8 Comma Rules | How to Use Commas | English Writing Essentials

Summary

In this Sparkle English lesson, Jennifer teaches eight essential comma rules for English writing. These rules cover topics such as using commas in lists, between independent clauses, with introductory elements, and when separating non-essential information. She provides clear examples, practice exercises, and emphasizes consistency in punctuation style. Jennifer also explains how to handle quotations, dates, and city-country separations. The video is designed to help learners improve their writing clarity and understanding of comma usage, making it easier for them to express ideas effectively in English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use commas to separate items in a list of three or more, with the Oxford comma being optional but recommended for consistency.
• 😀 A comma is required to separate two independent clauses when they are joined by conjunctions like 'for,' 'and,' 'nor,' 'but,' 'or,' 'yet,' and 'so' (FANBOYS).
• 😀 Use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause, especially when the dependent clause comes first in the sentence.
• 😀 Non-essential information in a sentence should be set off with commas. For example, adding extra information like 'my girlfriend' does not change the core sentence.
• 😀 Commas should separate a quotation from the rest of the sentence, typically placed before the closing quotation marks in American English.
• 😀 When a quotation ends in a question mark or exclamation point, do not use a comma before the closing quotation marks.
• 😀 Introductory elements, such as interjections or introductory phrases, should be followed by a comma.
• 😀 Use commas to separate the name of a city from the country or state, such as 'Paris, France' or 'Toronto, Ontario.'
• 😀 When writing dates, commas should separate the day of the week, the day of the month, and the year, like 'Wednesday, March 11, 2020.'
• 😀 Practice using commas through various examples to improve your writing consistency and punctuation accuracy.

Q & A

What is the first rule for using commas in English writing?

The first rule is to use commas to separate items in a series of three or more things. The Oxford comma is optional, but if you use it, you should be consistent throughout your writing.

What is the Oxford comma, and when is it used?

The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction in a list of three or more items. For example, in 'I bought ham, cheese, and bread,' the Oxford comma is placed after 'cheese.' It is optional but should be used consistently.

What does FANBOYS stand for, and how does it help with comma usage?

FANBOYS stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So. These are coordinating conjunctions that connect two independent clauses. When using FANBOYS to connect independent clauses, a comma should be placed before the conjunction.

Can you give an example of how to use a comma with FANBOYS?

Sure! For example: 'I want to quit my job, but I need the money.' The comma separates the two independent clauses: 'I want to quit my job' and 'I need the money.'

What is the difference between a dependent clause and an independent clause?

An independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause, on the other hand, is not a complete thought and cannot stand alone. For example, 'When I move to Spain' is a dependent clause, but 'You can come visit me' is an independent clause.

Why is it important to use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause?

It's important to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause with a comma to clarify the structure of the sentence. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures the sentence is grammatically correct.

How do you know when to place commas around non-essential information in a sentence?

Non-essential information provides extra details that can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. For example, 'Jane, my girlfriend, is coming to the party.' The phrase 'my girlfriend' is non-essential, so commas are used to separate it from the rest of the sentence.

What is the rule for using commas with quotations in American English?

In American English, commas always go before closing quotation marks. For example, 'I am exhausted,' he said. However, if the quotation ends with a question mark or exclamation point, no comma is needed.

When do you use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of a sentence?

A comma is used to separate an introductory element, such as a word or phrase, from the rest of the sentence. For example: 'Unfortunately, I didn’t finish my work on time.' The word 'Unfortunately' is an introductory element.

How do you use commas with dates and locations?

Commas are used to separate the day of the week, the day of the month, and the year, as well as to separate a city from a country or state. For example: 'Today is Wednesday, March 11, 2020.' and 'I live in Madrid, Spain.'