Commas in the space provided, write c if the sentence is correctly punctuated. Some writers use fewer marks of punctuation, but others prefer to use many. On december 12, 1890, orders were sent out for the arrest of sitting bull. Master them all and well, youve mastered punctuation. Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, yet, and so when these words connect two independent clauses. The receptionist will admit you, the radiologist will xray you, the nurse will prepare you for surgery, and the surgeon will operate. Rules for comma usage how can such a small symbol cause so much trouble. If comma usage is one of the banes of your writing existence, then this handout is for you.
The three most common comma rules while there are many specific uses for commas, nearly eightyfive percent of the commas used in written english are used in a mere three situations if you know the basic rule for these three cases, you can use commas in over fourfifths of the times you need to use commas. An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that expresses a complete thought. Add commas to the following sentences where needed. Paul was a pilot but most of us were afraid to fly with him. Quotation marks or speech marks show that words have been directly quoted. Prem, jane, and ellen were in charge of gathering all the items to sell. Rules for finding and fixing comma splices and fused. Use commas to set off words that add emphasis, shift attention or provide a fuller explanation parentheticals, yes, no, names in.
The blue book of grammar and punctuation an easytouse guide with clear rules, realworld examples, and reproducible quizzes tenth edition jane straus. The lack of a comma in the first version implies that overtime rules do not apply only to packing that is done for shipment or distribution of particular food types in contrast, the comma in the second version implies that overtime rules do not apply to either packing or distribution of particular food types in this case, its a significant distinction. Due to these common mistakes, students loose important marks in exams. But even though no one has pronounced knee as kuhnee in centuries, we still hang on to the old spelling. People probably have more trouble with the semicolon than any other punctuation mark. Around shakespeares time, when spelling was first becoming standardized, the spelling of most english words was mostly phoneticor at least more phonetic than it is today. You will also find examples of each punctuation mark in ordinary english sentences. Some people argue that the last comma before the word and, also known as an oxford comma, is unnecessary. Since we would be returning late anyway, we stayed to watch the sunset. I covered commas in a separate posthere ill be explaining the other punctuation rules you need to know, which deal with apostrophes, semicolons, colons, and dashes. However, it didnt take long for others to jump on board.
There are some cases where you know you should use a comma such as when separating items in a list but there are other times when you might be unsure whether or not a comma is needed while theres some degree of flexibility in how commas are used, its important to have a clear grasp of the rules. The 5 uses of a comma in english writing worldleading. Putting an apostrophe in the wrong place is a mistake that is commonly 8 most common punctuation mistakes to avoid read more. Of all the punctuation marks in english, this one is perhaps the most abused and misused. The little girl couldnt decide if she wanted apple juice, orange juice or grape juice for breakfast. The only time you break this rule is when the writer is trying to eliminate confusion for the reader. But high school students are taught a simple rule of thumb thats often forgotten over time. What are the 14 punctuation marks in english grammar. Everything after the because and comma is just extra information that is usually not needed. Use commas to separate items in a series of three or more. Semicolons are most commonly used to merge two independent clauses. Two common errors in writing compound sentences are the comma splice and the runon sentence. Do not use a comma to separate any element of the date, when written in british style also common around the world and in the u. In this article, we are going to talk about 20 common english grammar mistakes made by students in their exams.
In order to create solid, and better expressing content, you should be carefully following the punctuation in your essay. The act tests a specific set of punctuation rules, most of which deal with commas. Punctuation is the key in expressing through your text. In speaking, we use pauses and the pitch of the voice to make what we say clear. Common grammatical and spelling errors miscellaneous resources acceptexcept affecteffect all right not alright altaralter assureinsureensure breathbreathe complementcompliment counselcouncil emigrateimmigrate leadled looselose mootmute itsits pastpassed principalprinciple reinreign shuttershudder thanthen. Use a comma to separate a list of three or more things. While there are no hard and fast rules about punctuation, there are good style guidelines. The 14 act grammar rules you must know prepscholar. Use commas to set off words that add emphasis, shift attention or provide a fuller explanation parentheticals, yes, no, names in direct address. Wartime inventions b now name the types of sentences used in the paragraph above. Students at our high school organized a garage sale to raise money for a local charity.
These are posters that you can hang anywhere in your classroom to help remind your students of when and how to use commons properly. The 4 most violated comma rules in transcripts avoid overuse of commas by using them only when one of these rules dictates. Heres brief rundown of everything this article will cover. It strengthens the structure of your text, and formation of your sentence. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Comma free handout and activity by presto plans tpt. Go up two flights of stairs, turn right, walk to the end of the hall, and. Most people have no clue there are eight comma rules. Clearly, there are not two sentences, so no comma is needed. One of the most frequent errors in comma usage is the placement of a comma after a coordinating conjunction. There are lots of rules about comma usage, and often the factors that determine whether you should use one are quite subtle. For example, english speakers did once pronounce the k at the beginning of words like knife and knee. Mistakes with punctuation, spelling and grammar could lower school grades and limit career growth. Vanilla, lemon, and butter pecan were the three choices of ice cream flavors.
Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. As confusion may arise from having two styles of dates, you had better not write dates using numbers alone. Commas can be a particularly tricky punctuation mark. London is a very old city, although some parts of it are extremely modern. If each part could stand on its own as a complete sentence, you need to. Commas and semicolons in the space provided, write c if the sentence is correctly punctuated, and correct other sentences with a comma or a semicolon. The semicolon is an immensely useful punctuation mark for those who are looking to slam two slightly related clauses together into a single triumphant sentence. Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. All the grammar, punctuation, and usage rules and examples on the website plus dozens of quizzes with answers. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. As a general rule, the semicolon is used in the following ways. Whites famous pig, laments that it is difficult to find a good friend who writes well. Take your childs grammar and writing skills to the next level with our fifth grade grammar worksheets.
It is used to indicate a slight pause within a sentence. Common grammatical and spelling errors miscellaneous resources. Subjects in the program of study include english, math, and psychology. According to wilbur, good friends who write well are not easy to find. I was forced to carry the bricks, so i was very tired. The idea for a fundraiser was originally jennifers. Eliminate the comma or if you want to eliminate because, dont insert a comma either between two clauses creating a comma splice. Commas commas are used to separate parts of a sentence. Use commas with names use commas with introductory words and phrases use commas with dates use commas with places use commas with list or. And no, one does not involve putting a comma in when you naturally pause. A semicolon should be used to separate two independent clauses or complete sentences that are closely related in meaning. My estate goes to my husband, son, daughterinlaw, and nephew. Nonrestrictive appositives are set off with commas.
My three favorite foods are pasta pizza and ice cream. Comma splices occur when a comma separates two independent clauses. The comma gives us the dreaded runon sentence, the confusion of verb separation and odd sentence fragments, andwhen missing altogethersome of the most hilarious misunderstandings in the grammar world. Below, youll find guidance for the trickiest comma questions. The comma has inspired not only reams of writing but also ongoing feuds between grammarians. This is one of the comma rules that can cause some controversy. Note that only the most vital rules are included in this list. This is a list of our ten most commonly used punctuation marks and a guide to their use. Here is a list of 14 common punctuation marks in english, with a simple explanation of the main functions of each one. If the sentence sounds better without a pause, omit the comma. An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames a nearby noun. A compound sentence is a sentence that has 2 independent clauses.
Subjectverb agreement the most common grammar mistake that students are tested on is subjectverb agreement. For example, the associated press ap stylebook is a guide specific for news media and journalists while the chicago manual of style cms is used by many book publishers and writers. Sep 26, 2017 the 20 most common punctuation mistakes we all make. The semicolon is perhaps the most difficult sign of punctuation to use accurately. Some of the most popular countries canadian exchange students go to are france, spain, italy, and germany. Complete sat and act grammar and punctuation rules. Comma is a punctuation mark that groups and separates words within a sentence. I need to call sally tom brad and kelly about the party. Learning these five most useful rules for commas will help you improve your academic writing. Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet to join two independent clauses that form a compound sentence. His aircraft was an old cessna that sounded like a large lawn mower. To fix a comma splice or fused sentence, use one of the four strategies below. A comma splice occurs when a writer joins two independent clauses with a comma, but doesnt use a coordinate conjunction.
Because comma splices and fused sentences contain two main clauses, you can always add a period a full stop at the end of the first clause and then begin the second one with a capital letter. Four basic comma rules subjects in the program of study. Also, remember that you can use these rules not only to find correct answers, but also to get rid of incorrect answer choices through the processofelimination which we use on the entire test. They are problem sentences that contain two or more main clauses incorrectly joined together. In dates, the year is set off from the rest of the sentence with a pair of commas. For more examples or explanations of the rules i discuss below, or if you want to learn more about act grammar rules, read our other articles on act english. This is one of the most frequently used and misused comma rules.
Help your middle and high school students understand basic comma rules with this fun, modern activity. Usage basic punctuation rules utah valley state college writing center correct punctuation is essential for clear and effective writing. These students spend a few months, or even a full year living and going to school in another country. If you dont know whether a comma is appropriate in a particular sentence, try reading the sentence aloud. With the exception of the cases described below, the rules concerning punctuation, especially commas, are not as hard and fast in english as in some other languages. If in doubt, avoid using it and convert the added material into a new sentence. Included in your free resource student handout with comma rules for the most common errors that students make 6 cell phone text messaging task cards. Learning these five most useful rules for commas will help. Comma practice for the five rules by the niemans nook tpt. Use commas to separate independent clauses in a sentence, for example.
My family went to see the live taping of ru pauls drag. Use commas before and after a parenthetical phrase or clause. The most important rules for using commas without looking. Rules for finding and fixing comma splices and fused sentences. Two other common punctuation marks are the dash and hyphen. Comma rules to teach in secondary english mixedup files. Punctuation english grammar today cambridge dictionary. The elements of an address or place name are separated by commas. These rules are by far the most important for you to learn and understand in order to conquer the act english section. Understanding the 18 most common grammar mistakes can help you improve your writing. These marks are often confused with each other due to their appearance but they are very different. We cannot say that the comma will always come before the conjunction and never after, but it would be a rare event, indeed, that we need to follow a coordinating conjunction with a comma.
The following list contains some of the most critical punctuation rules. When you use commas effectively, your readers can understand your ideas without getting distracted. Go up two flights of stairs, turn right, walk to the end of the hall, and you will be there. Common comma rules 2 listing items commas should be placed between items in a list or series. When you know which errors to look for, its easier to act as your own editor. Every main clause contains an independent subject and verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. Students work in cooperative groups to learn and then teach others the rules.