Punctuate Like a Pro:
Commas and Semicolons
- Comma Rule #1 FANBOYS
Use a comma to join 2 independent clauses by a comma and a coordinating conjunction
Road construction can be inconvenient, but it is necessary.
The new house has a large fenced backyard, so I am sure our dog will enjoy it.
- Comma Rule #2
Use a comma after an introductory phrase, prepositional phrase, or dependent clause.
To get a good grade, you must complete all your assignments.
Because Dad caught the chicken pox, we canceled our vacation.
After the wedding, the guests attended the reception.
When he realized he had overslept, Matt rushed to his car and hurried to work.
- Comma Rule #3
Do not use a comma when your sentence leads with an independent clause.
I knew I would succeed although there were obstacles.
I decided to buy a pint of ice cream instead of a double-scoop cone because I was hungry.
- Comma Rule #4
Use a comma to separate elements in a series. Although there is no set rule that requires a comma before the last item in a series, it seems to be a general academic convention to include it.
On her vacation, Lisa visited Greece, Spain, and Italy.
Many of the candidates promised to help protect the environment, bring about world peace, and end world hunger.
- Comma Rule #5
Use a comma to separate nonessential elements from a sentence. More specifically, when a sentence includes information that is not crucial to the message or intent of the sentence, enclose it in or separate it by commas.
John's truck, a red Chevrolet, needs new tires.
My sister, Mary, just published her first novel. (nonessential/comma needed if the writer only has one sister)
My sister Mary just published her first novel. (essential/no comma if the writer has more than one sister)
- Comma Rule #6
Use a comma between coordinate adjectives (adjectives that are equal and reversible).
The irritable, fidgety crowd waited impatiently for the rally speeches to begin.
The sturdy, compact suitcase made a perfect gift.
- Comma Rule #7
Use a comma with quoted words.
"Yes," she promised.
Todd replied, saying, "I will be back this afternoon."
Exception: Do not use a comma if the quote ends with a question mark or exclamation point.
“Why do I have to go?” she asked.
- Comma Rule #8
Use a comma after a transitional element (however, therefore, nonetheless, also, otherwise, finally, instead, thus, of course, above all, for example, in other words, as a result, on the other hand, in conclusion, in addition)
For example, the Red Sox, Yankees, and Indians are popular baseball teams.
If you really want to get a good grade this semester, however, you must complete all assignments, attend class, and study your notes.
- Bonus Rule #9: Semicolons
One reason you might choose to use a semicolon instead of a period is if you wanted to add variety to your sentence structure; for example, you might use a semicolon if you thought you had too many short, choppy sentences in a row.
9a. Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses that do not need a FANBOY to signal the relationship. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.
Some people write with a word processor; others write with a pen or pencil.
Individual environmental action is essential for saving the planet; everyone must take action in his or her community.
9b. Use a semicolon and comma with a transition that clarifies the relationship between two independent clauses. *Note the difference between construction and Comma Rule #8.
I have to spend the entire day doing homework; therefore, I won’t be able to meet Sam for lunch.
I am obsessed with baseball; for example, I attended 32 MLB games last year.
9c. Use a semicolon if you have a long sentence with multiple independent clauses, and some of those clauses containinternal punctuation such as a comma.
If you want me to go out tonight, you need to help me with my homework first; and if you say no, I'll know that you don't really care about going out.
9d. Use semicolons to separate items in a series when one or more of the items contains commas.
*Note the difference between this construction and Comma Rule #4.
This week's winners are Joe from Reno, Nevada; Diane from Phoenix, Arizona; and Matt from Irvine, California.
PROTIP: Good writing includes a variety of sentence structures and varying sentence lengths. Mix it up. Alternate short and long sentences, vary sentence openings, practice combining your ideas in different ways, and include an assortment of transitional words and phrases.