Example: The f irst year university, for example, is a very busy year. Here are some other examples from our friends over at ProWritingAid:. Sometimes, your instructor might point out that you've used a comma splice in your essay. So what is it and how can you resolve it? Here are some quick articles to show you how to fix it.
What is a comma splice? Example: The twins attended Tulane because their parents went there. This sentence clearly conveys that the main reason the twins went to Tulane was because their parents attended Tulane. This sentence is ambiguous.
With the comma before because , the sentence more clearly conveys that the twins desired a college other than the one their parents attended. Rule 4a. When starting a sentence with a dependent clause , use a comma after it. Example: If you are not sure about this, let me know now. Follow the same policy with introductory phrases.
Example: Having finally arrived in town, we went shopping. However, if the introductory phrase is clear and brief three or four words , the comma is optional. Example: Last Sunday, evening classes were canceled. The comma prevents a misreading. When an introductory phrase begins with a preposition, a comma may not be necessary even if the phrase contains more than three or four words.
Example: Into the sparkling crystal ball he gazed. If such a phrase contains more than one preposition, a comma may be used unless a verb immediately follows the phrase. Examples: Between your house on Main Street and my house on Grand Avenue, the mayor's mansion stands proudly.
Between your house on Main Street and my house on Grand Avenue is the mayor's mansion. Rule 4b. But often a comma is unnecessary when the sentence starts with an independent clause followed by a dependent clause. Example: Let me know now if you are not sure about this. Rule 5a. Use commas to set off nonessential words, clauses, and phrases see Who, That, Which , Rule 2b. Incorrect: Jill who is my sister shut the door.
Correct: Jill, who is my sister, shut the door. Incorrect: The actor knowing it was late hurried home. Correct: The actor, knowing it was late, hurried home. In the preceding examples, note the comma after sister and late.
Nonessential words, clauses, and phrases that occur midsentence must be enclosed by commas. The closing comma is called an appositive comma. Many writers forget to add this important comma.
Following are two instances of the need for an appositive comma with one or more nouns. Incorrect: My best friend, Joe arrived. Correct: My best friend, Joe, arrived. Incorrect: The three items, a book, a pen, and paper were on the table. Correct: The three items, a book, a pen, and paper, were on the table.
Rule 5b. If something or someone is sufficiently identified, the description that follows is considered nonessential and should be surrounded by commas. Examples: Freddy, who has a limp, was in an auto accident. If we already know which Freddy is meant, the description is not essential. The boy who has a limp was in an auto accident. We do not know which boy is meant without further description; therefore,no commas are used.
Careful writers and readers understand that the first sentence means I have more than one brother. The commas in the second sentence mean that Bill is my only brother. Each language has its own specific rules. But, those differences are part of what makes language and writing so rich and enjoyable. At the end of a sentence, you will find a full stop. This is an indication that the sentence is over. However, a comma will indicate that you should take a smaller break.
And, might also be referred to as a soft pause. It can separate ideas within a sentence, clauses, and words. There are a few rules about how to use a comma and a few factors that can help you choose if you should use one or not. Some parts of grammar are easy to understand.
For example when you should use a capital letter, and when you should use a full stop. Here are some key places you should or should not be using a comma. When you are introducing a sentence, you will most often use a comma. Here is an example:. When the show is over, Richard will come home. Clutching her keys, Rachel ran out of the building.
If the phrase is longer than four words, most often, there should be a comma. If you want to pause for effect, you can also add a comma. Before drinking the group said cheers! This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
The student explained her question , yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand. Use commas after introductory a clauses, b phrases, or c words that come before the main clause. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. While I was eating , the cat scratched at the door. Because her alarm clock was broken , she was late for class.
When the snow stops falling , we'll shovel the driveway. However, don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent subordinate clause follows it except for cases of extreme contrast. Common introductory phrases that should be followed by a comma include participial and infinitive phrases, absolute phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, and long prepositional phrases over four words. Common introductory words that should be followed by a comma include yes, however, well. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, then the element in question is nonessential and should be set off with commas.
Here are some example sentences with nonessential elements:. Clause : That Tuesday , which happens to be my birthday, is the only day when I am available to meet. Phrase : This restaurant has an exciting atmosphere. The food , on the other hand, is rather bland. Word : I appreciate your hard work.
In this case , however, you seem to have over-exerted yourself. Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that relative clauses.
That clauses after nouns are always essential.
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