How should commas be used with suffixes like Jr. or Sr. after a name?

Degrees following an individual's name and abbreviations such as Jr. and Sr. are typically set off by commas on both sides, as in 'Mr. Michael Mikes, Jr., our lead intern.' However, commas may be omitted if the individual prefers.

When should commas be used to show omitted words?

A comma should be used to show omitted words where the meaning is understood. For example, in 'Yesterday we ran 27 new customer transactions; today, none,' the comma after 'today' shows the omission of 'we ran.'

How should commas be used with quotations in a sentence?

Commas are used to separate quotations from the rest of the sentence. When a quote is divided by an attribution or other text, use two commas, as in '"Open the side panel," Yuki instructed, "and remove the paper jam."'

When are commas used with contrasting expressions?

Commas are used to set off contrasting or opposing expressions that are often introduced by words such as not, never, but, and yet. For example: 'Our company is implementing staff furloughs, not layoffs.'

Why are commas used with repeated words?

Commas are used to separate words that are repeated for emphasis or that may be misread if not separated. For example: 'Whatever will be, will be.' The comma prevents confusion and improves readability.

[Solution] Grammar/Mechanics Checkup 8: Commas 3

Created at: Fri Apr 18 2025

Author: Marcus D. Green

The following questions will test your knowledge of comma usage.

Identify the comma error(s), and choose the best revision.

Please welcome Mr. Michael Mikes, Jr., our lead intern.

Please welcome Mr. Michael Mikes, Jr. our lead intern.
Please welcome Mr. Michael Mikes Jr., our lead intern.
No error

Yesterday we ran 27 new customer transactions; today none.

Yesterday we ran 27 new customer transactions; today, none.
No error
Yesterday we ran 27 new customer transactions, today, none.

“Open the side panel” Yuki instructed, “and remove the paper jam.”

“Open the side panel,” Yuki instructed “and remove the paper jam.”
“Open the side panel,” Yuki instructed, “and remove the paper jam.”
“Open the side panel” Yuki instructed “and remove the paper jam.”

Our company is implementing staff furloughs, not layoffs.

Our company is implementing staff furloughs not, layoffs.
No error
Our company is implementing staff furloughs not layoffs.

Whatever will be will be.

Whatever will be: will be.
Whatever, will be, will be.
Whatever will be, will be.

[Solution] Grammar/Mechanics Checkup 8: Commas 3

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