The ESL  Center

Commas:

1. Use commas to separate items in a series.

2. Use commas to separate two or more adjectives preceding a noun.

3. Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, and yet when they join independent clauses.

4. Use a comma to set off nonessential clauses and nonessential participial phrases. (Example 1: Ella Riley, who likes animals, wants to be a veterinarian. Example 2: Senator Stewart, hoping for a compromise, began a filibuster.)

5. Use a comma after prepositional and adverb clauses.

 

Spelling Rules:

1. Only one English word ends in -sede: supersede; only three words end in -ceed: exceed, proceed, and succeed. All other words of similar sound end in -cede. (Examples: precede, intercede, recede, concede, secede, accede)