A Comma Story
Once upon a time...
...there was a boy who just didn't understand how to use commas correctly. The boy thought, "I must learn how to use commas. If only someone could teach me how to use them..."
The Basics
When readers see a comma, they know the following:
- there is a slight pause
- particular words and phrases relate to other parts of the sentence
Read the following sentences. How does the meaning change depending on how the commas are placed within the sentences?
Commas with a Series
If you have a series of items, use a comma to separate the items. For example:
->The new convertible 2001 Ford and Chevy pick up were involved in a wreck.
How many vehicles were involved?
With the following punctuation, you'd see that three vehicles were involved.
->The new convertible, 2001 Ford and Chevy pickup...
However, this punctuation shows that only two vehicles were involved.
-> The new convertible 2001 Ford and Chevy pickup...
Commas with Quoted Material
If a quoted sentence is interrupted by words such as he said or she replied, use commas this way:
->"For this contest," he said, "you need three pencils and two pieces of paper."
Note that the first comma goes before the closing quotation mark and the second comma goes before the beginning of the quotation mark.
If the words being quoted make up a question or an exclamation, don't include a comma:
->"Put that down right now!" Barry cried.
Commas with Clauses, Phrases, etc.
Take a look at this sentence:
->The handsome man over there, the only one who works in the deli department of the local supermarket, has black hair and brown eyes.
^If you took out the clause (or part) that says the only one who works in the deli department, the sentence would still have its essential parts and keep its same meaning. Therefore, you would have used the comma correctly.
FYI: Commas are also used after introductory words such as exclamations, common expressions, and names used in direct address that are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence. For example:
->Why, don't you look nice tonight!
->If you must know, I have been highlighting my hair for the past ten years.
Likewise...
Commas are often used after introductory words
or phrases. If you have words that begin a sentence
and you could understand the remainder of the
sentence without these words, then you should use
a comma to separate them from the rest of the
sentence. For example:
->Regardless of her illness, Ashley still went out last night.
"Never fear! Ms. Hoffman to the rescue!"
In Essence...
"Have no fear! Ms. Hoffman to the rescue!"
Commas are awesome! They give life to reading and affect the meaning of how sentences are read and understood. Learn 'em, live 'em, love 'em.
Information and examples courtesy of "The Only Grammar Book You'll Ever Need" by Susan Thurman