Intermediate English Grammar for ESL Learners - Robin Torres-Gouzerh 2016
The comma
23 Punctuation
A comma is used to separate two independent clauses joined by any of the following coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, and nor.
The men remained in the kitchen, and the women went out to the garden.
We were supposed to go boating, but the storm changed our plans.
Should we stay home tonight, or should we go out to dinner?
A comma is used to separate a dependent clause from the main clause that follows.
Even though the concert was great, we had to leave early.
When I was through with the dishes, I sat down with a glass of wine.
If the dependent clause follows the main clause, the comma is often not used.
I sat down with a glass of wine when I was through with the dishes.
A comma is used to separate an introductory element from the main clause of a sentence.
Running as fast as he could, Chris finished second in the marathon.
Taken completely by surprise, the enemy was forced to surrender.
A comma is used after a wide range of introductory words, including yes, no, oh, and well, at the beginning of a sentence.
No, I can’t tell you why she left so suddenly.
Well, they may stay in the guest room if they leave by tomorrow afternoon.
A comma is used to separate an apposite phrase from the rest of a sentence. An apposition is a word or phrase placed after another to provide additional information about it or to explain it.
Erin likes that dress, which she bought at a Macy’s sale, because it fits so well.
We saw that blue car, the one that is parked right over there on the street, the last time we ate here.
My game console, an Xbox, offers crystal clear graphics.
A comma is used to separate declarative elements from a clause that poses a question.
She is depending on those grades, isn’t she?
That movie was beautiful, don’t you think?
A comma is used to separate groups of numbers, the different elements of an address, and the date from the year. A comma ordinarily is not used to separate the name of a month from the year.
Their twentieth wedding anniversary was on March 10, 2000.
Barbara and I lived at 232 Lorraine Road, Austin, Texas for roughly ten years.
He left South Korea in May 1977.
A comma is used to separate interrupting elements from the rest of a sentence.
If Shawn writes more than 20 pages by the end of this weekend, and we doubt he will, he will treat himself to a smoothie.
When John finishes his degree, which would be some kind of a miracle, he plans to start his own business.
Karen won a prize in the lottery and, with any luck, will be able to pay off her debts.
A comma is used at the end of the greeting of a personal letter and at the end of the closing.
Dear Mr. Mustar,
Sincerely yours,
A comma is used to separate numbers composed of four or more digits (except for years).
The company made more than $8,000,000 in the last fiscal year.
We need 1,500 cubic yards of concrete for the parking lot.
A comma is sometimes used when the meaning of a sentence needs to be preserved and to avoid confusion.
She asked me why I hadn’t kissed her, and giggled. (to make clear that it is she who giggled)
A comma is used to separate direct quotations from the rest of a sentence.
Mr. Wilson told me, “There is no gain without some loss.”
The president always said, “To protect our freedom, I must be conservative.”
A comma is used to separate the person or persons being addressed from the rest of the sentence.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, may I have your attention?
Jack, turn down the volume on the TV.
A comma is used to separate items in a series.
We bought apples, plums, and a bushel of tomatoes.
They hope to visit France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Exercise 23.2 For each sentence, explain the use of the comma(s).
1. Although we got there on time, we missed the train.
2. She had lived at 6745 East Pinch Street, Austin, Texas since January 17, 1998.
3. I went to the concert, but I had forgotten the tickets.
4. The foundation gave $1,876,937 to the education council of Burundi.
5. Albert did his homework, as promised, and should not be failed.
6. Distinguished ladies and gentleman, it is with pride that I appear before you tonight.
7. She was fascinated by his gentle, polite, elegant ways.
Exercise 23.3 Add commas where needed.
1. Taylor asked “How are we supposed to cook this with no oven?”
2. She packed two blouses a black skirt and a new business suit.
3. According to the U.S. Census Bureau the world population reached 6500000000 on February 25 2006.
4. Dear Mrs. Dimple
5. The Persian Gulf War officially ended on February 28 1991.
6. They were so excited by the soccer game which went into three overtimes that they hardly noticed the afternoon go by.
7. Marie Catherine and Chris are all going to the theater together.
8. IBM not Apple will build a fast computer.
9. If you’ve never been to the craft show there will be selected sales and bargain bins.
10. She will be participating won’t she?
11. Yes I think there is enough time for you to pick it up and get back home before dinner.
12. If I could get a nickel for every time he lies I would be a billionaire.
13. He had intended to stay home but he decided instead to go running.