Comma

Punctuation

saves lives!

LET'S EAT GRANDMA!

Let's eat, Grandma!

Why do we use commas?

​In general, commas are used for clarity, to communicate when a speaker would pause or use non-verbal signals to communicate meaning. Make sure you use commas correctly by following four simple rules.

​Rule #1:

In a series of three or more elements, use commas to separate the elements.

​Commas are used to separate the elements of a series so that a reader can easily see where one element ends and the next begins.

Correct:

Incorrect:

Example:

This sentence has a list of ingredients.

Commas between the ingredients will avoid confusion.

​The cake contains raisins dried apricots pineapple pieces walnuts and almonds.

​The cake contains raisins, dried apricots, pineapple pieces, walnuts, and almonds.

Rule #2:

​Use a comma before a FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)

when one of these words is used to join independent clauses.

​for

​

​

​

yet

so​

​

​

​Commas are used to mark the end of one independent clause and the beginning of another when the two independent clauses are joined to make a single sentence using FANBOYS.

What's the difference between a cat and a comma?

​One has claws at the end of its paws, and one is a pause at the end of a clause.

​

​😜

Rule #3:

Do not use a comma to separate the subject from its verb.

​A comma that separates the subject of a sentence from the verb is grammatically incorrect and will only confuse the reader.

Rule #4:

Do not use a comma to separate the verb from the rest of the sentence.

​The comma leaves the rest of the sentence disconnected from the main body of the sentence.