What is a comma?
One of the most commonly used punctuation marks is the comma. Although it may appear to be a simple mark, it does have the ability to change the meaning that a writer intended. Therefore, it essential that all writers understand how to utilize the punctuation mark properly.
Common Comma Error:
An error that occurs when two independent clauses are combined using a comma.
Example: She likes pancakes, she also likes waffles.
-Both of those sentences may stand alone; therefore, a comma splice has been created.
Fixing a comma splice:
Some tips that may be found on Grammar Girl to fix a comma splice include a semicolon, conjunction, a preposition, or a period.
She likes pancakes; she also likes waffles.
She likes pancakes, and she also likes waffles.
In addition to pancakes, she likes waffles.
She likes pancakes. She also likes waffles.
Caution!
“A phrase is fine after a comma, but a lone clause is not.”
Phrase–a phrase does not contain a subject or a predicate. Typically a phrase does not form a complete thought, and it cannot stand alone.
Clause-a clause contains both a subject and a predicate. A clause can sometimes form a complete thought and can stand alone if it is an independent clause.
Example of how to use a phrase properly:
It had started raining again, fat drops hitting the window like pebbles. (A Memory of Light, Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson)
Some other comma rules provided by Lorelei Lingard…
1. When the subject and its verb are side by side, never separate them with a comma.
I-The girl, ran after the ice-cream truck.
C- The girl ran after the ice-cream truck.
2.When a list follows a verb, there should not be a comma separating the verb from the list
I- My favorite ice-cream flavors are, chocolate, mint, strawberry, and cookie dough.
C- My favorite ice-cream flavors are chocolate, mint, strawberry, and cookie dough.
3. In a compound sentence, a comma is necessary before the conjunction that joins the two independent clauses.
I- She ordered a banana split but they were all out of bananas.
C- She ordered a banana split, but they were all out of bananas
4. In compound sentences that use a conjunctive adverb, a semi-colon should precede the adverb, and a comma follows it
I- The ice-cream man told her there was pistachio ice cream, however she didn’t like that flavor.
C- The ice-cream man told her there was pistachio ice cream; however, she didn’t like that flavor.
Commas are taught in elementary school curriculums and are an essential part of writing due to their varied use. Whether you use them to take a pause, to separate, to group, to count, or even to transition I hope that you will utilize the rules provided and use them to your advantage!
Works Cited:
Lingard, Lorelei. “Get control of your commas” Perspectives on medical educationvol. 5,1 (2016): 39-41.
Fogarty, Mignon. “How to Avoid a Common Comma Error: The Comma Splice.” Quick and Dirty Tips, Grammar Girl, 7 Jan. 2019, http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/how-to-avoid-a-common-comma-error-the-comma-splice
KAZ 
I really enjoyed reading this blog in a way that it was interactive and there were breaks in each thought, with a new paragraph. I also enjoyed how you gave numerous examples on how to use commas, and what a difference it makes when we don’t use them. The graphic that was used was really cute and helpful in understanding why commas are important in grammar. This blog is does a great job in telling the importance of why commas are needed in our writing and even our everyday speech. One suggestion I would just like to note, is that having the blue background was a little harsh on the eyes and had me distracted at time, but I love how this blog flowed and how I could see your personality within it.
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I love how interactive your blog post is. The graphic you included was also a nice break from the text! Great organization in the post. Good job, overall!
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Hi Kaz! Wow, I really enjoy your blog visually. It is so fun and I love the title for your blog as well. I really appreciated how you included how to fix a comma splice. I myself was always confused on how to identify and fix comma mistakes, so thank you for clarifying that. Overall, great job!
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I loved this blog. You provided very useful information and the formatting was really easy and fun. I loved how you used different colors, examples, background information, graphics, and humor to grab the readers attention and to get your point across. It was also very useful how you provided correct examples vs. incorrect to allow the reader to see the difference and compare it to their own writing. Very good job.
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Hi! This was a really fun blog to read. I enjoy how you spaced things out and made it interactive, the different colored fonts and graphics also added to making it interesting while also informative. I agree with Mack the only thing I would say is that the blue background could be a little distracting, however everything was really good!
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