Mechanics 3B More Uses for Commas

By wilcox.bonnie | Updated: Sept. 6, 2024, 8:27 p.m.

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More Uses for Commas
Last time, we began looking at uses for commas.
Now we will look at more uses for this vital punctuation mark.
Rule 1:
Use commas after words, phrases, and clauses that come at the beginning of a sentence.

After the session ended, I spoke to Hal.
Hal, we need to upgrade the presentation.
Rule 1:
Use commas after words, phrases, and clauses that come at the beginning of a sentence.

After the session ended, I spoke to Hal.
Hal, we need to upgrade the presentation.
Rule 2:
Use a comma to separate interrupters from the rest of the sentence.

Interrupter - words that break up a sentence and add emphasis
you know, of course, the purpose of the meeting.
This interrupter doesn't need to be in the sentence, but is there to add emphasis. Use a comma at the beginning and end of an interrupter.
Rule 2:
Use a comma to separate interrupters from the rest of the sentence.

Interrupter - words that break up a sentence and add emphasis
you know, of course, the purpose of the meeting.
This interrupter doesn't need to be in the sentence, but is there to add emphasis. Use a comma at the beginning and end of an interrupter.
Rule 3:
Use a comma to separate nouns of direct address from the rest of the sentence.

Noun of direct address - name of a person or persons spoken to directly.
John, I will need your help with this.
You don't need to come, carol.
Come into my office, Janice, for a meeting.

At the beginning or end of a sentence, one comma before or after a noun of direct address.
In the middle of a sentence a comma before and after a noun or direct address.
Rule 3:
Use a comma to separate nouns of direct address from the rest of the sentence.

Noun of direct address - name of a person or persons spoken to directly.
John, I will need your help with this.
You don't need to come, carol.
Come into my office, Janice, for a meeting.

At the beginning or end of a sentence, one comma before or after a noun of direct address.
In the middle of a sentence a comma before and after a noun or direct address.
Rule 4:
Use a comma to separate an appositive only if it is not necessary to identify the noun.

Appositive - adds information about a noun that is directly before it.
The president, Harold White, will present the award.

The documentary "space exploration" won an award.

Harold white is not necessary to identify the person here; use a comma to separate it.
The title is necessary to identify the documentary; no commas should be used.
Rule 4:
Use a comma to separate an appositive only if it is not necessary to identify the noun.

Appositive - adds information about a noun that is directly before it.
The president, Harold White, will present the award.

The documentary "space exploration" won an award.

Harold white is not necessary to identify the person here; use a comma to separate it.
The title is necessary to identify the documentary; no commas should be used.
Between the video yesterday and the video today, I'm sure you might feel a little overwhelmed by all the comma rules.
No worries!
The more you use the rules, the more comfortable you will be.

Try it out!
Put the comma in the correct place in the sentence.
That afternoon we played kickball.
Although the day was cool it was sunny.
Friday on the other hand was cloudy.
Mary please bring the ball outside.
Roger a kickball champion kicked well.

That afternoon, we played kickball.
Although it was cool, the day was sunny.
Friday, on the other hand, was cloudy.
Mary, please bring the ball outside.
Roger, a kickball champion, kicked well.

,
I know what it is, but can I use it correctly??
Yes, just follow the rules.

Mechanics 3B More Uses for Commas

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