Chapter 11: Additional Comma Uses and Misuses

Commas play a crucial role in conveying meaning and clarity in writing, and understanding their correct usage helps avoid confusion and misinterpretation.

Commas can be used to set off introductory phrases, nonessential information, coordinate adjectives, and items in a series.

An introductory phrase is a group of words that provide context or background information at the beginning of a sentence. It is separated from the main clause with a comma.

"After finishing her homework, Sarah went for a walk in the park."

Nonessential information is additional details that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. It can be set off with commas to indicate that it can be removed without changing the overall meaning.

"The book, which was written by a famous author, became a bestseller."

Coordinate adjectives are multiple adjectives that describe the same noun and are equal in importance. They are separated by commas.

"She had long, curly hair."

A series is a list of three or more items. Commas are used to separate the items in the series.

"I need to buy eggs, milk, bread, and butter from the grocery store."

Comma splices, run-on sentences, and unnecessary commas between independent clauses are common comma misuses.

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (complete sentences) are incorrectly joined together with only a comma.

You can fix a comma splice by using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so, etc.) after the comma or by separating the clauses into separate sentences.

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly joined together without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions.

You can fix a run-on sentence by using appropriate punctuation (such as a period or semicolon) or by adding a coordinating conjunction or a subordinating conjunction.

It is unnecessary to use a comma between independent clauses when a coordinating conjunction is already used to j