comma
Nonrestrictive clauses and phrases are set off by commas. These commas separate additional information that is not necessary for the sentence's meaning but provides extra details.
Yes, nonrestrictive clauses use commas. These clauses provide additional information that can be omitted without changing the overall meaning of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting," the clause "who lives in New York" is nonrestrictive and is set off by commas.
Yes, introductory participal phrases and adverb clauses are set off from main clauses by commas
To show the reader where to pause. For example: "To provide additional information with a web link, click here instead." Try reading that without the comma; it doesn't work so well.
Commas are used to separate items in a list, to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence, to set off introductory phrases or clauses, and to offset nonessential information.
Prepositional phrases should be set off with a comma if they are nonessential or nonrestrictive information in a sentence. If the prepositional phrase provides essential or restrictive information, it does not require a comma.
Use commas to set off nonrestrictive elements. Do not use commas to set off restrictive elements. A restrictive element defines or limits the meaning of the word it modifies and is therefore essential to the meaning of the sentence.
The word "which" typically signals a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence. Nonrestrictive clauses provide additional information that can be omitted without changing the main meaning of the sentence. These clauses are usually set off by commas to indicate that they are not essential to the overall meaning. For example, in the sentence "The book, which I read last week, was fascinating," the clause "which I read last week" adds extra information but is not necessary for understanding the main point.
When you want a pause in a sentence, you use a comma.
Commas are used in clauses to separate extra information from the main clause, such as with appositives or nonessential clauses. They can also be used to separate items in a list within a clause. Additionally, commas can set off introductory phrases or clauses at the beginning of a sentence.
Commas: Twelve uses1.Between items in a series: words phrases or clauses in a series.2.To keep numbers clear: to separate digits in a number.3. In dates and addresses4.To set off dialogue: to set off only exact words of the speaker.5.To set off interruptions: to set off something that interrupts the main thought of the sentence.6.To set off interjections: to set off a weak exclamation from the rest of the sentence.7. In direct addresses: used to set off a noun that is being directly addressed from the sentence.8. In letter writing: used after the salutation.9. Between two independent clauses: used between two independent clauses which are joined by coordinating conjunctions.10. To set off appositives: used to set off a word or phrase that renames the noun or pronoun before it.11. To separate adjectives: used to separate two or more adjectives that modify the same noun.12. To set off long phrases and clauses: to separate a long modifying phrase or clause from the independent clause following it.Semicolon: Two uses1. Between independent clauses: used to join two or more independent clauses which aren't connected with a coordinating conjunction.2. To separate phrases: used to separate a series of phrases which already contain commas.Colon: Three uses1. To introduce a list2. After a salutation: used in a business letter.3. Between numbers in time
You should use a comma in a complex sentence when separating independent clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or, so). Commas can also be used to set off nonessential clauses or phrases within the sentence.