COMMAS
FANBOYS, SPLICES, and MORE!
Simple Comma Usage Rules
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Use a comma between items in a list of three or more.
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Example: I love bananas, peaches, and apples.
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Use a comma to set off an introductory word, phrase, or clause.
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Example 1: Generally, dogs make good pets.
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Example 2: However, cats are more independent.
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Example 3: Unhappy with her choice, Julie decided to get a pet bird instead.
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Example 4: While the bird was pretty, it was also loud and messy.
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FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. Use a comma before a FANBOY when it is used to join two independent clauses.
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Example 1: She likes hot peppers, but she does not like hot sauce.
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Example 2: The boy ran away from home, so he could get attention.
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Comma Splice
A comma splice is when you separate two complete thoughts without using a FANBOY or a subordinator.
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Example 1: My dog is very hairy, I brush him every day.
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Correction: My dog is very hairy, so I brush him every day.
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Example 2: Burritos are my favorite food, they give me gas.
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Correction: Burritos are my favorite food, although they give me gas.
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Common myths about commas
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Myth: Long sentences need a comma
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Truth: The length of a sentence does not determine comma use, there are flexible yet predictable rules regarding comma use.
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Myth: You should add a comma wherever you pause.
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Truth: This is not a reliable determination of comma usage as all readers breathe or pause differently.
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