tailieunhanh - Using commas effectively

Here we'll consider four main guidelines for using commas effectively. But keep in mind that these are only guidelines: there are no unbreakable rules for using commas--or any other marks of punctuation. 1. Use a Comma Before a Coordinator Use a comma before a coordinator (and, but, yet, or, nor, for, so) that links two main clauses: "The optimist thinks that this is the best of all possible worlds, and the pessimist knows it." (Robert Oppenheimer) | J -J -J -J -J -J -J -J -J -J -J -J J J J J J ẤỊ0AỊỊ39JJ0 SujSQ Here we ll consider four main guidelines for using commas effectively. But keep in mind that these are only guidelines there are no unbreakable rules for using commas--or any other marks of punctuation. 1. Use a Comma Before a Coordinator Use a comma before a coordinator and but yet or nor for so that links two main clauses The optimist thinks that this is the best of all possible worlds and the pessimist knows it. Robert Oppenheimer You may be disappointed if you fail but you are doomed if you don t try. Beverly Sills However do not use a comma before a coordinator that links two words or phrases Jack and Diane sang and danced all night. 2. Use a Comma to Separate Items in a Series Use a comma between words phrases or clauses that appear in a series of three or more You get injected inspected detected infected neglected and selected. Arlo Guthrie It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have three unspeakably precious things freedom of speech freedom of conscience and the prudence never to practice either of them. Mark Twain Notice that in each example a comma appears before but not after the coordinator. 3. Use a Comma After an Introductory Word Group Use a comma after a phrase or clause that precedes the subject of the sentence When you get to the end of your rope tie a knot and hang on. Franklin Roosevelt If at first you don t succeed failure may be your style. Quentin Crisp However if there s no danger of confusing readers you may omit the comma after a short introductory phrase At first I thought the challenge was staying awake so I guzzled venti cappuccinos and 20-ounce Mountain .