The Comma

Unlock the secrets of…
The Comma
The comma is probably the most used and misused mark of punctuation. Still, we can’t memorize all of the gazillion rules, so just remember…

Three Key Rules!
Use a comma and one of the FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to connect two complete sentences.
Ex: No one seemed to take to Madeline, but her pet ferret was a big hit at the party.

Use a comma after an opening word or phrase.
Ex: Because she wasn’t getting any attention, Madeline tried to take her pet ferret home.

Use a comma to set off any information that isn’t necessary in the sentence.
Ex: The ferret, whose name was Sam, ran away from Madeline and hid under the couch.

The Comma Cop says…
A comma splice is a bad thing!
Don’t stick a comma between two complete sentences. If you do stick a comma between two complete sentences, you will be guilty of creating a comma splice.

If you want to connect two complete sentences, you can use a comma with a joining word after it (FANBOYS). The FANBOYS are the only words that will let you stick a comma between two complete sentences. Here’s an example.

WRONG: I bought a new car, I wrecked it.

CORRECT: I bought a new car, but I wrecked it.

A comma plus the joining word “but” makes the sentence correct.

Try these for practice. Which sentences contain a comma splice?
1) Margo and Jen went to dinner, they decided to go to Casa Mia for Mexican food.
2) Jen ate chips and salsa, so she wasn’t hungry when her entrée was served.
3) Margo saved room for her entrée, she was looking forward to her chimichanga.
4) Margo ate jalapeno peppers, Jen didn’t eat any.
5) Margo took home heartburn, but Jen took home a doggy bag.