My cama's

I felt that I could use a reminder of when it is and is not appropriate to add commas. The rules for inserting commas can be organized into eleven rules.

Rule 1. "Separate elements into series". this may include an action that took place, Example: "He fired three more rounds, dropped his magazine, inserted a new magazine, and released the slide...." (slide, referring to the portion of the pistol which cycles rounds through the chamber.)
Rule 2. 'Use a comma... to connect, two, independent clauses.' Example: "The magazine was loaded, but the gun was not."
Rule 3. 'Use a comma to set off introductory elements....' Example: "Preparing to go shooting, I reviewed my rifles owner manual."
Rule 4. 'Use a comma to set off parenthetical elements....' parenthetical elements references elements not requisite for the meaning of it's sentence. Example: "His Heckler & Koch, USP .45, shot very well!"
Rule 5. 'Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives.' Example: "He owns a black, synthetic, metal, rifle."
Rule 6. 'Use a comma to set off quoted elements', or designate a quote. Example: "Look at me, I'm a winner!", The Aquabats said, "Don't you agree? I'm a winner!"
Rule 7. 'Use commas to set off phrases that express contrast' Example: "I'm a winner, not a loser."
Rule 8. 'Use a comma to avoid confusion.' Example: (from the web sight, because I could not think of one :( "For most the year is already finished" vs. "For most, the year is already" finished.
Rule 9. 'Never use only one comma between a subject and its verb.' Example: "My super powerful 870 express is my favorite gun to shoot." There is no need to insert a comma between express and is.
Rule 10. 'Typographical Reasons' Use commas to format. Example: "St. George, UT" or "December 1st, 1987"
Rule 11. 'Use commas with caution' Do not overuse comma's. Rather stick to the rules that apply.
I have learned many rules about using commas. I learned that every time I pause, for instance, I do not need to insert a comma. I hope these notes help you develop better writing skills. Also check the web sight I 'quoted' throughout this post, for additional help.

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm



"I have spent most of the day putting in a comma and the rest of the day taking it out."

— Oscar Wilde