1. PUNCTUATING CLAUSES
USING COMMAS Tips

2. Phrase Clause Sentence
Related words that may Related words that
include a subject or a contain both a subject
verb and a conjugated verb.
Incomplete idea - Incomplete idea –
dependent dependent
Complete idea –
independent

3. GUIDELINE 1
Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
Introductory phrase To be honest, I wouldn’t change
Anything in my life.
Introductory dependent clause
Because I love my life, I would not
change anything.

4. GUIDELINE 2
Use a comma to separate two independent clauses.
FANBOYS One way to combine two independent clauses into one complete
sentence is to link them with seven little words called FANBOYS.
for - and - nor - but - or - yet - so
It’s always correct to place a comma before FUNBOYS.

5. GUIDELINE 3
Joining one independent and one dependent clause.
Subordinating One way to combine one independent and one dependent clause
conjunctions is by using a subordinating conjunction.
Because – if – when – although – while– whenever...
It’s not always correct to place a comma between the clauses.

6. GUIDELINE 4
Use commas to set of f nonessential clauses and phrases
Nonessental My wife, Leticia, loves traveling more
than anyone in the family.
The independent clause my wife loves
traveling makes sense alone.
Essential All the people who do not arrive on
time will miss the bus.
The relative clause who do not arrive
on time is essential to understand
what people will miss the bus.