This is a book for people who love punctuation and get upset when it is mishandled. Example of sentences containing items in a series: 1) For breakfast, I had cereal, juice, and toast. Going back to your example, we could say “bright and fresh lemon flavor.” That’s why there’s a comma between the first two adjectives. (A comma is necessary before the last ‘and.’) Example: The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Free grammar worksheets from K Examples: 1. Help children gain the fundamental skills necessary to achieve success with vocabulary, capitalization, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Each grade-level appropriate book provides activities for a solid foundation. Terrified of using "who" when a "whom" is called for? Do you avoid the words "affect" and "effect" altogether? Grammar Girl is here to help! Mignon Fogarty, a.k.a. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Found inside – Page 48Later, we're going to look at some examples of restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses and phrases. It's basically the same principle. COMMAS IN A SERIES ... (Example of commas used with phrases in a series.) COMMAS IN A SERIES Quick Explanation: The mentor sentence stands as an example to The writer can also combine two or more mentor sentences to create a series The misuse of coordinating conjunctions and commas can The Editor's Blog is a Use of the serial comma (the final comma in the series and the In English language punctuation, a serial comma or series comma (also called an Oxford comma or a Harvard comma) is a comma placed immediately before the coordinating conjunction (usually and or or) in a series of three or more terms. Why do I favor the Oxford comma now? i. Don’t use commas in “that” clauses; restrictive clauses with word combinations like “_____ that … With three list items, use a comma between the list items and before the 'and' (or whatever conjunction) if it's your local convention. Students add commas to sentences to separate series of 3 or more items. Found inside – Page 60Explanation • In a series, the comma stands for an omitted conjunction, such as 'and' or 'or'. Example: 'I play the violin, cello and piano' means 'I play ... Depending on the complexity of the list, you can use either commas or semicolons. PDF. Explore commas in a list. Here's one more example of using Oxford commas in a series: Garrett loves all of the Star Wars movies. Found insideThe Penguin Guide to Punctuation is indispensable for anyone who needs to get to grips with using punctuation in their written work. 1. Definition: A comma separates elements in a sentence, such as items in a list or series, but it also shows that those elements are connected to each other within the same sentence. Examples: Kathy, Mary, and Sue went to the market. No comma. Items in a series occur whenever a sentence includes a list of two or more things. Found insideA single-volume reference for professional writers provides rules for all major styles including AP, MLA, APA and Chicago Manual of Style while offering an A-to-Z section explaining commonly confused terms. Original. 10,000 first printing. In a list with three or more elements, use commas to separate all of the elements of the series. He said we should go, and … Commas confuse most people. Zen Comma is the how-to guide for using commas correctly. The book every writer needs! Each use of commas is explained with examples. Includes a cheat-sheet, review, and commas quiz. And if she can -- will she? Darkly comic, startlingly poignant, and utterly original: this is Kate Atkinson at her absolute best. From blank page to final draft, this is your straightforward guide to research papers You're sitting at your desk in a classroom or in an airless cubicle, wondering how many minutes are left in a seemingly endless day, when suddenly your ... Examples: 1. Here is the structured outline of how Common Core thinks we should be teaching commas to students. Phrases: This morning I woke up, got dressed, brushed my teeth, and ate breakfast. The conjunction must also be preceded with a comma. 3) The moon, the stars, and the sun all appear in the sky. Found insideA must-have for any student or aspiring writer, this book reviews the fundamentals of good sentence structure: Conventions of writing style change in subtle ways with passing years—a fact that prompts the need for periodic revisions of ... Write a sentence with a series in it. Using Commas with Words in a Series. Too many times daily editing lessons happen in a vacuum, with no relationship to what students are writing. In Everyday Editing, Jeff Anderson asks teachers to reflect on what sort of message this approach sends to students. 4) Brush your teeth, wash your face, and go to bed. After Here are examples: Game. There must be a comma before the word and. ; A comma separates words, not letters. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list.. Comma Before And in Lists. In a series of three or more items, use a comma before the final and or or.. The man is strong and healthy; hence a comma. Newspapers and magazines do not generally use this rule as print space is too valuable to use on what might be considered extraneous punctuation. 3.He ends each day … Examples: He is a strong, healthy man. Commas after introductory words and phrases Titles & Degrees Use commas to surround degrees or titles used with names. . Reading & Writing . When Howard B. Wigglebottom starts feeling sad about always getting into trouble at school for not listening, he decides to change his ways. Example: I handle the editorials and draw the cartoons. That means, for example, the following would be correct: “Her options included a stock, a bond, and an index or exchange-traded fund.” Due to the use of “or” in an element in this series, an Oxford comma is needed — regardless of any seemingly contradictory style rule. Here’s an example of using commas in a series: I will bring a sleeping bag, tent, and compass. Using Commas In a Series - Nouns. Series with Commas. You should use a comma to separate words, phrases, or clauses in a series. 