Where do you put commas?

Question

I should know this by now, but can someone help me with commas, so I don’t keep making the same mistakes? Biggest problems:

Commas separating and, but, so, ect, when do you need them and when don’t you (not referring to a series here).

For instance: I went to the store today AND I studied my chemistry homework.
I have been told it is when both sides of the And are different sentences, but I have seen sentences with complete sentences on either side and no comma? Help.
Or: I went to the store BUT I didn’t buy macaroni. Same thing with so.. how do you know when there is a comma and when there isn’t. Can you give me some examples of when you do and don't or Web sites with resources?

Or is another problem! Is it the same rule with the sentence on either side?

Answer 1

The comma is often used to separate two independent clauses (a group of words that can function as a sentence) that are joined by a co-ordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so). Some people feel this is obligatory, while others prefer to use the comma only when not doing so would lead to a different reading.

* I passed the test, but he failed. (comma) — I passed the test and He failed can function as separate sentences
* I walked home and left shortly after. (no comma) — Although I walked home is independent, left shortly after is dependent on the first part of the sentence

Answer 2

Commas provide breaks in sentences, or in lists. You don't need commas where there are are conjunctions. An excellent example of incorrect cooma use is Elspeth Truss's book "Eats, Shoots and Leaves". As written it means that the subject consumes food, fires a gun and departs. Without the comma, it is the diet of the giant Panda. Example: I went to the shop and bought tea, milk and sugar.. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

hi coco, normally, words such as yes, no, well, why, and oh are followed by a comma.
example: Oh, no, I didn't intend to buy it.
Yes, I realize that it is a direct quote.

Adverbs such as besides, however, anyhow, nonetheless at the beginning of a sentence areset off by commas.
Sometimes we have TRANSPOSED WORDS AND PHRASES which is words and phrases moved to the beginning of a sentence from their normal position are set off by a comma.
EXAMPLE: He had a little success, unfortunately. ( that is a Normal Order)
Unfortunately, he had a little success. ( that is a Transposed Order)

in addition, An APPOSITIVE is set off from the rest of the sentence by commas.
Example: Mr. Rivera, an anthropologist, discussed man's origin.
The English writer, Joseph Conrad, was actually Polish.


And also, words of direct address are set off by commas.
Example: David, will you please move your car?
Don't forget to leave a tip, Peter.
People doubt, Mary, that your views are correct.

Parenthetical expressions are also set off by comma. Some expressions that are often used parenthetically are:
of course, as a matter of fact, for example, in fact,
indeed, I believe, I hope, and on the other hand.

well, i hope, my answers would help you solve your problem. GOD bless.

Answer 4

you could use it insread of a fullstop if you want to use the word and at the begining of a scentence. or you could use it in a lst
eg
i went to the shops and bought eggs,chips , fruit and a cat.

♥♥ hope it helped♥♥

Answer 5

the pencil sharpener book and pen were stolen

Answer 6

ya don't need one there!