Understanding these comma basics is the key to correct comma usage. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. The contents of her closetlightweight shirts, shorts, and sandalsmade her. Keep in mind that items can be nouns, verbs, or adjectives. Capitalization and punctuation rules capital letters always use a capital letter for the first word of a sentence thank you for the letter. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction for, and, nor, but, or. The rules provided here are those found in traditional handbooks. Adjective rules in english free grammar pdf posted on by in grammar. Students often sprinkle commas through their papers as if they were shaking salt out of a salt shaker. Below, youll find guidance for the trickiest comma questions. They tell readers to pause between words or groups of. If a sentence starts with an adverb or transition word, phrase or clause, you will need a comma to separate it from the main clause. Use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause.
The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because it separates the structural elements of sentences into manageable segments. Commas can be used to set off appositive phrases, but dashes are preferable when the phrase itself contains commas. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction and, or, but, nor, yet, so, for that separates two independent clauses. All grammar rules in english pdf on this page you will find grammar lessons that you can download totally for free in pdf. After surviving this ordeal, the trapper felt relieved. Capella university 225 south 6th street, 9th floor. Commas commas are used to separate parts of a sentence. They are problem sentences that contain two or more. After each rule and example, add commas to the sentences where needed. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. Many aspirants find difficulty in english grammar section while preparing for competitive exams like ssc cgl, ssc chsl, rrb, ibps, sbi and other competitive exams. As you work through each set of questions, youll be gaining a solid understanding of basic grammar and usage rules. A student must note that the choice between a and an is determined primarily by sound.
Rules for finding and fixing comma splices and fused. Most newspapers and magazines drop the oxford comma. A comma tells readers that the introductory clause or phrase has come to a close and that the main part of the sentence is about to begin. Capitalization and punctuation rules mesa, arizona. Provide regular practice with important grammar and punctuation rules and watch your students writing improve. If you already have adobe acrobat reader, simply click on the red icon next to the topic for the grammar. Here are some clues to help you decide whether the sentence element is essential. Grammar, spelling and punctuation university of kent. Below is a series of 40 basic english grammar lessons covering most of the english grammar. Before a coordinating conjunction and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet joining independent clauses in a sentence. However, learning a few general rules about the use of the articles is helpful. The comma has inspired not only reams of writing but also ongoing feuds between grammarians.
I need to call sally tom brad and kelly about the party. The 501 grammar and writing questions included in these pages are designed to provide you with lots of practice. We are having peas and carrots roast beef and cake for dinner. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction and, but, yet, so, or nor, for when it joins two complete ideas independent clauses. As a beginner, you must know basic english grammar rules, as they show you how to arrange vocabulary and make meaningful expressions. If comma usage is one of the banes of your writing existence, then this handout is for you. Download english grammar lessons, for free, in the pdf format. When the last comma in a series comes before and or or after daughterinlaw in the above example, it is known as the oxford comma. When multiple answers are grammatically correct and express the same. Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet to join two independent clauses that form a compound sentence. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items.
Comma rules use commas to separate three or more items in a list. Commas colons and semicolons apostrophes academics are often accused of being pedantic about grammar, spelling and punctuation, but all these seemingly endless rules are actually about effective communication expressing yourself clearly, accurately and precisely. Usage basic punctuation rules utah valley state college writing center correct punctuation is essential for clear and effective writing. Of all the punctuation marks in english, this one is perhaps the most abused and misused. Use commas after introductory a clauses, b phrases, or c. Complete english punctuation rules pdf book pdf free download in direct link. Rules of articles the use of indefinite articles a, an rule 1. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Since we would be returning late anyway, we stayed to watch the sunset. There are eighty people in the room, but i do not think they are all planning on eating the buffet. A traditional paragraph contains a topic sentence that states the idea to be developed, plus additional sentences. Grammar and punctuation, grade 2 presents 25 gradeappropriate rules followed by three activity sheets for practicing each rule.
With these lessons, youll be able to learn english grammar in use, step by step, even if you are a beginner. There are lots of rules about comma usage, and often the factors that determine whether you should use one are quite subtle. This pdf containing 100 golden rules of english grammar,covers all the important grammar rules of english. Use commas after introductory a clauses, b phrases, or c words that before the main clause. Use commas to separate three or more items in a list. Rules for comma usage how can such a small symbol cause so much trouble. Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clauses that come before a main clause. Add commas to the following sentences where needed. Articles in english are complicated, and there are many rules for their use. Even if sentences are the building blocks that are used to construct in written works, without proper placement of punctuation. Feel free to download, reuse, or share the following english grammar lessons with your friends, colleagues, or students. This compilation has been prepared by the experts of ek keeping in mind the pattern and demand of the exams.
1363 466 970 1655 1492 1181 1518 709 1064 1083 1269 1237 1499 932 984 710 568 1086 1314 1084 58 69 1584 1548 1550 1000 1298 439 955 443 725 946 1022 959 522 436 630 1078