GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION - A SHORT GUIDE (Cont.)
The comma :
- The comma is used in the following ways :
- Between two independent clauses (complete sentences) when they are joined by a coordinating conjunction - and, but, or, nor, for, yet.
- Right : James ran the movie projector, but he did not know how to splice film.
- Wrong : James ran the movie projector, and spliced film.
- After long introductory phrases and clauses.
- Right : Even though we had bought the television set used and had it for three years, the company repaired it for their cost.
- Wrong : When Mary left, he cried for two hours.
- With words, phrases, and clauses in series.
- Right : The letter asked the students to send name, address, sex, and housing requirements.
- Wrong : The letter asked the students to send name, address, sex and housing requirements.
- To set off nonrestrictive elements (clauses, phrases, appositives).
- Right : Mr. James McCrimmon, who just took his place on the jury, teaches Latin at the academy.
- Right : Mr. James McCrimmon who just took his place on the jury teaches Latin at the academy.