1. Using Commas Why are commas important? Items in a series
Independent clauses
Introductory elements
Interrupters
Conventional uses of commas
Review A
Review B

2. Why are commas important?
Commas help make the meaning of a sentence clear by setting apart elements in the sentence.
Too many commas can clutter a sentence and confuse readers.
Problem: Unnecessary commas
Amy, and I put a DVD, and a fashion catalog, in the time capsule, and, then, our friend, Jack, added a miniature, flashlight.

3. Why are commas important?
Missing commas may also confuse readers.
Problem: Missing commas
Derek Lucia and Ben are making spaghetti squash spinach salad and garlic bread for dinner.
Is Derek being spoken to, or is he one of the people making dinner?
Are they making spaghetti squash? Or spaghetti and also squash?
Are they making a spinach salad? Or spinach and also a salad?

4. Why are commas important?
With commas placed correctly, the meaning of the sentence is now clear.
Derek, Lucia, and Ben are making spaghetti, squash, spinach salad, and garlic bread for dinner.
[End of Section]

5. Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series.
Words in a series
She had been a correspondent for the wire service in London, Paris, Rome, and Madrid.
Phrases in a series
I studied for the test on the way to school, during homeroom, and in study hall.

6. Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series.
Clauses in a series
The reporter wanted to know who I was, where I went to school, and how I felt about getting my driver’s license.

7. Grammar Guy Says... Items in a series
If all the items in a series are joined by and, or, or nor, do not use commas to separate them.
Grammar Guy Says...
Bring the paint and some brushes and a roller.
Daryl or Juan or Yvette will represent the senior class.

8. Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series.
Short independent clauses
I drove to the store, I bought the groceries, and I drove right home.
Two or more adjectives preceding a noun
Did you see that boring, silly, worthless movie?

9. Grammar Guy Says... Items in a series
To determine whether to use a comma between two adjectives, insert and between the adjectives. If and fits sensibly between them, use a comma.
Grammar Guy Says...
It was a crisp, clear autumn day.
It was a crisp and clear and autumn day.
And sounds sensible between crisp and clear but not between clear and autumn.

10. Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary.
1. Armando sang danced and juggled in the talent show.
2. Sal is an eager willing able young man.
3. My parents always ask me where I’m going who will be there and when I’ll be home.
4. I’ll draw the plans Clay will get the supplies and Kerry will build the fountain.

11. Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary. , ,
1. Armando sang danced and juggled in the talent show.
Use commas to separate words in a series.

12. Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary. , ,
2. Sal is an eager willing able young man.
Use commas to separate two or more adjectives preceding a noun.

13. Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary. ,
3. My parents always ask me where I’m going who will be there and when I’ll be home. ,
Use commas to separate clauses in a series.

14. Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary. , ,
4. I’ll draw the plans Clay will get the supplies and Kerry will build the fountain.
Use commas to separate short independent clauses.

15. Items in a series Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
My father has worked as a teacher a librarian and a computer programmer.
Should we go to the mall to the park or to Yoko’s house?
Mel washed the dishes took out the trash and mowed the huge overgrown front yard.
[End of Section]

16. Items in a series
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
My father has worked as a teacher a librarian and a computer programmer.
Should we go to the mall to the park or to Yoko’s house?
Mel washed the dishes took out the trash and mowed the huge overgrown front yard. , , , , , , ,

17. Independent clauses
Use a comma before and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet when it joins independent clauses.
We looked for seats, but the subway car was crowded.
Amy followed the recipe carefully, for she had never made paella before.
The sky looks clear, yet rain has been forecast.

18. Independent clauses
An independent clause has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
An independent clause can stand by itself as a sentence.
Subject
Verb We
looked
for seats.
Subject
Verb
The subway car
was
crowded.

19. Grammar Guy Says... Independent clauses
Do not be fooled by compound verbs, which can make a sentence look like a compound sentence. Do not use a comma between the parts of a compound verb.
Grammar Guy Says...
Dad ordered the new coat but then changed his mind.
One subject with a compound verb.

20. Independent clauses
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. Are you busy Friday night or would you like to go to the movies?
2. I am eating dinner now but will call you back later.
3. We shivered and clutched our jackets close for the wind had picked up.

21. Independent clauses
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. Are you busy Friday night or would you like to go to the movies? , M
The word or joins two independent clauses, so it should be preceded by a comma.

22. Independent clauses
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
2. I am eating dinner now but will call you back later. C
This sentence has a single subject, I, and a compound verb. It does not have two independent clauses, so no comma is needed before but.

23. Independent clauses
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. We shivered and clutched our jackets close for the wind had picked up. , M
The word for joins two independent clauses, so it should be preceded by a comma.

