Weakest, but oh so important piece of punctuation
1. Use to separate two independent clauses (sentences) joined with a simple conjunction. Simple conjunctions are:
B ut
O r
Y et
S o
F or
A nd
N or
I would love to help you with the project, but I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow.
She loves to knit, and she also loves to make jewelry.
2. Comma in a series. To give equal weight to all items in a series, put commas around them all, even the one before the "and." This rule has changed many times over the years, but consider the following:
"The inheritance will be divided among Cassie, Eric and Ryan." In this construction the sentence could be construed to mean that Cassie gets 50 percent, and Eric and Ryan would have to split the other 50 percent.
If all items in the series are equally important, put commas around them all.
Sandra remembered to bring cups, plates, and napkins, but she forgot the silverware.
3.To separate long introductory phrases and clauses from the rest of the sentence. The clauses usually address when, why, how something happened.
Because the party was canceled, Peter returned the gift to the store. (Why)
After the rain finally stopped, the spectators moved back to the bleachers. (When)
With great precision and unparalleled perseverance, Deepa put the pieces of the broken pottery back together. (How)
More to come . . . stayed tuned.
