Commas

[ryleesmom]

Am I doing these right?
Commas. Add commas where needed in the sentences below.
1. Yes we have visited Japan, France, and Italy.
2. After we picked up Pepe, my poodle from the groomer, we took him to the veterinarian.
3. Well, I think the judge showed compassion, integrity, and fairness in the courtroom.
4. Bill, the rehearsal is beginning, and we need you to join us now.
5. Belinda, my oldest sister earns extra money by running errands, sewing, and cooking for our neighbor.
6. Jeff, please finish your report, and I will type it for you.

[oishii]

Hi Ryleesmom,

I think you have understood the rules for placing commas, but I noticed an error or two in some of the sentences...

Here are a few comments and corrections...

1. Yes, we have visited Japan, France, and Italy.

Rule - Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory words such as well, now, or yes..

2. After we picked up Pepe, my poodle, from the groomer, we took him to the veterinarian.

Only the additional information that you are providing about Pepe (that it is a poodle) should be placed between the commas..


5. Belinda, my oldest sister, earns extra money by running errands, sewing, and cooking for our neighbor.


In regards to sentences 4 and 6...

Bill, the rehearsal is beginning *and we need you to join us now.

*I would probably omit the comma here since the clauses that are linked by 'and' are very short... Consider the following rule.
Rule - Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction-and, or, but, for, nor. You can omit the comma if the clauses are both short..


What do the other helpers think?
.

[danmahaffey]

Well done, and I agree with your suggestion about deleting the other commas.

Also, here's a bonus rule: Unless there is a comma needed for another reason, do not put a comma between a subject and its verb.

Here is an example of a bad comma:My sister who visited Spain last year and saw the king, came for lunch today.
This comma between subject and verb is wrong, but many writers will put one there. Maybe they are tired by the time they get to the verb and they want to rest. Who knows? But no comma is needed.

Here is an example of a good comma:Belinda, my oldest sister, earns extra money by running errands.
This comma between subject and verb is acceptable because it is already needed to separate the phrase, my oldest sister, from Belinda.

I hope this is clear.