24. Independent clauses
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
Quilting is a practical folk art and it is also a relaxing and enjoyable pastime.
They did not go to sleep nor did they stop talking that first night in the college dorm.
I knew my part well and was prepared yet I felt nervous about opening night.
[End of Section]

25. Independent clauses
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
Quilting is a practical folk art and it is also a relaxing and enjoyable pastime.
They did not go to sleep nor did they stop talking that first night in the college dorm.
I knew my part well and was prepared yet I felt nervous about opening night. , , ,

26. Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Mild exclamations such as well, oh, or why
Well, have you come up with a plan for this evening?
Introductory words such as yes and no
Yes, I want to finish my birdhouse.

27. Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Introductory participial phrases
Looking poised and calm, Jill walked to the podium.
Two or more introductory prepositional phrases or one long one.
Near the beginning of the trail, the scout leader found an overturned canoe.

28. Introductory elements
A participial phrase is used as an adjective and consists of a participle and any complements or modifiers the participle has.
participle
participle
participial phrase
participial phrase
Hidden by the dense brush, the rabbit sat absolutely still.
Hidden by the dense brush, the rabbit sat absolutely still.
Looking poised and calm, Jill walked to the podium.
Hidden by the dense brush, the rabbit sat absolutely still.
Looking poised and calm, Jill walked to the podium.
Looking poised and calm, Jill walked to the podium.
The participial phrase looking poised and calm modifies the noun Jill.
The participial phrase hidden by the dense brush modifies the noun rabbit.

29. Introductory elements
A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, the object of the preposition, and any modifiers of that object.
object of the prep.
prep.
to the Oakridge Public Library
to the Oakridge Public Library
to the Oakridge Public Library
object of the prep.
object of the prep.
prep.
prep.
near the beginning of the trail
near the beginning of the trail
near the beginning of the trail
near the beginning of the trail
near the beginning of the trail

30. Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Introductory adverb clauses
As he turned the key, the engine started.

31. Introductory elements
An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb.
Adverb clauses generally tell how, when, where, why, how, how much, to what extent, or under what circumstances the action of the verb takes place.
As he turned the key, the engine started.
As he turned the key tells when the engine started.

32. Introductory elements
A subordinate clause (or dependent clause) does not express a complete thought and cannot stand by itself as a sentence.
after they tuned their instruments
What happened after they tuned their instruments?
which damages crops every year
What damages the crops?

33. Introductory elements
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. As I walked into the house the phone rang.
2. Yes we can give you a refund.
3. Trailing in the fourth quarter our team was able to come from behind to win the game.
4. In the morning she always walks the dog.

34. Introductory elements
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed. ,
1. As I walked into the house the phone rang. M
As I walked into the house is an introductory adverb clause and should be set off by a comma.

35. Introductory elements
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
2. Yes we can give you a refund. , M
Introductory words such as yes and no are set off by a comma.

36. Introductory elements
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. Trailing in the fourth quarter our team was able to come from behind to win the game. , M
Trailing in the fourth quarter is an introductory participial phrase and should be set off by a comma.

37. Introductory elements
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed. C
4. In the morning she always walks the dog.
The single, short introductory prepositional phrase In the morning does not require a comma.

38. Introductory elements
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
Sleeping soundly Ben did not hear the car pull away.
Why those flowers are just beautiful, aren’t they?
By the end of the second day of school Josie had already made several new friends.
4. If you want to volunteer for the Special Olympics sign up here.
[End of Section]

39. Introductory elements
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
Sleeping soundly Ben did not hear the car pull away.
Why those flowers are just beautiful, aren’t they?
By the end of the second day of school Josie had already made several new friends.
4. If you want to volunteer for the Special Olympics sign up here. , , , ,

40. Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Nonessential clauses or phrases
Marie Curie, who studied radioactivity, won the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1911.
Nonessential clause
The kitten, frightened by the thunder, jumped into my lap.
Nonessential phrase

41. Interrupters
A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) clause or phrase adds information that is not necessary to the main idea in the sentence.
Marie Curie, who studied radioactivity, won the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1911.
Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1911.
Removing the nonessential clause does not change the main idea of the sentence.

42. Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Nonessential appositives and appositive phrases
The Jacobs’ cat, Sophie, is shy around new people.
Nonessential appositive
Tyrell, my oldest nephew, plays the saxophone.
Nonessential appositive phrase

43. Interrupters
A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) appositive or appositive phrase provides information that is unnecessary to the basic meaning of the sentence.
The Jacobs’ cat is shy around new people.
The Jacobs’ cat, Sophie, is shy around new people.
Removing the nonessential appositive does not change the meaning of the sentence.

44. Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Direct address
Everyone, do you have your artworks ready to turn in?
Your painting, Andy, is very original.
Please show us your sketches, Amanda.

45. Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Parenthetical expressions
On the contrary, exercise is usually relaxing.
My grandfather, by the way, created these colorful sand paintings.
Jameson was the first of the seniors to solve the puzzle, naturally.

46. Commonly Used Parenthetical Expressions
Interrupters
Parenthetical expressions are side remarks that add information or relate ideas.
Commonly Used Parenthetical Expressions
after all
generally speaking
nevertheless
at any rate
however
of course
consequently
I believe
on the contrary
for example
in the first place
on the other hand
for instance
moreover
therefore

47. Interrupters 1. I think Dan my twin brother has a new job.
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. I think Dan my twin brother has a new job.
2. Please answer the phone Deborah.
3. Students going on the trip tomorrow will meet in the auditorium.
4. Our car which is more than seven years old does not start on cold mornings.

48. , , M Interrupters 1. I think Dan my twin brother has a new job.
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed. ,
1. I think Dan my twin brother has a new job. , M
My twin brother is a nonessential appositive phrase, so it should be set off by commas.

49. , M Interrupters 2. Please answer the phone Deborah.
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
2. Please answer the phone Deborah. , M
Deborah is used in direct address, so it should be set off by a comma.

50. Interrupters
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. Students going on the trip tomorrow will meet in the auditorium. C
The participial phrase going on the trip tomorrow is not set off by commas because it is essential, not nonessential.

51. Interrupters
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed. , ,
4. Our car which is more than seven years old does not start on cold mornings. M
Which is more than seven years old is a nonessential clause, so it should be set off by commas.

52. Interrupters Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. Have you seen Mr. Welch our new accounting teacher?
2. The Youngstown Greek Festival which includes food and dancing is a popular local event.
3. Please listen class while Jim makes an announcement.
4. His mother by the way is a physics professor.
[End of Section]

53. Interrupters
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. Have you seen Mr. Welch our new accounting teacher?
2. The Youngstown Greek Festival which includes food and dancing is a popular local event.
3. Please listen class while Jim makes an announcement.
4. His mother by the way is a physics professor. , , , , , , ,

54. Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Separate items in dates and addresses
On Monday, January 28, 2008, I bought my pet guinea pig.
They have lived at 108 Griffith Lane, Bethesda, Maryland, for ten years.

55. Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
After the salutation of a personal letter
Dear Dale and Amy,
My dear Jessica,
After the closing of any letter
Sincerely yours,
Warmest regards,

56. Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Abbreviations such as Jr., Sr., or M.D. when they follow persons’ names
Our guest speaker today is Lauren Henson, M.D.
Peter Grundel, Jr., has made several documentary films.

57. Conventional uses of commas
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. Beginning Monday June 10 please address all correspondence to 236 Meadowlark Lane, Omaha NE
2. Kevin Harris Sr. will be retiring from the police force on January
3. The letter was signed, “Regards, Marianne Peltier.”

58. Conventional uses of commas
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed. , ,
1. Beginning Monday June 10 please address all correspondence to 236 Meadowlark Lane Omaha NE , M ,
Use a comma to separate items in dates and addresses.

59. Conventional uses of commas
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
2. Kevin Harris Sr. will be retiring from the police force on January , , M ,
Use commas to set off abbreviations such as Jr., Sr., and M.D. when they follow persons’ names. Use a comma to separate items in dates.

60. Conventional uses of commas
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. The letter was signed, “Regards, Marianne Peltier.” C
Use a comma after the closing of any letter.

61. Conventional uses of commas
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
The Reyes family is moving to 1410 Tara Drive Greensboro North Carolina.
The letter began, “Dear Georgina How have you been?”
On August the new museum will have its grand opening.
4. Cecile Wong M.D. is our family doctor.
[End of Section]

62. Conventional uses of commas
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
The Reyes family is moving to 1410 Tara Drive Greensboro North Carolina.
The letter began, “Dear Georgina How have you been?”
On August the new museum will have its grand opening.
4. Cecile Wong M.D. is our family doctor. , , , , , , ,

63. Review A
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the commas where needed.
_____ 1. The waiting room was decorated in warm subtle earth tones so I felt relaxed there.
_____ 2. Everyone wanted to know who he was what he wanted and how long he intended to stay.
_____ 3. People who are overly nervous may not make good drivers.
_____ 4. If we are going to finish on time we will need more volunteers I believe.
[End of Section]

64. Review A
Tell whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the commas where needed.
_____ 1. The waiting room was decorated in warm subtle earth tones so I felt relaxed there.
_____ 2. Everyone wanted to know who he was what he wanted and how long he intended to stay.
_____ 3. People who are overly nervous may not make good drivers.
_____ 4. If we are going to finish on time we will need more volunteers I believe. M , , M , , C M , ,

65. Review B Add commas where necessary in the following sentences.
Before the start of the concert the musicians tuned their instruments.
Geometry which I took last year was not an easy subject for me.
The letter was dated June and was mailed from Washington D.C.
Hoping to meet Oprah Winfrey we got tickets to a taping of her show.
John Buse the president of our class asked me to sell tickets for the benefit concert.
[End of Section]

66. Review B
Add commas where necessary in the following sentences.
Before the start of the concert the musicians tuned their instruments.
Geometry which I took last year was not an easy subject for me.
The letter was dated June and was mailed from Washington D.C.
Hoping to meet Oprah Winfrey we got tickets to a taping of her show.
John Buse the president of our class asked me to sell tickets for the benefit concert. , , , , , , , , ,

67. The End