Commas. It seems like nobody really knows how to use them. I don't either.

There's the obvious way of using them:

Brandy went to Walmart to pick up some juice, chicken and chocolates.



And then there's the whole using it with names:

I love you, Janet!

If that wasn't enough, there's the question of using it with a but:

I really like Britney, but Femme Fatale wasn't very exciting.

SO CLARIFY ALL THOSE COMMA QUESTIONS HERE

I'm confused about the last one - do we have to use a comma before a but?

I'm pretty sure it's correct with or without the comma. Depends on you.

Okay, so it's totally up to me? I'd rather miss a comma than put one where it isn't supposed to be.

In that context, commas are used to create a good flow. Therefore, it's all subjective.

Commas are for *******

I'm pretty sure it's before the but.

Christina, what a flop


NOT


Christina what, a flop.

It depends on the sentence.

It's ok to say:

I like chocolate pudding but not chocolate ice cream.

A comma isn't necessary in that one.

However, it will be required in the following sentence:

I like going to the beach, but I prefer to go to the mountains instead.

,but (independent clause) = correct (Independent clause being something that could stand as a sentence. "I prefer to go to the mountains instead," is an independent clause; therefore, you would need a comma there).

but (dependent clause) = correct (Not chocolate ice cream is not a complete sentence; thus, it is a dependent clause, and you do not use a comma).

There should be a comma after 'chicken' too

The independent-dependent clause really helped, thanks! Also, would I need a comma in these situations:

1. You know, you've been losing way too much weight.
2. However, it was....
3. I want you to go there, and I want you to go there now!

I really appreciate all of you coming out to help a brother out!

Nope, that's optional. Or so I've been told.

I think:

1. Preferably.
2. Preferably? Not sure.
3. Yes.

It depends on how you want the sentence to flow.

Yeah, reading a sentence out loud really helps with comma placement. It's what I usually do.

Ra2 is correct.

Commas are used when joining two complete sentences with a conjunction (but, and, etc.).

For example - It was a hot day, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

A comma isn't used in this instance: I love junk food but don't eat it all the time. This isn't joining two complete sentences.

1. That comma is superfluous.
2. You need that one.
3. You need that one.

It's optional. Either way is accepted.

You have to use commas before any conjunction whenever it's introducing an independent clause. In other words, put one if it's before something that could easily be a separate sentence.

Examples:

* I tried going to the store yesterday, but I got lost.
* I tried going to the store yesterday but got lost.

* I have nothing else to give her, but you may have some change to spare.
* I have nothing else to give her but my love.

* John went to a meeting, and Mary stayed at home with her kids.
* John went to a meeting and fell asleep.

* Are you sure about this, or is it just a hunch?
* You always have something to say about this or that...

Hope this helps!!

Correct :

I like soft rock songs as/since/because they make me feel relaxed.
As/Since/Because they make me feel relaxed, I like soft rock songs.

Incorrect

I like soft rock songs, as/since/because they make me feel relaxed.
As/Since/Because they make me feel relaxed I like soft rock songs.

...right?

I sometimes misuse commas by confusing them with semicolons.

EDIT : Fantastic example Andres.

Comma splice.