English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
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
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
Section A: Choose anybody, nobody, or everybody for the blank.1. I kept the secret and haven’t told _____.2. I’ve invited ____ for the party, so it should be a large crowd. 3. Do you know ____ who could fix my… Read more380. Practice with Indefinite Pronouns
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
When you are addressing a person by name, you need to put a comma after their name.Look at this example:John, I need your help. You are speaking to John, so you must put a comma after his name before saying… Read more388. Use a Comma to Set off a Person’s Name
When we write a note or a letter or an email, we often begin by using a greeting such as Dear.We might say Dear Mom, or Dear John, before writing the main part of the message. We always put a… Read more383. Using the Comma in a Greeting
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