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COMMA (,) – TEN MOST COMMON USES |
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The comma is one of the most used marks of punctuation within a sentence. In general, it is used to separate parts of a sentence. Note that, when typing, the comma is never preceded by a white space and always followed by a white space. Here you’ll find a few tips and examples on how to use it. 1) Separating items in a series Example: Josh, Stephanie and Michael went to the movies last night. or Josh, Stephanie, and Michael went to the movies last night. Note: American usage usually puts a comma before the word and or or. This is not usual in British usage. However, sometimes it is advisable to put a comma in this position to make the meaning of the sentence clearer. Example: In my opinion, Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies are Hamlet, Othello, and Romeo and Juliet. 2) Separating parts of dates, addresses, geographical locations, titles of individuals, and long numbers Examples: a) I was born on January 12, 1975, in Atlanta. b) She lives at 154 Ledge Street, Chicago, Illinois. c) My parents moved to Madrid, Spain, last year. d) Mr. Thompson, the president of the company, is from Canada. e) The population of this city is around 1,350,000. 3) Setting off a quotation Example: The little girl said to her mother, “Mom, let’s go home.” 4) Setting off the salutation and the complimentary close of a letter Examples: a) Dear Mrs. Carlson, b) Yours sincerely, 5) To separate contrasting expressions Example: I bought a car, not a motorcycle. 6) With direct address Example: I’d like to know, Doctor, when I’ll be able to go home. 7) With appositives Example: My brother Brian, a professor of Italian, has moved to Milan. 8) Setting off some introductory elements Example: Happy with the success of the project, the director increased everybody’s salary. 9) Beginning sentences with introductory words like yes or no, and interjections Examples: a) Yes, I think so. b) Well, let me think about the possibilities. c) Oh, thanks! 10) Separating a statement from a question (in tag questions) Example: You have a car, don’t you? |
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