This simple acronym acts as a mnemonic device to help us avoid making the most common comma errors. The four components of LUCI address the most frequent comma mistakes: those made with Lists, Unnecessary Elements, Coordinating Conjunctions, and Introductory Phrases.
Using Commas With Lists
The first letter of the acronym (L) stands for Lists. In a list or series of nouns, adjectives, verbs, phrases or clauses, a comma should follow all but the last item in a list.
I bought milk, cheese, and eggs.
The comma set before the word “and” is known as the serial comma, also called the Oxford comma or the Harvard comma. Some disciplines, especially those dealing with journalism, remove this comma to save space.
I bought milk, cheese and eggs.
However, the majority of disciples prefer the presence of the serial comma because it eliminates confusion.
Using Commas With Unnecessary Elements
The second letter (U) stands for Unnecessary Clauses. An unnecessary clause in any clause that is not essential to the core sentence, and it should be set off by commas. Appositives, nonrestrictive clauses, participle phrases, and parenthetical elements are the most common unnecessary clauses.
The dog, which had a bone in its mouth, began to dig.
Having pets, I think, is a hassle.
In these two examples, the core sentences are “the dog began to dig” and “having pets is a hassle.” The clauses set off by commas (“which had a bone in its mouth” and “I think”) contain extra information that is not necessary to understand the sentence.
Using Commas With Coordinating Conjunctions
The third letter (C) stands for Coordinating Conjunctions and Coordinate Adjectives. Coordinating conjunctions are short words that connect two complete sentences and need to be preceded by a comma. There are seven of them, and they can be remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
The stars are out, but it is too cloudy to see them.
A comma should also be used to separate coordinating adjectives, which are two adjectives that are equally describing a noun. If the order of the two adjectives is irrelevant (meaning that either adjective could be placed first or second without changing the meaning of the sentence), a comma should be placed between them.
She saw the silhouette of a tall, skinny man.
Using Commas With Introductory Phrases
The final letter (I) stands for introductory elements. These are words, phrases, or clauses that set up the sentence and precede the foundational subject and verb. These elements often provide background information.
After the squirrel bit him, Mike had to get a rabies shot.
It is sometimes permissible to eliminate a comma following an introductory element if said element is shorter than three words and there is no possible way the sentence could be misread. But if in doubt, use the comma.
Laura Steer - Laura Steer is currently living and working in Hawaii as a personal assistant, writer, editor, and sightseer. Life is good.
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