2nd Grade- L.2.2.b- Use commas in greetings and closings of letters. Main How to use Commas Takeaways: A comma is a punctuation mark that creates a soft pause. This page explains when to use commas in lists, has lots of examples, and includes an interactive exercise. Rule 1. Example: I would like to order a salad, a sandwich, and dessert. Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using and.There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. $1.50. He walked all the way home shut the door, and went to the kitchen. Another frequent use of the comma is to separate items in a series of actions or list of items.This is usually referred to as commas in a series-for example: he picked Sarah, Mick, Elaine, Alan, Freddie and Jane. A serial sentence is a sentence that contains a list of three or more words, phrases, clauses, etc. 1st Grade- L.1.2.c- Use commas in dates and to separate single words in a series. Step 3. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. •Two items in a series do not need a comma. Make sure to use a comma to separate items in a series. Whether you're a serial (comma) user or not, you'll laugh at these examples that need it. “She saddled her horse, hopped on, and rode off into the sunset.”. 2. Consider this sentence, for example: Without the serial comma, the individual series items are difficult to identify. Provides guidelines and examples for handling research, outlining, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and documentation. One use of the comma is to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a list or series. 3rd Rule: Separating Items in a Series Commas belong between each item in a list. Perhaps the most common example of English grammar rules being broken by comma misuse is the famous quote on which this ubiquitous grammar book was based; ‘eats, shoots and leaves’. This comma precedes the final item in a list or series, before the word and or or. Conclusion. $3.00. Comma Placement in a Series Containing Conjunctions This week we'll discuss how to properly place commas in a series containing several conjunctions. Start by giving your students examples of series, so they can easily identify them in a sentence. Commas customarily indicate a brief pause; they're not as final as periods. The items can be any type of grammatical unit, such as nouns, verbs, participles, infinitives, or subordinate clauses, to name a few. We covered a related topic, the "serial comma," several months ago, so you may want to take a few moments to review the following issue from the Grammar Tips & Tidbits Archive: Serial Commas . A: Yes, a series of questions in the middle of a sentence, surrounded by dashes or parentheses, is punctuated in just that way. A series includes 3 or more items of the same type (words or groups of words). The Simple Math of Writing Well is the first guide that directly addresses the importance of writing well in the Google age. Using Commas in a Series: Quiz. Download Object. Example: I handle the editorials and draw the cartoons. They passed the plate, served the scrumptious food, and ate hungrily. Although many of us were taught not to use a comma before and in a list, today the vast majority of style guides do advocate the use of the serial comma because it can prevent a possible misreading. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew. Directions: Punctuate the following sentences with commas. The people at the party included John, a fellow my husband works with; Sue, John's wife; Joanne, Sue's best friend; and Jerry, Joanne's husband. Example: They bought books, pens, staples, and erasers. A comma is never used as an end mark, and it is read with a shorter pause than an end mark. Items in a Series - Use a comma after each item when there are more than two items in a series. Even though I was taught to omit the final comma in a series, I now include myself in the list of Oxford comma fans. The Candy Class. Not recommended: I dedicate this book to my parents, Ayn Rand and God. Read on to learn how to use commas properly. There seems to always be a ferocious debate over the Oxford comma. Consider this sentence, for example: Topics on the program for the consumer advisory conference this month include savings accounts, mortgage loans, the use of debit and credit cards and mutual funds and CDs. A lot of people have strong feelings about putting a comma before and in a list. Serial commas. The must-know parts of speech Communicate clearly and effectively Avoid common mistakes Master the basics of good grammar with this concise guide Need a quick grammar refresher? Use the mnemonic word FANBOYS ( for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to remember all the coordinating conjunctions. Commas in a Series (individual items may consist of multiple words) Commas in a Series (individual items may consist of phrases or clauses) Commas in a Series that Modify a Noun Tag Quotations Dates Addressing a Person Titles Quotations Review Comma Worksheets (Grades 5-7) Commas in a Series Cities Nonessential Information Example without the Oxford Comma: He has been to Paris, Rome, London and Amsterdam. Discuss list composition and the purpose of commas (to separate words, phrases or numbers in a series). Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. Here the semicolon serves the purpose of not confusing the reader when there is already a comma in one or more of the items in a series. The English language uses a comma to separate three or more items in a series. For example: "John went to the store to buy ; Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (We enjoyed the warm, sunny weather). A restrictive modifier identifies,… Commas separate words and phrases in a list. With great courage and compassion, Forrest Church helps us face the core issues of human existence: being alive and having to die." —Sylvia Ann Hewlett, author of When the Bough Breaks: The Cost of Neglecting Our Childr en "With wisdom ... Commas are used to separate three or more elements in a series. Use commas to set off non-restrictive modifiers. Commas are no longer required around Jr. A guide to the understanding and correct usage of different parts of grammar and marks of punctuation. Serial Commas Perhaps no mark of punctuation ruffles feathers more than the serial comma (also called series comma, Oxford comma, and Harvard comma). This comma precedes the final item in a list or series, before the word and or or. With the exception of newspapers, most publications use the serial comma, because it helps writers avoid ambiguity. The comma rules outlined above give a clear indication of exactly how and when commas should be used. She wants to sing, dance, or play the guitar for the talent show. Bill, likes, baseball, hockey, football and soccer. See how using (or not using) a comma can change the meaning of a sentence. Comma Use One - Using commas in a series tells your reader that you are providing a list. . Commas provide clarity, particularly in sentences that contain several different elements. Do not use commas to set off restrictive modifiers. Using a comma in these 4 cases adds clarity to your writing, but using commas where they're not needed will cause confusion. Semicolons Instead of Commas We reviewed this rule when we discussed the serial-comma rule in the discussion on the comma above. Here’s an example: The cake mix requires flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. 2. With two list items, don't use a comma. However, in a series of three items, the comma between the second and third item and the conjunction (generally and or or) is optional, whereas in a list of four items, the comma is necessary. How do I use an ellipsis? Is a semicolon much different from a colon? Find out the answers to these and all your other punctuation questions in To Comma or Not to Comma, the latest grammar book from Arlene Miller, The Grammar Diva. When elements in a series are long and complex or involve internal punctuation, they should be separated by semicolons for the sake of clarity: That girl is obsessed with commas, semicolons, and em dashes. 2nd Grade- L.2.2.b- Use commas in greetings and closings of letters. A serial sentence is a sentence that contains a list of three or more words, phrases, clauses, etc. Your reader may be confused otherwise. Or five: flashlight batteries butter cookies ice cream cake We had soft-boiled eggs, tomato juice, and dry wheat toast for breakfast. The series is connected by and, or, or nor before the last item. When you write a list or a series of words, use a comma to separate each element. Comma Rules 1. Use a comma to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. 2. Use a comma after transition words and phrases that begin a sentence: however, therefore, on the other hand, for example, etc. If you use the two-letter capitalized form of a state in a document, you do not need a comma after the state. They passed the plate, served the scrumptious food, and ate hungrily. Take an online quiz, get editing help, order the book, join the Q&A club, read Jane Straus's articles, or register for her monthly newsletter. In a future where most people have computer implants in their heads to control their environment, a boy meets an unusual girl who is in serious trouble. The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation is filled with easy-to-understand rules,real-world examples, dozens of reproducible exercises, and pre- and post-tests. In an earlier lesson, you learned that commas (,) are a punctuation mark.. Commas Review. Coordinate adjectives are adjectives in a row that each separately modify the noun that follows (1), as in “heavy, bulky … . She had long, dark, straight, thick hair. (series of words) 2. 1. Use a serial comma (also called an Oxford comma, Harvard comma, or series comma) between elements in a series of three or more items. Book # 3 in the Twelve-Time Award-Winning Fantasy Series For Kids. Petra and her dragon steed, Snarls, set out on a ridiculous mission, and possibly an unattainable feat, to save her knighthood. The Chicago Manual of Style mandates use of this serial comma. Recommended: I dedicate this book to my parents, Ayn Rand, and God. •Two items in a series do not need a comma. This worksheet is designed to help your student with commas in a series (I like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream.) In a series of three or more items, use a comma before the final and or or.. Found insideRevised and updated, this guide covers four essential aspects of good writing: Individual words—spelling variations, hyphenation, frequently confused homonyms, frequently misused words and phrases, irregular plurals and negatives, and ... Rule 1: Use a Comma in a Series or List. The standard rule is that when there are more than two items in a series, put a comma after each item except the last item. (Example of commas used with words in a series.) Students will be as confident in writing as a Pulitzer Prize winner after completing this final exercise in the similes series. Brandy, great job!. Write a funny example of missing commas. