Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021

Avoid other common misuses of the comma
Unnecessary commas
Punctuation

Do not use a comma in the following situations.

EXERCISE 34-1

Delete any unnecessary commas in the following sentences. If a sentence is correct, write “correct” after it. Answers appear in the back of the book.

a. After the morning rains cease, the swimmers emerge from their cottages.

b. Tricia’s first artwork was a bright, blue, clay dolphin.

c. Some modern musicians, (trumpeter Jon Hassell is an example) blend several cultural traditions into a particular sound.

d. Myra liked hot, spicy foods such as, chili, kung pao chicken, and buffalo wings.

e. On the display screen, was a soothing pattern of light and shadow.

EXERCISE 34-2

Delete unnecessary commas in the following passage.

Each spring since 1970, New Orleans has hosted the Jazz and Heritage Festival, an event that celebrates the music, food, and culture, of the region. Although, it is often referred to as “Jazz Fest,” the festival typically includes a wide variety of musical styles such as, gospel, Cajun, blues, zydeco, and, rock and roll. Famous musicians who have appeared regularly at Jazz Fest, include Dr. John, B. B. King, and Aretha Franklin. Large stages are set up throughout the fairgrounds in a way, that allows up to ten bands to play simultaneously without any sound overlap. Food tents are located throughout the festival, and offer popular, local dishes like crawfish Monica, jambalaya, and fried, green tomatoes. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Jazz Fest revived quickly, and attendance has steadily increased each year. Like many festivals and events around the world, the Jazz and Heritage Festival was canceled in 2020, because of the pandemic. Fans, who missed the festival, still enjoyed the music by downloading songs, watching previous years’ performances online, and looking forward, to the festival’s return in future years.