When should I use commas?

Question

I always have trouble knowing when to use commas, or when not to use them. Is there a little trick that can help me to remember?

Answer 1

a comma is used before the word and I think. I use them when I am pausing or listing. your teacher should be able to better answer this

Answer 2

When you have two complete sentences (that is, independent clauses) joined by a co-ordinating conjunction, you MUST use a comma before the conjunction or you will have a comma splice.

Ex: Sam left early for the movie, but he forgot to bring his wallet.

Here's an easy formula to remember: SV , + conj. SV
Read as: Subject and Verb comma plus conjunction Subject and Verb

That formula should help you to remember that you need to have a complete sentence on both sides of the conjunction when you use a comma.

Co-ordinating conjunctions may be remembered with this acronym: FANBOYS

For, And, Nor, But, Or Yet, So

*Note: You may use a semi-colon instead of Comma + Conj to join 2 sentences.

Answer 3

i guess the best thing to do would be to read what you write the way you would normally say it, and wherever you would pause at, put a comma. By 'pause' I don't mean take a breath, I mean when there is a split second where you don't say anything. There are so many rules for commas though, its hard to remember exactly where to put one and probably can't be done with one trick.


For example you would say:

During the play there was a huge monster that jumped up roared and scared children.


You wouldn't say it like:

During the play there was a huge monster that jumped up roared and scared children.

Answer 4

You just need to memorise in what situations they are used, then you'll be fine.
1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.

~~ The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.
~~ Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so she took him out to dinner.
~~ The student explained her question, yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.

2. Use commas after introductory clauses
Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while.

~~ Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class.
~~ If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.
~~ When the snow stops falling, we'll shovel the driveway.
~~ While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.

Have a read of this article:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_comma.html

Answer 5

Neither sentence ought to have any commas and component of your confusion is that your grammar is susceptible, too. #2: i will on no account comprehend why some human beings, whilst they bypass away my room, on no account want to close the door. We call that "Biting the hand that feeds you." good success getting with the aid of useful that. Bye. You gonna argue with Gretchen too? You asked the question, do no longer ask in case you do no longer want to pay attention the solutions.

Answer 6

While reading, when do you pause to take a breath of air, tht's whan you usually place a comma.

Answer 7

Before but

Between a list
Ex. I have a TV, a computer, and a stereo (it is optional before and)

Before and after a phrase that can be removed from a sentence

Ex. Kiwi, although it is sour, is my favorite fruit.

You could have just said:
Kiwi is my favorite fruit.

So, put commas around although sour.


LASTLY, when you have quotes

John said, "Mrs. Smith is a nice person."

Answer 8

Yes, there are tricks to using commas.

Answer 9

You should use commas when you are making a list in a paragraph sometthing like that (lol)

Answer 10

Check this out.