Five Comma Rules Name ______________________
Some of the most common comma problems are caused by violations of five rules. Below is a
review of those guidelines identified by correction abbreviations:
CmIntr Use commas after introductory clauses. Such clauses often begin with
although, since, if, when, as, and because. Also use commas after long
introductory phrases (five or more words) or those that include verbs. For
example, To apply for a job, submit an application.
CmConj Use a comma between two independent clauses joined by a coordinate
conjunction such as and, but, or, and nor.
Add commas to the following sentences. For each comma, identify the appropriate correction
abbreviation. If no comma is needed, write C.
1. If you are looking for a job a good place to find general information is the Web.
2. Job candidates should arrive a little early for an interview and they should be prepared with
information about the target company.
3. Although candidates can’t anticipate precise questions they can expect to be asked about
their education skills experience and availability.
12. Early in your academic training begin monitoring want ads and Web sites of companies in
your career area.
13. Inquire about needed skills required courses financial rewards job benefits working
conditions future trends and entry requirements.
Key
1. If you are looking for a job, [CmIntr] a good place to find general information is the Web.
2. Job candidates should arrive a little early for an interview, [CmConj] and they should be
3. Although candidates can’t anticipate precise questions, [CmIntr] they can expect to be asked
4. Jessica Markey, [CmIn] who was preparing for an upcoming job interview, [CmIn] practiced
answering typical interview questions and recorded her answers so that she could critique her
5. Jessica’s interview was scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, [CmDate] in Athens, Ohio,
6. If possible, [CmIntr] Jessica should call in advance to inquire about what to wear and how to
prepare.
7. One determined young high school student commuted 90 minutes each day to work at
Disneyland and later was hired as a full-time employee when he finished college.
8. Student candidates flock to the Anaheim, [CmDate] California, [CmDate] theme park, [CmIn]
which is expected to hire 300 part-time workers for the summer months.
10. Searching for a job electronically has become a common approach, [CmConj] but it is not
11. To learn more about a career, [CmIntr] take a summer job, [CmSer] internship, [CmSer] or
12. Early in your academic training, [CmIntr] begin monitoring want ads and Web sites of
13. Inquire about needed skills, [CmSer] required courses, [CmSer] financial rewards, [CmSer]
14. With over 40,000 job boards and employment Web sites deluging the Internet, [CmIntr] it’s
15. The chronological résumé format, [CmIn] which is the favorite of recruiters, [CmIn] quickly