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Using the Comma

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Online Writing Lab

Tutorials: Mechanics

Using Commas

There are five major uses of the comma, and several minor uses.  We'll deal first with the major uses, then turn to the minor uses, and finally discuss misuse and overuse of the comma.

The five major uses of the comma are

1. linking independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction;

2. setting off an introductory element;

3. separating items in a series;

4. separating coordinate adjectives;

5. and setting off nonessential elements.

CONTINUE TUTORIAL

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