1. Separating Items in a Series:
* Example: I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.
* Explanation: Use commas to separate items in a list, but place the final comma before the conjunction ("and" or "or") unless it's very short.
2. Separating Independent Clauses:
* Example: The sun is shining, and the birds are singing.
* Explanation: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) joining two independent clauses.
3. Setting Off Introductory Phrases or Clauses:
* Example: After a long day, I was exhausted.
* Explanation: When a phrase or clause precedes the main clause, use a comma to separate them.
4. Setting Off Nonrestrictive Clauses:
* Example: My car, which is red, is parked outside.
* Explanation: A nonrestrictive clause provides additional information but isn't essential to the sentence's meaning. Use commas to set it off.
5. Setting Off Appositives:
* Example: My dog, a golden retriever, is very playful.
* Explanation: An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or explains another noun. Use commas to set it off.
6. Dates, Addresses, and Titles:
* Example: On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed.
* Explanation: Use commas to separate parts of a date, address, or title.
7. Direct Address:
* Example: John, please pass me the salt.
* Explanation: When addressing someone directly, use a comma to separate the name from the rest of the sentence.
8. Parenthetical Expressions:
* Example: The meeting, however, was cancelled.
* Explanation: Use commas to set off parenthetical expressions that add additional information.
9. Numbers:
* Example: 1,000,000
* Explanation: Use commas to separate groups of three digits in numbers greater than 999.
10. To Avoid Confusion:
* Example: I saw a man, running down the street.
* Explanation: Use a comma to prevent misinterpretations, especially when a sentence could be read in multiple ways.
Remember: There are exceptions to these rules, and context plays a crucial role in determining proper comma usage.
If you're unsure about whether to use a comma, you can always consult a style guide or a grammar dictionary. Practice and familiarity will help you master the art of comma usage!