Menu Close

What are commas used for in a sentence?

What are commas used for in a sentence?

A comma indicates a pause between the ending of an introductory word, phrase, or clause, and the beginning of the main part of the sentence. The most common introductory word groups are clauses or phrases which function as adverbs, telling how, why, when, where, or under what conditions something happened.

How do you know if a sentence needs a comma?

  1. Commas (Eight Basic Uses)
  2. USE A COMMA TO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES.
  3. USE A COMMA AFTER AN INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE OR PHRASE.
  4. USE A COMMA BETWEEN ALL ITEMS IN A SERIES.
  5. USE COMMAS TO SET OFF NONRESTRICTIVE CLAUSES.
  6. USE A COMMA TO SET OFF APPOSITIVES.
  7. USE A COMMA TO INDICATE DIRECT ADDRESS.

What are the 5 uses of a comma?

The 5 Uses of a Comma

  • Separating the main elements of a sentence from each other.
  • Setting off a parenthetical element from the rest of the sentence.
  • Separating elements in a series.
  • Setting off dialogs or quotations.
  • Other uses of the comma.

How do you use commas correctly?

Commas (Eight Basic Uses)

  1. Use a comma to separate independent clauses.
  2. Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
  3. Use a comma between all items in a series.
  4. Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
  5. Use a comma to set off appositives.
  6. Use a comma to indicate direct address.
  7. Use commas to set off direct quotations.

How do you teach punctuation for beginners?

I would suggest starting with a question mark, comma, period, and exclamation point. Next, read some simple sentences out loud. Use the correct inflections and clear pauses to help the students identify which card is correct. The students will then pop up the card with the correct punctuation mark by holding it up.

What does a comma look like?

The comma , is a punctuation mark that appears in several variants in different languages. It has the same shape as an apostrophe or single closing quotation mark (‘) in many typefaces, but it differs from them in being placed on the baseline of the text.

What are the different types of commas?

There are four types of comma: the listing comma, the joining comma, the gapping comma and bracketing commas. A listing comma can always be replaced by the word and or or: Vanessa seems to live on eggs, pasta and aubergines.

How do you teach commas?

Comma Usage

  1. Use commas to separate items in a series.
  2. Use commas after introductory words or mild interjections.
  3. Use commas to set off words of direct address.
  4. Use commas to set off one or more words that interrupt the flow of a sentence.

What are the 3 comma rules?

Download or print a PDF of these rules which also include exercises.

  • Use a comma to separate independent clauses.
  • Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
  • Use a comma between all items in a series.
  • Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
  • Use a comma to set off appositives.