English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
When we use a word formed from a verb as a describing word, we call it a participle. A participial phrase is a group of words used to describe a noun. We often use a participial phrase at the beginning… Read more393. Use a Comma after an Introductory Participial Phrase
We use a comma to separate items in a list. I bought lemons, sugar, cookies, and ice. This sentence says that I bought four items. A comma goes in between each of the items to keep them separate. If we… Read more384. Using the Comma in a List
We sometimes begin a sentence with a prepositional phrase. This is called an introductory phrase. Always use a comma after an introductory phrase. Here are some sentence examples:After breakfast, Meg did the laundry.Before dinner, Sam practiced his piano piece.At the… Read more392. Put a Comma after an Introductory Phrase
Today America celebrates Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read in the city of Boston – and America’s freedom from rule by Great Britain was declared. Notice how the date is written. First we write… Read more381. Comma in a Date
A subordinate clause is a group of words that shows action but cannot stand alone. When you begin a sentence with a subordinating conjunction, you are beginning your sentence with a subordinate clause. Here are five common subordinating conjunctions: after,… Read more399. Use a Comma After a Subordinate Clause
An appositive phrase is a group of words that gives more information about a noun. The appositive comes right after the noun that it is describing. Look at this example:Bob, my next door neighbor, loaned me his mower. The phrase… Read more394. Using the Comma with an Appositive Phrase
Section A: Place a comma correctly into each sentence below. 1. We took a trip to Sedona Arizona.2. We also stopped in Amarillo, Texas to see the Cadillac Ranch. 3. While we were driving, Jon told us “This is the… Read more390. More Practice with Commas
Anytime you write a numeral four numbers or larger, you must insert a comma. A comma goes into a numeral after the third place column, like this: 1,000 Here are some other four-number numerals: 2,500 6,7259,900 If you write a… Read more382. Use a Comma in Large Numerals
When you describe a noun with multiple adjectives, you need a comma between the adjectives. Look at these sentence examples:The Amazon driver delivered a big, heavy box to our front door. The word box is described with two adjectives: big… Read more387. Use a Comma Between Two Adjectives
Section A. A compound sentence is two simple sentences joined with a comma and one of the FANBOYS. Decide if each sentence below is a true compound sentence. If it is a compound sentence, put a comma before the conjunction…. Read more400. Comma Practice with Compound and Complex Sentences