How are commas used in Act?

The last comma rule is likely the one you’re most familiar with: in lists of three or more items, you must place a comma after every item except the last. It’s really as simple as that, as you can see in the examples below.

What are the 7 rules of commas?

Commas (Eight Basic Uses)

  • USE A COMMA TO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES.
  • USE A COMMA AFTER AN INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE OR PHRASE.
  • USE A COMMA BETWEEN ALL ITEMS IN A SERIES.
  • USE COMMAS TO SET OFF NONRESTRICTIVE CLAUSES.
  • USE A COMMA TO SET OFF APPOSITIVES.
  • USE A COMMA TO INDICATE DIRECT ADDRESS.

    • What are the 15 rules for commas?

    Terms in this set (15)

    • Rule 1: 3 things in a series.
    • Rule 2: introductory phrase.
    • Rule 3: introdutory participles.
    • Rule 4: interrupt flow.
    • Rule 5: appositives.
    • Rule 6: after introductory word and direct names.
    • Rule 7: use conjunctions to join main clauses.
    • Rule 8: after an adverb clause that introduces a sentence.

    Where do you put the comma when using but?

    You should only put a comma before “but” when connecting two independent clauses. For example, this usage of “but” does not take a comma: “To quack but to have no one hear is a sad thing for a duck.”

    Should I put comma before while?

    When while is the first word of your sentence, you obviously shouldn’t add a comma in front of it. But if you’re using while to mean “whereas,” you still need to put a comma somewhere. The comma should go between the things being contrasted or happening at the same time.

    Does my sentence need a comma?

    Commas don’t just signify pauses in a sentence — precise rules govern when to use this punctuation mark. Commas are needed before coordinating conjunctions, after dependent clauses (when they precede independent clauses), and to set off appositives. The Oxford comma reduces ambiguity in lists.

    What do you need to know about commas for the Act?

    The four rules you absolutely have to know deal with modifying phrases and clauses, introductory phrases and clauses, connecting independent clauses with a conjunction, and separating items in a list . Don’t worry if that all sounds like gibberish: we’ll go over each case with examples!

    Do you put a comma before or after officials?

    Take a look at the following ACT questions: Though it may be tempting to leave a comma after “value” or put one after “officials,” the sentence is perfectly clear without either: Nevertheless, these tests convinced the officials of the value of using the Navajo language in a code. (H is thus the correct choice.)

    What do comma marks do in a sentence?

    Test your skills with some guided practice and become a certifiable comma hero before you tackle some questions on your own in the quiz. By day, they’re unassuming punctuation marks. They set off appositive phrases. They separate items in lists. They mark a pause in the sentence or separate a dependent clause from an independent clause.

    What’s the best way to learn to use commas?

    In this lesson, you’ll practice with commas by playing comma superhero: train your powers, save the day, and win the final showdown all with this one tiny mark of punctuation. So grab your sword, your wand, or your light saber, and let’s get going.