Commas in English
The main rule for the use of commas in English is: Keep your sentences clear. Too many commas might be distracting; too few might make the text difficult to read and understand.
Always check your texts on readability. This requires some practice, however, as first you must know which commas are necessary and which are optional.
Commas between Main Clauses
The comma is the most frequently used punctuation mark in English and the one that provides the most difficulties to writers. Its most common uses are to separate items in a series and to set off or distinguish grammatical elements within sentences.
Use a comma between two main clauses which are separated by and or but.
Example: We ran out of fuel, and the nearest petrol station was 5 miles away.
Use a comma to separate parts of a sentences in a sequence.
Example: She ran down the stairs, opened the door, saw her boyfriend(,) and gave him a kiss.
Don’t use a comma if these parts of the sentence are separated by and or but.
Example: She ran down the stairs and opened the door and saw her boyfriend and gave him a kiss.
Note: Don’t use a comma, but a semi colon, if two main clauses are not separated by and or but.
Exercise No. 1
Instructions: Use commas to separate the main clauses.
Answer Key
If you want to check your answers go to the following link.
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=252456603509406574#editor/target=post;postID=7955894304779849923
Detailed Information
If you want to reinforce this topics go to the following link for a further explanation and clearer examples.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario