Comma Rules 1-3

Comma Rules 1-3

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Multiple Choice

Comma Rule 1: Use commas in a list of....

• 2 or more

• 3 or more

• 4 or more

• doesn't matter how many items are in the list

Comma Rule 2​

Use commas in compound sentences: When you join 2 independent clauses together with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS), place a comma before the coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).​

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​Independent clause = complete sentence

​The coordinating conjunctions = For, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

Multiple Choice

Choose the answer that correctly punctuates the sentence:

My brother fell off his dirt bike but he didn't get hurt.

• My brother fell off his dirt bike but he didn't get hurt.

• My brother fell off his dirt bike but, he didn't get hurt.

• My brother fell off his dirt bike, but he didn't get hurt.

• My brother, fell off his dirt bike but, he didn't, get hurt.

Multiple Choice

Choose the answer that correctly punctuates the following:

Maria does not miss a day of work nor does she miss a day of school.

• Maria does not miss a day of work nor does she miss a day of school.

• Maria, does not miss a day, of work nor does she miss, a day of school.

• Maria does not miss a day of work nor, does she miss a day of school.

• Maria does not miss a day of work, nor does she miss a day of school.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that correctly punctuates the following:

Gloria has traveled to Mexico and has visited Europe many times.

• Gloria has traveled to Mexico and has visited Europe many times.

• Gloria has traveled to Mexico and, has visited Europe many times.

• Gloria has traveled to Mexico, and has visited Europe many times.

• Gloria, has traveled to Mexico, and has visited Europe, many times.

​How did you do on that last question?

​Remember, just because you see the word and does not guarantee a comma. You need to check:

• ​Is it a list of 3 or more?

• ​Is it a compound sentence (joining 2 complete thoughts together)?

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​If the answer to both questions is no, you should not use a comma before the "and"

​No commas before/after because

• ​because always starts a DEPENDENT clause (not a complete thought)

• ​usually, if a dependent clause is at the end of a sentence --> no comma

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​Example: Jerry loves Saturdays because he gets to hang out with friends.

Multiple Choice

Choose the option that punctuates the following correctly:

Geraud ran to the bathroom because he felt quite sick.

• Geraud ran to the bathroom, because he felt quite sick.

• Geraud ran to the bathroom because, he felt quite sick.

• Geraud ran to the bathroom because he felt quite sick.

​Comma Rule 3: Use commas after introductions

​Types of introductions include:

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• ​Prepositional phrases (groups of words beginning with prepositions such as above, across, against, along, among, around, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, by, down, from, in, into, near, of, off, on, to, toward, under, upon, with and within..... and more!)

• ​Participial phrases (group of words beginning with an -ing word)

• ​Dependent clauses (Group of words that is NOT a complete thought. Begins with words such as once, while, when, whenever, where, wherever, before, and after... and more!)

• ​Single words (such as yes, no, -ing words, and more!)

Think you have an introduction? Check your work!​

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​You can always take away the introduction and leave behind a complete thought.