How To Use Commas Effectively
Commas are used to separate more than two elements in a list.
How to use commas effectively. Steel of course is denser than wood. Use a comma to separate items in a series. When you re describing something with two or more adjectives you can use a comma between them if those adjectives are coordinating. Commas always follow these clauses at the start of a sentence. This use of commas is similar to using them to separate items in a series with one exception.
Use a comma between words phrases or clauses that appear in a series of three or more. If a dependent clause ends the sentence however it no longer requires a comma. It s a visual breathing mark or break in a sentence that can either go unnoticed or stand out. The general rule is that a phrase or clause of five or more words is long enough to justify a comma. The major guidelines of style agree that a comma should be used to separate a long introductory phrase or clause.
Use a comma to separate elements in a list. After the show cleo will be signing autographs. Behind the building there is enough space to park two limousines. Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives. It is incorrect to place a comma after the final adjective.
They re coordinating if you could place and between them you shouldn t put a comma after the final adjective. You can also use a comma with a shorter phrase when you want to emphasize it or add a pause for literary effect. One of the basic uses of a comma is to segregate items in a list. Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives describing a noun. And writing effectively requires the proper use of words structures and punctuation.
The most effective thing a comma does in a sentence is to create a pause. You can also use commas to separate parts of a sentence that are there just for emphasis as in. In american english a comma also known as serial comma or oxford comma is inserted before the conjunction separating the last item in the list. Sometimes consecutive adjectives are used to describe a single subject with multiple qualities. Only use a comma to separate a dependent clause at the end of a sentence for added emphasis usually when negation occurs.