Go beyond the basics to master advanced comma usage. This stack focuses on separating coordinate adjectives, using the serial (Oxford) comma, and avoiding common comma errors like comma splices and misplaced commas between subjects and verbs.
What is a comma splice, and why is it a major error on standardized tests?
A comma splice is the incorrect use of a comma to connect two independent clauses (e.g., "He ran fast, he won the race."). It's a major error because it fails to show the proper relationship between two complete thoughts.
List three distinct ways to correct a comma splice.
1. Change the comma to a period to create two sentences.
2. Change the comma to a semicolon.
3. Keep the comma and add a FANBOYS conjunction (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So).
What are coordinate adjectives, and how are they punctuated?
Coordinate adjectives are two or more adjectives that separately modify the same noun. They are separated by commas. Example: "a long, boring, uneventful movie."
What is the 'AND' test for coordinate adjectives?
To check if adjectives are coordinate, try placing 'and' between them. If the sentence still makes sense, a comma is needed. Example: "the dull and grey sky" works, so it should be "the dull, grey sky."
What is the 'reversal' test for coordinate adjectives?
To check if adjectives are coordinate, try reversing their order. If the sentence still makes sense, a comma is needed. Example: "the grey, dull sky" works, so it should be "the dull, grey sky."
Why is there NO comma in the phrase "a brand new car"?
The adjectives are not coordinate because 'brand' modifies 'new,' not 'car.' The phrase 'brand new' functions as a single compound adjective. You can test this: it fails the 'AND' test ('a brand and new car') and the reversal test ('a new brand car').
What is a serial comma, also known as an Oxford comma?
It is the comma used before the final conjunction in a list of three or more items. For example: "red, white, and blue." The SAT and ACT generally prefer its use for clarity.
Punctuate the following sentence according to formal writing standards: "For breakfast I had eggs toast and orange juice."
Using the serial comma for clarity, the sentence should be: "For breakfast I had eggs, toast, and orange juice."
Identify and explain the error in: "The dog, ran across the yard."
The error is an unnecessary comma between the subject ("dog") and the verb ("ran"). A comma should not separate the subject from its predicate.
Identify and explain the error in: "She wanted to buy, a new coat."
The error is an unnecessary comma between the verb ("buy") and its direct object ("a new coat"). A comma should not separate a verb from its object.
Is a comma needed after the conjunction in this sentence? "She was tired but determined to finish the project."
No. A comma should not be placed after a coordinating conjunction like 'but' or 'and' unless it is followed by a non-essential element that would need to be set off by commas anyway.
What is a run-on sentence (fused sentence)?
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined with no punctuation or conjunction at all. Example: "The sun is hot it is a summer day." This is always incorrect.
