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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.

Try this: Would the sentence still be a complete thought, even if I removed the phrase that is in between the commas? If the answer is yes, you need those commas!

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

clipart defining adjectives

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.

 

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