What are the rules for commas in a sentence?

What are the rules for commas in a sentence?

USE A COMMA AFTER AN INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE OR PHRASE. Rule: Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. A comma tells readers that the introductory clause or phrase has come to a close and that the main part of the sentence is about to begin. 1. When Evan was ready to iron, his cat tripped on the cord.

What are the different types of commas?

There are four types of comma: the listing comma, the joining comma, the gapping comma and bracketing commas. A listing comma can always be replaced by the word and or or: Vanessa seems to live on eggs, pasta and aubergines.

Where do I put a comma?

Commas (Eight Basic Uses)

1. Use a comma to separate independent clauses.
2. Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
3. Use a comma between all items in a series.
4. Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
5. Use a comma to set off appositives.
6. Use a comma to indicate direct address.
7. Use commas to set off direct quotations.

What is an example of a nonrestrictive clause?

A nonrestrictive element describes a word whose meaning is already clear without the additional words. It is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and is set off with commas. Example: The children needed sturdy shoes, which were expensive. In this sentence we learn an extra fact—the shoes were expensive.

Can a sentence have two commas?

Last but not least, use a comma to separate three or more items. You can use two commas for three items, or if you’re like me you obsess over the Oxford Comma. That’s the little comma that can be arguable both necessary and unnecessary, and is after the last item listed in the series.

Can you put a comma after and?

The simple truth is that you never need a comma after “and” because of the word “and” itself. In other words, unless there is some other grammatical reason that a comma needs to appear at that point in the sentence, the word “and” shouldn’t be followed by one.