Friday 29 April 2011

Punctuation - The Comma







The comma is very frequently used and very frequently used wrong because comma is tricky as there are so many different ways of using it.

There are probably a hundred different rules that govern how to use comma, but I ma going to limit this discussion to only five rules of using the comma.



What is a Comma?

A comma is used in many contexts and languages, principally for separating things. 

1) Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as wellnow, or yes.

Examples: 
i)Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day...
ii)Yes, I do need that report.

2) Use comma with a coordinating conjunction  to connect two sentences.

Coordinating conjunctions = and, but, for, nor, or , yet and so.

Example: Redza will pass the comma test, but Sarah will not.

3) Use commas and an and to connect three or more items.

Example: Redza will buy  a bag of potato chips, a hot dog, and a soda.
                                                      (1)                      (2)                 (3)

4) Use commas to separate the elements of dates and places.
Examples: 
i) The date was June 12, 1999.
ii) He was born in Alor Setar, Kedah. 

5) Use commas around an expression that interrupts the flow of the sentence.
Words such as however, moreover, finally, therefore, of course, by the way, on the other hand, I am
sure, I think, or someone’s name.
Examples:
i) Vegetation responds, therefore, to changes in parent material.




Love,


Grammar Goddess.