Introduction

The Comma is one of the most-often-violated grammatical elements in the English language!


Most comma-abusers fail to use them when they are clearly needed. On the other end of the spectrum, we find the abuser who simply uses far too many commas; usually when they are clearly NOT needed!

However, by following a few simple rules, you can learn to correctly use the comma in all your written work.

You can easily avoid the misuse of commas by using them only if dictated by one of the rules below. Note that only the 5 most important rules are included in this list; other rules are either not very common or not relevant in most circumstances. However, for a more complete list of comma rules, see: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/how-to-u...

Ok, let’s get to it!



Join the Discussion
Write something…
Recent messages
GlenPalo Premium Plus
Excellent training!
Reply
Joshua2765 Premium
You're welcome, and thanks for stopping by Glen.

Continued success,

Joshua
Reply
StefanieT Premium
Hi Joshua, this is such easy to understand training.

I've always considered myself good at grammar...until I started writing for my website that is. I then had to start to really think about what I was doing, and got so much wrong in the ways of comma's especially.
I was having a nightmare with it and have proof read most of my posts about 50 times now, and I still find mistakes!!! I'm a perfectionist :-)

But, I have learnt so much 11 months down the line, and believe I've almost cracked the code ha ha. But I have made a few notes of some of your pointers here and stuck them on my desk.

You know what would be really great (if you get time to of course), if you could do some training on semi colon, and colon, as I still have a bit of a problem with these, and so tend not to use them when I probably should.

Thank you
Reply
leebray Premium
great suggestion on semicolon and colon.
Reply
Joshua2765 Premium
I do plan to do those, Stefanie. Stay tuned.
Thanks for the suggestion.

Joshua
Reply
Joshua2765 Premium
Yes, it was.
Reply
RAFStuart Premium
Always try to get it right, usually fail. My rule is simple if it does not sound right or if it is too long, use a comma!
Reply
Joshua2765 Premium
Thanks for stopping by, Edwin.

Actually, your method is highly effective in some situations. However, the trick is knowing WHERE to use those commas. That's where those rules come in.

I was US Air Force, by the way. LOVED IT!

Continued success,

Joshua
Reply
RAFStuart Premium
Once flew into USAF Offutt in a Vulcan, had a great ten days there.

Stuart
Reply
Joshua2765 Premium
Heard great things about Offutt, but I never had the opportunity to go there.

Joshua
Reply
Dale123 Premium Plus
"In these examples, one comma makes all the difference between an enjoyable bike ride between a husband and wife and an awkward, potentially hazardous interaction between four people."

That made me chuckle, LOL. Good training :)
Reply
leebray Premium
me too, the wife had a situation on her hands. :)
Reply
Joshua2765 Premium
Thanks for stopping by, Dale.

I had hoped that little example would make the point memorable, so I'm glad that it did.

Continued success,

Joshua
Reply
Joshua2765 Premium
That, she did! Lol!
Reply
NScholz Premium
College Professor? Are you? This is indeed a great story to keep in mind. Personaly I don't think I use too many "Commas". :-)
Reply
Joshua2765 Premium
Not a "professor," but I worked as an academic writing tutor for a local college for many years. One learns a thing or two in that capacity.

Thanks for the input. Continued success.

Joshua
Reply
NScholz Premium
There you go! I KNEW it! Good for you. Thank you for the input!
Did I use too many 'commas'? Check it out! :-) Yeah! Okey-Dokey!
Reply
Top