Punctuation - THE USE OF COMMA

 THE USE OF COMMA

1.  The Comma ( , ) is used after an edverbial dependent clause when the dependent clause precedes the main clause. When the dependent clause doesn't begin the sentence, is usually unnecessary.

   
   After the director had read the minutes of the meeting, he called for the financial report. (Comma)           (the underlined sentence is  an "adverbial cluase)The director called for the financial report after he had read the minutes of the meeting.                 ( No Comma )      (the underlined sentence is  an "adverbial cluase)

2. The Comma is used after a participial phrase or an obsolute phrase at the beginning of a sentence.

   
   Seeing the address across the street, he wrote a note in his little book.
                       participial phrase
   
   The rain having stopped, we went to lunch.          absolute phrase

3. The Comma is used after an introductory infinitive phrase.

   
   
   To be successful, you must read widely.
      infinitive phrase
   
   Note: When the subject of the sentence is an infinitive, do not seperate the subject from the rest of the sentence.
   
   To be successful was his goal.
         subject

4. The Comma is used to set off parenthetical expressions, whether words, phrases, or clauses.

   
   (a) Transitional words such as however, therefore, moreover besides, consequently should be set off by commas.
   
   Consequently, I did not receive an answer to his letter.
   Exception: