I always thought I was really good in English! Until I started this course. Now, I can't seem to get the commas down. Is there an easy way that you remember the rules for commas?

I know what you mean! I am in MT school also, and I used to think I was good at English and grammar! Commas can be so tricky, and it seems some of the information out there is contradictory. It definitely seems that the trend is toward fewer commas. The only rule that is black and white for me and that everyone seems to be in agreement on, is that if you have two complete thoughts separated by and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet, you use a comma. But you probably already know that one. Some of the other comma scenarios can be much trickier! For example, I don't understand why you use a comma before the word too at the end of a sentence. I will check back later to see if you get any good advice on this subject.

Hi

You can follow some rules while using comma:-

1.Long sentences need a comma
2.You should add a comma wherever you pause
3.Commas are so mysterious that it's impossible to figure out where they belong

There are some suggestions for when you are using comma:-

1.Use a comma to separate the elements in a series.
2.Use a comma + a little conjunction (and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so) to connect two independent clauses.
3.Use a comma to set off parenthetical elements.
4.Use a comma to set off introductory elements.
5.Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives.
6.Use a comma to set off quoted elements.
7.Use commas to set off phrases that express contrast.
8.Use a comma to avoid confusion

I think after remembering all these you can use comma very easily wherever necessary.

Thanks

I recently received my MT diploma, but still have trouble with commas and semicolons.Can anyone please explain the semicolon rules to me?

Well, it can be confusing, but there are many websites that explain the rules. Grammar book is one. Here is another page that explains it briefly,

How to use commas

Per the BOS 3rd edition page 124: Use a semicolon to separate 2 independent clauses. While independent clauses are typically separated by periods, a semicolon can be used when the 2 clauses express closely linked or related concepts or ideas.

Ex: Over half of my patients opt for hormone replacement therapy; the rest prefer alternative treatments.

Use semicolons to separate items in a complex series, or a series in which at least one of the items in the series contains internal commas. Separating the items with semicolons provide visual clarity and ease of reading from one item in the series to the next.

Ex: The patient received Cerubidine 120 mg daily 3 times on February 26, 27 and 28, 2002; received Cystosar 200 mg over 12 hours for 14 doses beginning February 26; and received thioguanine for 14 doses for a total dose of 200 mg a day, starting February 26.

Otherwise, I would refrain from using them, especially if you have trouble with them.

I don't use a comma before too at the end of a sentence. I don't know about that one.