- When joining two independent clauses, add a comma before the coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so – FANBOYS; because is a subordinating conjuction; then is tricky because it can be either).
TEST: Use a comma if:
- You have a coordinating conjunction – FANBOYS
- Each clause can stand on its own
Which is correct?
A: Chris had troubles understanding John, because of sketchy cell service, but it appeared the newbie author had been fighting mosquitos and piranhas while trying to set up an author presence on the wrong Amazon.
B: Chris had troubles understanding John because of sketchy cell service, but it appeared the newbie author had been fighting mosquitos and piranhas while trying to set up an author presence on the wrong Amazon.
C: Chris had troubles understanding John because of sketchy cell service but it appeared the newbie author had been fighting mosquitos and piranhas while trying to set up an author presence on the wrong Amazon.
Correct: B
- After a beginning phrase
TEST: Use a comma if:
- The sentence after the beginning phrase can stand on its own
Which is correct?
A: Staring at the twenty cartons on her doorstep Linda tried to remember exactly what she told her publisher when she ordered copies for her next book signing.
B: Staring at the twenty cartons on her doorstep, Linda tried to remember exactly what she told her publisher when she ordered copies for her next book signing.
Correct: B
- After an introductory word or words
TEST: Use a comma if:
- You want a pause
Which is correct?
A: Puzzled, Stephen tried to understand how a horror novel about flower arranging would be a good BRW fit.
B: Puzzled Stephen tried to understand how a horror novel about flower arranging would be a good BRW fit.
Correct: A
- Around a noun of direct address
TEST: Use a comma on both sides of the name if:
- The person is being directly addressed in dialogue
Which is correct?
A: “Well Mary Ellen, I can print 1000 copies of your handout, but I don’t think the Lorax will be happy.”
B: “Well Mary Ellen I can print 1000 copies of your handout, but I don’t think the Lorax will be happy.”
C: “Well, Mary Ellen, I can print 1000 copies of your handout, but I don’t think the Lorax will be happy.”
Correct: C
- Before an -ing phrase
TEST: Use a comma if:
- the verb form changes
Which is correct?
A: Dave stared at his monitor wondering how in the world he would be able to make a cover about tree frogs, world dominance, and Hershey’s chocolate.
B: Dave stared at his monitor, wondering how in the world he would be able to make a cover about tree frogs, world dominance, and Hershey’s chocolate.
Correct: B
- Setting off parenthetical elements
TEST: Use commas on both sides if:
- You’re tempted to put it in parentheses AND
- The sentence can be read without it and still make sense.
Which is correct?
A: Jonas, tired and thirsty was done with Survivor.
B: Jonas tired and thirsty, was done with Survivor.
C: Jonas, tired and thirsty, was done with Survivor.
D: Jonas tired and thirsty was done with Survivor.
Correct: C
Mary Ellen Bramwell 