COMMA L.I.E.S.

L- LIST Commas are used between items in a series, including coordinate adjectives modifying the same noun.

LIST EXAMPLES:When the house had disappeared behind us, Emma held out an upturned palm, flicked her wrist, and a petite ball of fire flared to life just above her fingers.

Its tongues were unfurling more and then splitting apart, one coming toward me, another toward Enoch, and the third toward Emma.

I- INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS Commas follow such introductory elements as adverb clauses, long phrases, mild interjections, or transitional expressions

INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS EXAMPLES:I jogged along the deck to the stern, tracking the shipwreck as it disappeared beneath our wake.

In less than twenty-four hours, the whole trip had become pointless.

E- EXTRA INFORMATION Commas are used to set off interrupters/extra information such as nonrestrictive words, clauses, and phrases.

EXTRA INFORMATION EXAMPLES:Then, when the war was finally over, he said he couldn’t possibly come back.

Should you observe a person unknown to you, even if they appear to be peculiar, come immediately and inform me.

S- SENTENCES WITH FANBOYS Commas are used between main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS): sentence, conjunction sentence

FANBOYS= for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

SENTENCES WITH FANBOYS EXAMPLES:Suddenly there came a loud crash from somewhere in the house above me, and I startled so badly that all the pictures slipped from my hands.

It was pure black down there, but the next thing I knew it was filled with soft orange light.

SEMICOLONS

A SEMICOLON IS USED WHEN:You want to connect 2 complete clauses that are about the same topic and are not already connected with a FANBOYS wordThe museums of New York City are rich in are treasures; no other city has such a wonderful collection of pieces.

Often used with connective words like: however, therefore, consequently, furthermore, likewise, also, etc.The restaurant’s outdoor seating is closed for the winter; however, the indoor section is open year round.