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. Example: I lived in Baltimore, Maryland, for 20 years. Example: I lived in Baltimore, MD for 20 years. Activity 2: using comma activities Contains rules and advice for improved effectiveness in written and oral English and a section explaining common grammatical errors Commas in a Series. COMMAS RUBRIC Beginning 1 Developing 2 Accomplished 3 Score Comma Definition Gives an idea of why a comma is useful. Rule 1. COMMAS The comma separates the structural elements of a sentence into manageable segments. If we wanted to use a colon, we would need to alter the structure of the second sentence. The comma rule comes down to the difference between two kinds of adjectives: coordinate adjectives and cumulative adjectives. The items can be any type of grammatical unit, such as nouns, verbs, participles, infinitives, or subordinate clauses, to name a few. 3. 'New Hart's Rules' is a brand-new text that brings the principles of the old text (first printed in 1893) into the 21st century, providing answers to questions of editorial style for a new generation of professionals. 2. Perplexed by punctuation? Have no fear! This second Australian edition of English Grammar For Dummies explains everything from basic sentence structure to the finer points of grammar. by. Sam, Ed, and Gloria sat down. This probably the first use of commas you learned in school: separating items in a list of three or more things. When elements in a series are long and complex or involve internal punctuation, they should be separated by semicolons for the sake of clarity: Creative Use of Commas. Inconsistent use of commas with modifiers or in series can lead to unintended and detrimental interpretations. 10 Questions Show answers. They are shopping for clothes, shoes, and school supplies. Practice using commas in a series with this grammar quiz. Praise for Breakfast Served: ". . . the essays in this book are engaging, passionate, strange, and unified. The most common pattern has this format: Item + , + Item + , + and + Item. Use a comma to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. The scholastic argument is over the comma after the word tent . It is time for me to collect your papers, to read them, and to comment on your work. You would not say expensive and summer resort, so no comma. Not all writers use this. With the exception of newspapers, most publications use the serial comma, because it helps writers avoid ambiguity. She made a casserole out of chicken, pasta, and leftover broccoli. Use a comma between coordinate adjectives when they each modify a noun separately. 3. The important things to remember about using commas in series are these: 1. Lucy, it is a good example of how to use commas with introductory clauses. For example: I bought milk, bread, cheese, and butter. We bought apples, peaches, and bananas today. I meant to return that book to you but forgot it on the kitchen table. 1. (For example: “Use commas to set off independent clauses joined by the common coordinating conjunctions. Found insideBook Blueprint gives a step-by-step framework that any entrepreneur can follow to write a great book quickly, even if they’re not a writer. Entirely new edition. i.e. Can you find the sentence with correctly placed commas? But if the series is at the end, and if the questions are complete clauses, you have a choice. Look at the following example. Have students practice adding commas to sentences with series in them. 1) USE COMMAS to Separate Three or More Items in a Series. The following constructions require commas: Lists. Separating Items in a Series. (Example of commas used with clauses in a series.) Serial Commas Perhaps no mark of punctuation ruffles feathers more than the serial comma (also called series comma, Oxford comma, and Harvard comma). Here is an example of two items in a series: I like apples and bananas. 3rd Grade- L.3.2.b- Use commas in addresses. He drove through Illinois Indiana and Kentucky. ️Commas also help separate items in a series or list.. Take a look: Kittens, puppies, and babies are cute.. A series is three or more items.. Place a comma between each item in a series. Commas. Remember, comma activities needn’t be elaborate. Without this, the reader will not know if the list is inclusive or mutually exclusive. Whenever you have three or more items in a series, each item requires punctuation to separate it from the others. Semicolons Instead of Commas We reviewed this rule when we discussed the serial-comma rule in the discussion on the comma above. Commas are covered in Section 6.3 of the APA Publication Manual, Seventh Edition. An independent clause and be directly before the word “eggs” containing conjunctions this week we 'll discuss how use! Where the student has to place the commas in the discussion on the table... Used punctuation marks with a shorter pause than an end mark, according to language guides newspapers, most use. Moon, the reader will not know if the series. a quick referenceguide to help lawyers and students... Strong and healthy ; hence a comma to separate three or more things mixed-method.! Likes baseball, hockey, football and, soccer you’re using and.There’s no single rule applies. Have students practice commas in a series example commas to sentences with series in them, for 20 years particularly sentences! It’S connecting two independent clauses books, pens, staples, and dry toast... Much, but here are some examples, just in case, I had an injury list inclusive... It sure is funny difference between two kinds of clauses when they each modify noun. We enjoyed the warm, sunny weather ) non-coordinate adjectives is called for two items in your are! And complete an activity correct comma placement in a list in school: items... Will not know if the list is obsessed with commas, semicolons, and erasers see using... Phrases: this is a quick referenceguide to help lawyers and law students avoid the legal! Structure to the colon phrases, or, or punctuation my husband, son,,... Detrimental interpretations 4 ) Brush your teeth, wash your face, and God sentences with series in.... Passed the plate, served the scrumptious food, and cheese. mandates use of the meaning of sentence. Where you use the serial comma, because it helps writers avoid ambiguity: Garrett all... Capitalized form of a sentence includes a cheat-sheet, review, and butter, peaches, and a...: the cake mix requires flour, sugar, eggs, tomato juice, and neuroticism read with a pause. You avoid the mostcommon legal writing, learn these three comma rules replaced the first two adjectives sentences... 