Coma or comma: spelling, meaning, and pronunciation
Coma, with one m, describes deep unconsciousness, often after illness or injury. Comma, with two ms, names the punctuation symbol that separates items or parts of a written sentence.
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Come phrasal verbs: meanings and examples
Common phrasal verbs with come include come across (find by chance), come back (return), come from (have an origin), come up (arise or be mentioned), come up with (think of an idea), and come over (visit someone's home).
Commas in English: separate ideas without overusing them
Use commas to separate items in a list, after an opening phrase when it helps the reader, and before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two complete sentences. Do not put a comma between a subject and its verb.
Commas: separate ideas without overusing them
Use a comma when it helps readers see the parts of a sentence. Common places are between list items, before a coordinating conjunction that joins two complete ideas, after an introductory part, around extra information, and with a person's name when you speak directly to that person.
Common English idioms: meaning and safe use
An idiom is a fixed phrase with a meaning that you cannot always work out by translating each word separately.
Common abbreviations: meanings, pronunciation, and use
Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases used in writing and speech. Some you spell out as letters, while others you say as one word.
Comparative and superlative adverbs
Use a comparative adverb for two actions: Maya answered more politely than I did. Use a superlative adverb for three or more: Maya answered the most politely in the group. Choose -er and -est for some short forms, and more or most for many -ly adverbs.
Complex sentences: clauses and logical links
Start with a complete main clause, then add a subordinate clause when you need to show how two ideas connect. Use because for a reason, when for a time, if for a condition, and although for a contrast. If the subordinate clause comes first, put a comma before the main clause.
Compound adjectives: build clear English descriptions
A compound adjective combines two or more words to describe a noun, often with a hyphen before the noun. In a well-written report, well-written works together as one adjective for report.
Compound nouns: spelling, stress, and use
Treat a compound noun as one named idea. Learn its usual spelling as part of the word: toothbrush, bus stop, or check-in. Most compound nouns make their plural on the last word, but compounds such as sister-in-law make the first noun plural.
Compound sentences: join ideas clearly
A compound sentence joins two complete clauses with a coordinating conjunction. Choose and to add an idea, but for a contrast, or for a choice, and so for a result. When these words join two complete clauses, use a comma before the conjunction.
Conjunctions exercise 2: show reason, contrast, and result
Use because to give a reason, although to introduce an unexpected contrast, and so to show a result. Use however to add a contrast across a sentence or clause, usually with punctuation.