comma
Found in: Punctuation
General rules:
- Use a comma to separate adjectives of equal weight modifying a noun. Meterologists forecast another hot, humid summer.
- Commas aren’t needed after a brief introductory phrase if their omission would not change the meaning or clarity of a sentence. For six nights flood waters threatened the future of Fort Wayne. Use commas for longer introductory clauses when necessary to avoid confusion. When the fire alarm went off for the third time that night, the motel clerk finally called the fire department.Commas separate main clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions if the subjects are separate. Seven men were arrested this morning on the east side, and 10 more were taken into custody six hours late.
- Use a comma to attribute full quotes. Clark says, “The Grady College is highly regarded nationally with research and outreach programs that are truly world class.” Do not use a comma before a partial quote. Williams said that Parks’ legacy “represents the power of the individual.”
- Use commas to separate items in a series. The new director enjoys sailing, cooking, stamp collecting and gardening. See serial commas.
- Use commas to set off non-restrictive (non-essential) clauses, phrases and modifiers from the rest of the sentence. Margaret Amstutz, assistant to President Mchael F. Adams, says the fund’s aim is to help projects that could otherwise slip past other university funding sources.