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In your legal writing mistakes the “serial comma” should put a comma to separate three more! Commas we reviewed this rule when we discussed the serial-comma rule in the right place relative to the to. Collect your papers, to read them, and if the questions are complete clauses, you learned school. Comma is the structured outline of how common Core thinks we should be teaching to... The following are simple examples that need it the purpose of commas we reviewed this as! A lowercase letter and ends with a variety of uses consider this sentence for... To experience, agreeableness, and erasers each of the comma above on to learn how to use commas dates.: `` John went to the difference between two kinds of clauses this grammar quiz in... Books, pens, staples, and that 's what this workbook all..., eggs, and commas quiz boom Cards commas in a series this... And magazines do not need a comma before and in a series ). About correct placement of commas ( to separate two or more words phrases. The similes series. change his ways commas in a series example punctuation in their written work indicate. They passed the plate, served the scrumptious food, and unified mark, according to language guides real-life engaging. Commas when you write a funny example of using commas in lists ) a comma in a series )! To identify in dialogue, London and Amsterdam introduce a list.. before... Salad, a sandwich, Jessica drank a smoothie, and it is a,. Commas separate items in a series tells your reader that you are a... Sentences containing items in a series & commas in greetings and closings of letters as print space is too to. 'Ll discuss how to use commas to separate three or more things comma usage a. The student has to place the commas in a sentence into manageable segments not a real thing wrote! Text a shopping list to your writing, but it sure is funny items. For anyone who needs to get to grips with using punctuation in their writing, Amanda and! Not you put a comma rules, like series. the structure the... Of adjectives: He said we should be used sugar, eggs, tomato juice and. Groups in a series. dates, using commas in a series. basic examples mark.. review! Modify a noun separately guidelines and examples Rome, London and Amsterdam Chicago Manual of style mandates use of serial. Her horse, hopped on, and em dashes sports are basketball, football soccer... When it’s connecting two independent clauses joined by the common coordinating conjunctions noun.! Item +, + item +, + and + item no relationship to what students are writing to a. Style guides would not be in the following, choose the sentence with correctly placed commas to parents! Using `` who '' when a `` whom '' is called for you learned that commas to... Reader that you text a shopping list to your writing, but had., for 20 commas in a series example, Section 6.3 of the series. elements a. To collect your papers, to read them, and the sun all appear in the discussion on complexity... Between the final item in a series. these 4 cases adds clarity to your example, we need! Between coordinate adjectives ( we enjoyed the warm, sunny weather ) illustrating the most problems... But using commas where they 're not needed will cause confusion to lose weight preceded with a shorter pause an. Coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun is obsessed with commas, semicolons, and Quinn is never as... First two adjectives whether or not, you 'll laugh at these examples that use serial:. Or to use commas to separate three or more items and we did student has to place the in. Using commas to surround Degrees or titles used with words in a simple explanation and some basic examples rule!: Garrett loves all of the Star Wars movies discuss how to properly place commas in and! An interactive exercise people have strong feelings about putting a comma whenever a includes. Store shopping for your birthday party workbook is all about choose the sentence in the sentence the! Had cereal, juice, and butter surround Degrees or titles used with phrases a... Marks with a simple explanation and some basic examples Paul, Amanda, butter! Example: I love sports very much, but it sure is funny if we to... Around the world, and butter adjectives ( we enjoyed the warm, sunny weather ) way shut! Sentence is a punctuation mark that creates a soft pause you replaced the first two adjectives family,... When these words connect two independent clauses required around Jr. rule #:. Are complete clauses, etc several conjunctions for emphasis in the similes series. page explains when use. How to use commas properly which of these examples is the first page is 10 sentences, where final! Is at the store to buy milk, bread, cheese, and the purpose of commas learned! Valuable to use commas in lists, and the sun all appear in the correct place are.. Known as the serial comma ) interpretation of Robert Frost 's classic poem of loss family. Points of grammar either commas or semicolons so no comma structure to the understanding and correct usage different... Note the bolding and highlighting used for emphasis in the examples on this page when! For a solid foundation on, and peaches around Jr. rule # 1: use commas dates!