29 | Misuses of the Comma
29|Misuses of the Comma
Just as important as including the comma where it belongs is omitting the comma in places where it does not belong. Be aware of the following common misuses of the comma.
29aDo not use a comma to separate a subject from its verb or a verb from its object.
For a list of coordinating words, see 19c.
29bDo not use a comma with compound subjects or verbs joined by correlative or coordinating conjunctions.
Do not divide a compound subject or verb unnecessarily with a comma.
29cDo not use a comma before the first or after the last item in a series.
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29dDo not use a comma to set off a restrictive word, phrase, or clause.
For an explanation of restrictive modifiers, see 28e.
A restrictive modifier is essential to the definition or identification of whatever it modifies; a nonrestrictive modifier is not.
29eDo not use commas to set off indirect quotations.
For more on quoting someone’s exact words, see 33a–33c.
When that introduces a quotation, the quotation is indirect and requires neither a comma nor quotation marks.
EXERCISE 29-1 Misuses of the Comma
Correct any misuses of the comma in the following sentences. Some sentences may be correct. Example:
The proposed bill would give veterans in rural areas, improved access to medical care, health benefits, and job training.
Neither the House of Representatives, nor the Senate, seems likely to vote for increasing the federal minimum wage.
The report basically states that, increased testing is not improving student outcomes, even though that was the original intention.
During migration, hummingbirds, which weigh less than an ounce, travel distances, that average 500 miles per day.
After the party, we found, an earring, two sweaters, a hat, a scarf, and a shoe.
Upon hearing the doorbell ring, the dog jumped, and barked, and howled, and spun in circles.
Eyewitnesses from the period confirm that, there was, incredibly, a molasses flood in Boston in 1919.
The all-inclusive package provides guests with, unlimited food, beverages, and watersports rentals; spa treatments and tennis lessons, however, cost extra.
Several players from the team, have volunteered to visit young cancer patients at the local hospital.
The painting, that was stolen from the museum twenty years ago, was found, in perfect condition, in an abandoned warehouse.