ...If you are emulating a style of casual speech, as the others have explained, you could use a comma after so, especially if you hear a significant pause.Such a pause may be caused by indignation, hesitation, etc. So, what do you want to play with next? Traditional style, on the other hand, forbids it.Whether or …In favor of American English, style guides such as the American Psychological Association, Associated Press Stylebook, and Chicago Manual of Style, concur on using a comma after e.g. Whereas, British English …Use Commas after Conjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Phrases at the Beginnings of Sentences. Although our modern style calls for using as few commas as possible, you should generally place a comma after conjunctive adverbs and transitional words because they modify the entire sentence: Nevertheless, we must push …Jul 17, 2023 · The states do not require or mandate the use of a comma between the title of your business and the corporation or LLC designation when naming your business. That said, many business owners prefer to use the comma to set apart their business name and to meet state requirements for the designation. For example, if, you, as a business owner, name ... A comma signals a pause between parts of a sentence. When writing a list of three or more, the use of an Oxford comma before and is optional, but often recommended. They visited Portugal, Spain, and France. They visited Portugal, Spain and France. When and connects two independent clauses, a comma should be placed before it.The major styles in which you are supposed to put a comma before “and” are Chicago, MLA, APA and Oxford. The first three are American, and Oxford is British. MLA is an academic style used for topics in the humanities, such as literature. APA is also an academic style, used for education, psychology and science.Writers often ask whether they should put a comma before a conjunction (e.g., "and," "or," "but"). Use a comma before a conjunction that merges two sentences into one. Also, use a comma before the conjunction in a list of three or more items, but only if that's your local convention. (1) Use a comma before a conjunction if …If those synonyms make sense, you can use etc. You should never use “and et cetera.” Remember, et means “and.” “And et cetera” is redundant. Usage note: Don’t use a comma after etc. if it is at the end of the sentence. Examples of et cetera usage “Less work,” Peter offered, cheerily. “If the dog’s imaginary, I mean.

Insert a comma before contrast clauses. These clauses imply contrast and begin with words like although, though, whereas, while, and even if. (The slight pause lent by the comma emphasizes the contrast.) Examples. She speaks our language, although she is Martian. Maya likes tea, while Tumkin prefers coffee.. Can you order an uber for someone else

when should you use a comma

When using a comma before “unfortunately,” you must always include a comma after. This turns it into something called a parenthetical element (using parentheses just like this). Sometimes, you might not include the comma directly after “unfortunately.”. In these cases, it’s because there’s more to add to the …Because restrictive clauses provide essential information, you should never add a comma in front of them. That means that if you can’t take the clause beginning with “who” out of your sentence without changing its meaning, you should not add a comma before it. Examples: “Lakshmi preferred the James Bond actor who spoke with an …Oct 6, 2022 ... Comma before or after but? Use a comma before "but" when connecting two independent clauses and use it after "but" when it's an interrupter.We'll get to semicolons later. Colons (:) introduce clauses or phrases that serve to describe, amplify, or restate what precedes them. Often they are used to introduce a quote or a list that satisfies the previous statement. For example, this summary could be written as "Colons can introduce many things: descriptors, quotes, lists, and …Numbers with multiple digits are separated by commas into groups of three called periods. From right to left, each period contains a place for ones, tens and hundreds. Starting fro... Writing the Date Using the Weekday, Month, Date, and Year. If writing dates includes the weekday in a weekday-month-date-year format order, you must place a comma between the weekday and month and between the date and year. For example: The doctor’s appointment is on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. The last day of school is Thursday, May 26, 2023. The Oxford Comma — sometimes also known as the serial comma, the Harvard comma, or the Chicago comma — is an optional comma that appears before the final item in a list of three or more. This punctuation is commonly used for stylistic reasons or to clarify a sentence. For example, “She bought a pen, some paper, and scissors.”.Comma before “but” connecting independent clauses. You should include a comma before “but” when the two clauses it connects each have their own subject and verb.. This is the case even when the second subject is a pronoun referring to the same person or thing as the first clause, or when the second …The Oxford comma is a punctuation mark whose use is hotly debated among certain English language writers, reporters, teachers, and academics. The use, or lack thereof, of the Oxford comma may cause confusion, depending on ... Personally, I think you should always use it to avoid confusion before it becomes …Comma when “and” is part of a line of dialog. If a character in a work of fiction is speaking, the end of a line of dialog should be followed by either a comma or a period. If the dialog isn’t followed by a tag like “he said” or “she insisted,” then you need a period before the closing quotation mark. Otherwise, you need a comma.Apr 10, 2023 · Don’t use a comma before “and” if it’s not connecting two independent clauses. It goes without saying that a single word can’t be a clause, let alone an independent clause. That means if “and” connects two single words, you can’t insert a comma in front of it. Examples. “My favorite animals are llamas and sheep.”. As with many other rules in English grammar, the comma-after-introductory-clauses rule comes with an exception. When the introductory clause is short, the comma may be omitted as a matter of style. See the example below: Grabbing her umbrella, Kate raced out of the house. Grabbing her umbrella Kate raced out of the house.Don’t use a comma before “and” if it’s not connecting two independent clauses. It goes without saying that a single word can’t be a clause, let alone an independent clause. That means if “and” connects two single words, you can’t insert a comma in front of it. Examples. “My favorite animals are llamas and ….

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