Once in a while, we run afoul of syntax. What this means is that we unknowingly break the rules of grammar, not just in the English language, but other languages as well. Syntax is defined as ...

Here’s an example, applied to a typically worthy sentence (the diagram comes courtesy of Google Books): For a long time, sentence diagramming flourished throughout the American school system ...

3. Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence. Appositives act as synonyms for a juxtaposed word or phrase. In the above example — "While running, I saw a mallard ...

Use and between the last two items, instead of a comma. For example: Today I need to buy milk, bread, apples and potatoes. In longer sentences, you can use commas to separate out extra information ...