98 English Grammar Demystifi ed
- Use a comma to separate introductory words from the main part of the
sentence, that is, from the part that can stand alone.
Before Michael Jordan retired from basketball, he was my favorite
player. - Insert a comma when the words nevertheless,however,inasmuch as, and
therefore interrupt a complete thought.
Unfortunately for Hubert Humphrey, however, his views on Vietnam
alienated him from his former supporters.
Will we ever, therefore, fi nd a way to rationalize that war?Written Practice 4-7
In each of the following sentences, insert commas where necessary.
- Having a new sleek sports car is still just a dream.
- This summer I’m going to paint the house get estimates for a fence and lose
ten pounds. - While I waited for the estimator to arrive I looked at many paint colors.
- A friend of mine a recent graduate is working hard to write an excellent
résumé. - Your job however will be to fi nish cleaning the basement.
MORE COMMA RULES
- Insert a comma to separate two complete thoughts (independent clauses)
that are connected by a word such as and,but,nor,yet,for, and or.
The sun rises in the morning, and it sets in the evening.
We had an invitation to an elegant party, but we cancelled when we
both got the fl u.
NOTE: When the clauses on both sides of the comma are complete thoughts, each
could stand alone.