![]() In American English, use a comma before closing a quotation mark.Ħ. The phrase, called an attributive tag, can come after, before, or in the middle of the quote. When you have a phrase like “she said” that identifies the speaker of the dialogue or quote, you use a comma to separate the phrase from the quote. In this case, the nonessential appositive word or phrase should be set off with commas. A nonessential appositive can be removed without it changing the meaning of the sentence. Use a comma with nonessential appositivesĪn appositive is a noun, pronoun, or phrase beside another noun or pronoun in the sentence that helps explain or identify it. In this case, place the comma before the question tag.ģ. Question tags are often used in sentences when the author is trying to get readers to agree with the statement. When the speaker in the sentence addresses the audience by name, it’s called a direct address. It can be helpful to keep these eight rules in mind so you can use them correctly. ![]() The 8 rules for commasĬommas have many uses. You should also use it in situations where there is ambiguity, as in the above example. The AP Style Guide doesn’t require the serial comma. Style guides that require the serial comma include the Oxford Style Manual, Chicago Manual of Style, and the MLA Style Manual. Using the serial comma is generally a matter of choice unless you must follow a set style guide. If you’re using a serial comma, you add a comma before the last conjunction in your list, as in the example above. However, there is a debate on whether you need a comma after toast. There always should be a comma after eggs and bacon. In the incorrect example, there are no commas, which makes it hard to read the list. Oxford Comma ) after each entry to make it easy to read and understand. When you’re writing a list or series of elements containing three or more items, you use a serial comma (aka. This phrase is a dependent clause that doesn’t act as a whole sentence. You use an introductory comma after a clause, phrase, or word at the start of a sentence. ĭoes this mean you always put a comma after a conjunction? No! Remember, this rule applies when you’re joining together two independent or main clauses. Place a comma before the conjunction when combining two independent clauses with a conjunction. Some common interrupter words and phrases include: however, unfortunately, in fact, needless to say, therefore, and sadly. You can often find where interrupter or bracketing commas are needed by reading the sentence aloud. Interrupter commas help the flow of the sentence and add clarity. ![]() ![]() These interruptions should be bracketed by commas, with a comma before and after the interruption. Sometimes sentences have interruptions, or little thoughts, in the middle of the sentence. When trying to decide if your sentence needs a comma, it can help to think about four types, or common uses, of commas. In this post, we explain the different types of commas, some critical grammar rules, and how to use commas in your writing to prevent you from misusing this common punctuation mark. With such varied uses, it’s easy for even the most grammar-savvy person to get confused sometimes. The comma helps you separate words, phrases, and ideas within a sentence. ![]() A comma is a versatile punctuation mark, which is why it often gets misused. For example, “Let’s eat Grandpa!” has a completely different meaning from “Let’s eat, Grandpa!”Ī well-placed comma adds clarity to your sentences. OK, we might be exaggerating a little bit, but a misplaced comma can lead to confusion and hilarious misunderstandings. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |