COMMA USAGE
- Using commas with appositive phrases – An appositive phrase is a noun phrase that identifies or adds detail about the noun right next to it.
Incorrect: Mr Khoo, who is a professional magician performed at my sister’s birthday party.
Correct: Mr Khoo, who is a professional magician, performed at my sister’s birthday party.
Incorrect: Mr Khoo, a professional magician is well known in Singapore.
Correct: Mr Khoo, a professional magician, is well known in Singapore.
- Use commas, not colons, when punctuating dialogue
Incorrect: Before doing his trick, Mr Khoo said: “Hey, presto!”
Correct: Before doing his trick, Mr Khoo said, “Hey, presto!”