Rules For Using Commas

Rules for Using COMMAS Writing in English

Liceo Scientifico Agnoletti a.s. 2009 Prof. Salvadori Ilaria

A) Use a comma before the eight coordinating conjunctions if they connect two complete sentences • 2) 3) 4)

And, or, so, but, nor, yet, for, altough Ne came arly, but she came late He was hungry, yet he didn’t eat anything I was ready to leave, for there was nothing to do there ......but in case of two non complete sentences: 6) He came early and left late 7) I was hungry and wanted to eat

B) After a subordinate clause that comes before a main clause •

2) 3)

A subordinate clause has subj and vb but is not a complete sentence, it adds info to another clause, the main clause, that often tells when or why or under what circumstances

When I’m hungry, I go to McDonald’s Even though I had a test the following day, I went to a movie 4) If it rains, we’ll see a movie …but… 6) I go to McDonald’s when i’m hungry 7) I went to a movie even though i had a test…

C) Around extra information words that don’t include a verb • 1) New Hempshire, a state with many tall mountains, is my home • 2) My son, Rick, is home from college • 3) My father, a good doctor, took care of… • 4) We played a lot of sport. For example, we played volleyball every afternoon

D) With non-defining relative clauses •

1) Professor Smith, who teaches the evening class, is at home • 2) Central Park, which was built by Olmsted, is one of the world’s most venerated parks • 3) I have one aunt. My aunt, who lives in New Jersey, is old …but… 5) I’d like to visit a park that has a zoo and a picnic area 6) I have 2 aunts. My aunt who lives in New Jersey is old

E) Between two elements or items in a list • I come from Cali, Colombia • I like bananas, pears, … and peaches

Exercise • 1. One day I told her that she was losing her mind but she paid no attention to me. • 2. If you see her tell her that I need paper clips pens pencils and White Out. • 3. My neighbor an annoying old man always complains when I play loud music after 9 PM but I don't pay any attention to him. • 4. She comes from Belgrade Yugoslavia so she speaks Serbo-Croatian. • 5. Before she has lunch she usually cleans the kitchen and yesterday was no exception. • 6. My teacher who always has a smile on her face started working here in May 1998.