1. Independent Clauses:
* Joined by a Coordinating Conjunction: When two independent clauses (complete sentences that can stand alone) are joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), a comma is placed before the conjunction.
* Example: *The sun was setting, and the sky was ablaze with color.*
* Joined by a Semicolon: You can also use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses without a conjunction.
* Example: *The storm raged all night; by morning, the damage was extensive.*
2. Dependent Clauses:
* Introductory Dependent Clauses: When a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone) comes at the beginning of a sentence, it's usually followed by a comma.
* Example: *Because the weather was so bad, we decided to stay inside.*
* Non-restrictive Dependent Clauses: These clauses provide additional, but non-essential, information. They are set off with commas.
* Example: *The house, which was built in the 1800s, had beautiful stained glass windows.*
* Restrictive Dependent Clauses: These clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence and are not set off with commas.
* Example: *The house that was built in the 1800s had beautiful stained glass windows.*
3. Comma Splices:
* Avoiding Comma Splices: A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. This is incorrect grammar and should be fixed by using a conjunction, semicolon, or making one of the clauses a dependent clause.
* Incorrect: *The train was delayed, the passengers were frustrated.*
* Correct: *The train was delayed, so the passengers were frustrated.*
4. Commas in Series:
* Series of Words, Phrases, or Clauses: When listing three or more items in a series, a comma is used to separate each item, and a comma is placed before the conjunction before the final item.
* Example: *We bought apples, oranges, and bananas at the market.*
5. Other Uses:
* After Introductory Phrases: Use a comma after an introductory phrase that modifies the main clause.
* Example: *After a long day at work, I went for a walk in the park.*
* To Set Off Interjections: Commas are used to set off interjections from the rest of the sentence.
* Example: *Wow, that's amazing!*
Remember: Commas help to clarify the structure and meaning of sentences. By understanding how to use commas in clauses, you can improve your writing and make your ideas easier for readers to follow.