Please refer to these guidelines from the JHA Style Guide for Technical Communication and Training when using commas.
| Guideline | Examples |
| In a series of three or more items, always use a comma to separate all elements. | Correct: View the document in Normal, Print, or Web layout. |
| Use a comma after an introductory phrase. | Correct: To keep track of your tasks, use the Tasks feature in Outlook. |
| Do not use a comma between the verbs in a compound predicate.
· A compound predicate occurs when the subject of a sentence performs two actions (verbs). |
Incorrect: The system compiles the information, and generates a report.
Correct: The system compiles the information and generates a report. |
| You can use a comma in a compound sentence.
· A compound sentence occurs when there are two or more independent clauses. o An independent clause is a phrase that contains both a subject and a verb. |
Correct: The system compiled all the information, but it did not successfully generate a report. |
| Do not use a comma in a compound sentence unless there is a conjunction (like "and" or "or"). | Incorrect: The system compiles the information, it
generates a report. Correct: The system compiles the information, and it generates a report. |
Thank you,
Jackie Solano
Technical Writer, Episys Technical Publications
Symitar®
8985 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, California 92123
Direct Line: 619-542-6711
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