Commas in Lists
After how many words in a list do you need to start using commas?
After 3 items in a list
Example: bread, butter, cheese
What are the FANBOYS?
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Can a dependent clause stand by itself in a sentence?
No. A dependent clause can't stand by itself.
Does this sentence need a comma?
I need to buy peanut butter and jelly at the store.
No. The list only has 2 items in it.
Where do the commas go in this list:
The teams are the Dallas Stars Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks.
The teams are the Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Mavericks.
When are commas used in a compound sentence?
Between the 2 complete thoughts and before the FANBOYS word
What are 2 things that a complex sentence needs?
Is this sentence a compound sentence?
The night was chilly and still when the wolves were out hunting.
Nope. It does not have two complete thoughts on both sides of the word AND. It also doesn't have a comma.
Where does this sentence need commas?
My dad and I love to go fishing hiking swimming and rock climbing on the weekend.
My dad and I love to go fishing, hiking, swimming, and rock climbing on the weekend.
Where does the comma go in the sentence?
I really need to work but I am too sick.
I really need to work, but I am too sick.
Where does the comma go in this sentence?
I bought new shoes even though they were expensive.
No comma needed
Does this sentence need commas. If so, where do they go?
We need to buy the dog a leash and some treats.
No commas needed. The list only has 2 items (a leash and some treats).
Where do the commas go in this sentence?
I went to Walmart Target and Chick fil A this weekend.
I went to Walmart, Target, and Chick fil A this weekend.
Which is the correct conjunction word for this sentence?
They got there early, ____ they got really good seats.
They got there early, so they got really good seats.
Where does the comma go in this sentence?
Because he was late again he would be docked a day's pay.
Because he was late again, he would be docked a day's pay.
Does a FANBOYS word need to be capitalized?
No, they are in the middle of a sentence.
I want to visit Belize and Costa Rica this year.
No commas needed.
True or False:
All FANBOYS need a comma before them
FALSE
Only when the FANBOYS has a complete thought on both sides of the word
What are some transition words for complex sentences?
Since
Because
Although
While
Which FANBOYS word is probably going to be in a list?
And