2 Punctuation: Commas
Meet the Comma: Click here to see what you already know about using commas.
Commas can put a PAUSE in your sentence and
Commas can COMBINE TWO IDEAS into a single sentence. (Subordinate/Dependent Clause) and
When you have 2 thoughts or ideas in one sentence AND one of these FANBOYS words join the 2 thoughts, insert a comma before the FANBOYS word.
Examples
If you would finish editing these reports, we could go for a break.
While I finished my homework, my friend listened to music.
I thought that I knew most of my grammar rules, but I forgot about commas.
I wanted to get a better grade on the next quiz, so I decided to access tutoring services.
Commas SHOW THE RELATION between 2 nouns that are side-by-side and refer to the same person/place/thing. (Apposition) and
Commas are used BEFORE AND AFTER A PHRASE THAT ADDS SOME EXTRA INFORMATION but is not actually necessary to complete the sentence.
Examples
My physician, Dr. Sharad, is a great listener!
The patient’s pain, which has been getting worse over the past day, is not responding to medication.
Appositives: Click here to test your learning.
Commas are used when there is a QUOTE, either at the beginning or at the end of a sentence.
Examples
The instructor asked, “Are you ready for your exam?”
“Please put all of your books and notes away,” said the instructor.
Comma separate items in a LIST:
Example: I would like to study with Rania, Jill, Sarah and Mariam.
But…
If there are only 2 nouns/verbs in a list, you do NOT need a comma. Instead, use and between these nouns or verbs.
If there are 2 adjectives describing the same noun, separate the adjectives with a comma.
Examples
I enjoy reading and exercising.
The patient has a red, swollen lesion on his left knee.
Punctuating Lists: Click here to test your learning.
Use a comma after INTRODUCTORY WORDS or phrases.
Examples
However, I have not completed my studies.
Therefore, we will have to spend the weekend working on our assignments.
The next day, the patient began to ambulate.
Commas and Introductory Elements: Click here to test your learning.
References
Carter, R., McCarthy, M., Mark, G., & O’Keefe, A. (2016). Explore the English Grammar. Retrieved May 6, 2021, from Cambridge Dictionary Grammar: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/apposition
Sims, L. M. (2008). The Book of Style for Medical Transcription (3rd ed.). Modesto, California, United States of America: Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity.
FANBOYS is a mnemonic to help recall the connecting words for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Apposition means having 2 side-by-side nouns in a sentence, both of which are referring to the same person/place/thing.
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