I picked the boomerang because it looks like a comma if you use your imagination.  Really use your imagination….

In my critique group, we have been questioning the use of commas in our drafts.  We decided to research the rules.  Here they are in case commas are invading your “dreamings.”

The five rules of comma use:

1. Never place a comma between a subject and its verb or between a verb and its object.   ” John, sings a song.  John sings, a song. ”   O.k.  We know that one.

2.  When a subordinate clause introduces an independent clause, separate them with a comma.   Anyone want to explain this one or give an example??????

3. Do not use a comma to separate the clauses when a subordinate clause follows an in dependent clause.   (Yawning)      This sentence is an example of what it states.

4. Use a comma before the appropriate coordinating conjunction to join two related sentences.   The coordinating conjunctions are “for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. ”  Acronym?   FANBOYS

5. WHEN YOU ARE IN DOUBT LEAVE THE COMMA OUT.

(More problems occur with overuse of the comma.)

Rules adapted from “Punctuation for Writers”  Stanbrough

Prompt for today:

Write a rant using only commas.  No periods.  A 25 word rant.

Or

Comma reminds me of coma.

Write a short short piece from the perspective of a coma patient who can hear everything but is not able to speak.  (In medical terms, this would be a “Locked In” syndrome.

Have fun.  Kaye  (an R.N. in my past life.)