AVOIDING COMMA KAZI   (Missed or misplaced commas that bomb your paper)

These rules cover only the most commonly missed applications of commas for older students. Commas used for lists, dates, and other more simple, basic uses are not included here.

 

THE THREE COMMA RULES:
Use a comma with clauses and other “stuff” when they are —
1) introductory,
2) non-essential,
3) or when joining two sentences with and-but-or-nor-for-so-yet.

 

1.  Use a comma with most introductory elements

Use a comma for all introductory clauses and other introductory " stuff." This stuff includes introductory phrases (especially if they are long ones), and introductory-type words, such as well, yes, however, therefore,& nevertheless.

Examples:

Introductory Clauses

When we go to the ballgame, I want to buy a hotdog. (Introductory clause)
When I swim, I like to swim underwater. (short introductory clause)
(Remember: All introductory clauses get a comma.)

Introductory Phrase

On the bridge over the river in Shadydale, you’ll be attacked by a troll. (long introductory phrase—actually three prepositional phrases strung together—so the comma helps)
Under the bridge you’ll find a troll. (just a short introductory prepositional phrase, so you don’t have to put in a comma.)

Introductory Word

You may take the road over the bridge. However, you’ll be attacked by a troll. (Introductory word “however” gets a comma)
Well, we might find a troll under that bridge. (introductory word “Well” gets comma)
Finally, someone came along and killed that troll! (introductory word “finally” gets a comma)
Oh, I almost got clobbered by a troll. (introductory word “oh” gets comma)

2.  Use a comma with non-essential elements.

Always use a comma with with non-essential clauses, and often with other non-essential stuff. (“Non essential” just means it’s not necessary to the meaning of the sentence.)
Note: A non-essential clause usually has a parenthetical feel to it. In other words, the sentence would still make sense if you put the clause in parentheses.

Clauses

The woman who is wearing the red hat is the one in charge. 
This clause is essential because you don't know which woman unless you know about her hat.
The woman in charge, who is the main speaker tonight, is a close friend of our family.
This clause is non-essential – sounds parenthetical like it’s a side comment and it isn't necessary. It's just a sidebar comment.

Appositives (renaming elements in a sentence)

My daughter Rebecca is a film buff.
“Rebecca” is an appositive renaming the subject “my daughter.” I have two daughters, and you won’t know which one unless I give you her name. Thus, her name is essential, so I do not put commas around it.

My son, Robert, likes to play the piano. 
Now, the name is non-essential because I have only one son, so it has to be him. The “Robert” is technically unnecessary and commas are appropriate.
[As you can see from these two examples, sometimes an author is showing the reader what is essential or not by the absence or presence of commas.]

John Williams, the famous composer, did the musical score for this film.
The name John Williams is enough for you to know who did the score. The fact that he is a famous composer is not essential to the essence of the sentence.
The famous composer John Williams did the score for this film. 
There are lots of famous composers so you need the name John Williams to get the point. Thus, no commas.

3.  Use a comma when joining two sentences (independent clauses) with “and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.” Put the comma before the conjunction.

I’ll study my science this afternoon, and I’ll watch a movie with you tonight.
Two clauses make up the above sentence. Each one is independent and could stand alone. Just try dividing them up to check –

I’ll study my science this afternoon.
I’ll watch a movie with you tonight.
See? Each is fine by itself so each is “independent.”

Now, don’t confuse a compound sentence with a sentence that has a compound verb. A compound sentence will have two subjects and two verbs --a verb for each subject. A compound verb is when you have only one subject and two or more verbs, as in

"Mary walked to school and took her test."
Mary both walked and took. One subject does two things.

Now, look at this:

I’ll study my science this afternoon and watch a movie with you tonight.

There's no comma this time—notice that the “I” as a subject for the second sentence has been dropped. These are no longer two independent clauses, but rather two verbs which both use the same “I” as its subject, and you should not separate a verb from its subject with a comma. That’s a no-no.
 
There is an exception to this third rule about joining independent clauses – (are there always exceptions?!) – When both the sentences are very short and clear, you may skip the comma:
She laughed and he smiled at her. – A comma would be sort of intrusive here.

Memorize the three rules like this and it will help you remember the three main reasons to put commas in:

1) Introductory,
2) non-essential,
3) and-but-or-nor-for-so-yet.

 

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© Laurie J. White