Commas 101: Separating Clauses and Introductory Elements
Foundational
Learn the fundamental rules for using commas on the SAT/ACT. This stack covers joining independent clauses with FANBOYS conjunctions, setting off introductory phrases and clauses, and punctuating non-essential information.
Commas 101: Separating Clauses and Introductory Elements
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What is an independent clause?
An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought.
What is the formula for correctly joining two independent clauses using a comma?
Independent Clause + Comma (,) + FANBOYS Conjunction + Independent Clause. For example: "The team practiced hard, so they won the championship."
What does the acronym FANBOYS stand for?
FANBOYS stands for the seven coordinating conjunctions in English: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Identify and correct the error in this sentence: "The movie was long, it was also very boring."
This is a comma splice. It joins two independent clauses with only a comma. To fix it, add a conjunction (e.g., ", and"), use a semicolon (";"), or make it two separate sentences.
What is the rule for using a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause?
Always place a comma after an introductory element that precedes the main clause. For example: "After the game, we went out for pizza."
Correct this sentence: "Although he was tired he finished the race."
A comma is needed after the introductory clause: "Although he was tired, he finished the race."
What is a non-essential (or non-restrictive) clause?
A non-essential clause provides additional information that is not necessary for the sentence's core meaning. If you remove it, the sentence still makes grammatical sense.
How do you correctly punctuate a non-essential clause or phrase within a sentence?
You must set it off with a pair of commas, one before and one after. This is often called the "comma sandwich."
In the sentence, "My sister, who is a doctor, lives in Chicago," why is "who is a doctor" enclosed in commas?
It is a non-essential clause. The core sentence, "My sister lives in Chicago," makes sense on its own. The clause simply adds extra information.
What is an appositive?
An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides more information about a nearby noun. Non-essential appositives are set off by commas.
Identify the appositive in this sentence: "The CEO, a charismatic leader, addressed the company."
The appositive is "a charismatic leader." It renames and provides more information about the subject, "The CEO."
In general, which word introduces a non-essential clause that requires a comma, "that" or "which"?
The word "which" typically introduces non-essential clauses and is preceded by a comma. The word "that" introduces essential clauses and is not preceded by a comma.
Correct or incorrect? "The book that is on the table belongs to me."
Correct. "that is on the table" is an essential clause because it specifies which book. No commas are needed.
Correct this sentence: "Before leaving for school I had to walk the dog."
A comma is needed after the introductory phrase: "Before leaving for school, I had to walk the dog."
