English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
A complex sentence is made by combining an independent clause with a subordinate clause. You do not need a comma in a complex sentence where the independent clause comes first. But anytime you begin a complex sentence with a subordinate… Read more727. The Comma in a Complex Sentence
When using two consecutive adjectives to describe the same noun, you must place a comma between the two adjectives. Bob has a big pumpkin . Bob has a beautiful pumpkin. Bob has a big, beautiful pumpkin. Tuesday was a dark… Read more751. Place a Comma Between Two Adjectives
A contraction is a word that has been shortened from two words into one. we are = we’re We are late for school.We’re late for school.Anytime you shorten we are to we’re, you must insert an apostrophe where a letter… Read more841. Contraction Confusion: we’re and were
The words they are can be pushed together to become the contraction they’re. They are coming to our party.They’re coming to our party.They are a cute couple.They’re a cute couple.A contraction always needs an apostrophe. The word their is a… Read more842. Contraction Confusion – they’re and their
The word you’re is a contraction of the words you are. I hope you are hungry.I hope you’re hungry. The apostrophe in the word always signals that it is a contraction. The word your is a possessive pronoun. It has… Read more843. Contraction Confusion – you’re and your
The word it’s is a contraction. The two words – it is – are shortened to make the contraction it’s. The contraction has an apostrophe. If you see the word it’s with an apostrophe, remember that it really means it… Read more844. Confusing Contractions – it’s and its
Use a comma after the greeting and after the closing in a friendly letter. If you begin the letter by writing Dear Mom or Dear Grandma – you need a comma after the person you are writing to.Dear Mom, I… Read more866. Comma Rules – in a friendly letter
In a sentence, place a comma between a city and a state.I live in Chicago, Illinois.My friend traveled to Denver, Colorado. If the sentence continues after the city and state, also put a comma after the state.We visited Charleston, North… Read more868. Comma Rules – with a city and state or country
In a sentence, if you are addressing a person by name, you must set off their name with a comma.Bob, please bring the iced tea.I’m happy you like the gift, Josie.Billy, you need to finish your homework. If the name… Read more869. Comma Rules – Addressing someone by name
Use a comma to separate items in a list of three or more objects. I bought lemons, sugar, and cookies at the store.We visited Kentucky, North Carolina, and Mississippi this spring.My dog eats sausage, biscuits, and grits. Do not use… Read more871. Comma Rules – in a list