Video: How to Use Commas

Punctuation tips. Learn about the confusing subject of commas in this free self-editing lesson for writers and job seekers.

Video Transcript

Self Editing Basics Out of all punctuation, commas are often the most confusing. Even for very experienced writers. So we are going to review a couple places where commas can get confusing. Just remember that commas are a way to set off a word or a group of words within a complete thought. One way people often misuse commas is with an introductory phrase. Remember that if you have an introductory phrase you often need a comma to set it off from the rest of the sentence. One example is: Starting next week I will be working a new job downtown. When you say it you might not hear the comma but in writing you are going to want the comma there. So here is the simple example: Starting next week I will be working a new job downtown. If you say it all together it just seems like something is missing. You need a slight pause there and that is what a comma does. Starting next week, I will be working a new job downtown. So just to reiterate you are going to need the comma here because it is an introductory phrase to a sentence and it just helps the reader see that there is a slight pause there and it makes the words more effective.

How to Use Commas

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