Commas - ACT English

He said, 'I am not going.'. Comma needed before the quoted speech begins.

Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives describing the same noun. When adjectives equally modify the noun, separate with commas.

To separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Links two complete thoughts with coordinating conjunctions properly.

Let's eat, Grandma. Comma prevents the cannibalistic interpretation!

Use a comma when addressing someone directly by name or title in a sentence. Sets off the person being spoken to from the message.

Use semicolons to separate items in a list with internal commas. Prevents confusion when list items already contain commas.

My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting. The phrase about New York is extra information needing commas.

Use a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses. Helps clarify sentence structure by setting off opening elements.

The weather was cold, but sunny. Comma needed before 'but' when joining two complete thoughts.

Send the package to 123 Main Street, New York, NY 10001. Commas needed after street, city, and state.

To separate items in a series. This is the fundamental function of commas in lists.

Two independent clauses joined by a comma without a conjunction. This creates an improper connection between complete sentences.

Use a comma to separate a tag question from the rest of the sentence. Sets off the questioning phrase from the main statement.

Use a comma to separate an interjection from the rest of the sentence. Separates exclamatory words from the main sentence content.

Use a comma: 'Although it rained, we hiked.'. Dependent clauses starting sentences require commas before the main clause.

Use a comma to set off a clear contrast or strong interruption when needed. Contrasting phrases may need commas depending on the emphasis desired.

Correct: 'Yes, I understand your point.'. 'Yes' is an interjection that interrupts and needs a comma.

Use commas to set off mild interrupters from the rest of the sentence. Interrupters pause the flow and need comma separation for clarity.

No comma: 'a long exhausting trip.'. 'Long' describes the type of trip, while 'exhausting' describes the experience.

Correct: 'We bought apples, oranges, and pears.'. Commas are needed to separate each item in a series.

Correct: 'The solution was not quick but effective.'. This contrast is clear without comma separation.

Correct: 'After the meeting, we went to lunch.'. The prepositional phrase 'After the meeting' needs a comma before the main clause.

Correct: 'John, my brother, is coming.'. Appositives that rename nouns need commas around them.

Use a comma before $FANBOYS$ when both sides are independent clauses. $FANBOYS$ (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) require commas when joining complete thoughts.

No comma: 'a long exhausting trip.'. 'Long' describes the type of trip, while 'exhausting' describes the experience.

Correct: 'The students in the front row were taking notes.'. The comma incorrectly separates the subject from its verb.

Use a comma if adjectives are equal and can be reversed or separated by 'and.'. Equal adjectives can switch positions: 'cold, rainy' = 'rainy, cold.'

Use commas to set off mild interrupters from the rest of the sentence. Interrupters pause the flow and need comma separation for clarity.

Another term for the Oxford comma. Both terms refer to the final comma in a list.