1. Comma Rules 1. Use commas to separate items in a series. There are many different kinds of series, one for each part of speech except conjunctions. Examples: The teacher entered the class, wrote on the board, and sat down at her desk. (verb series) The teacher ate apples, bananas, and cherries. (noun series) The nice, kind, and beautiful teacher assigned no homework for the weekend. (adjective series) The teacher sat down quickly, quietly, and with great dignity. (adverb series) He went to the store, down the aisle, and into the vegetable section. (prepositional phrase series) She sat with him, her, and them. (series of pronouns) Oh boy, wow, and whoopee, the teacher had a great class! (series of interjections) 2. Use commas between two or more adjectives that precede a noun unless one of the adjectives expresses a single idea with the noun (jet plane) or the last adjective tells color (green, red) or age (old, young). Examples: Comma needed: The cute, fuzzy dog barked at everyone. Comma omitted: The cute brown dog barked at everyone. (color adjective) The noisy jet plane flew overhead. (“jet plane” is one idea. The adjective is really part of the noun.) The ugly young dog wolfed down its food. (age adjective). The general “rule of thumb” in this comma rule is to use a comma if it sounds right to use the word “and” instead of a comma. Examples: The old oaken bucket was covered with wet green moss. The floppy-eared, lazy Doberman slept all day.

2. Comma Rules continued... 3. Use commas to separate the simple sentences included in a compound sentence. Example: The teacher wrote the sentence, and she put in a comma because the sentence was compound. 4. Use commas after words, phrases, and clauses that come at the beginning of sentences. “No” and “yes” are included here. They always are followed by a comma. Examples: No, you may not turn in your homework late. Yes, you may do extra work if you wish. Wow, the student earned an A + on his test! If a subordinate clause is at the beginning of a sentence, you have to put a comma after it. 5. Use commas to separate interrupters such as parenthetical expressions, direct addresses, and unnecessary appositives in a sentence. Examples: The big dog, of course, was a whimp. (Parenthetical expression) You know, parents, it is important to write correctly. (direct address) My cat, Skeeter, likes to sit on my lap as I write. (unnecessary appositive) 6. Use commas to separate the month and the day from the year. Example: September 11, 1974

3. Comma Rules continued... 7. Use commas between the city and the state and after the state as well if the address is within the sentence. Example: The animal lover lives in Gainesville, Florida, and teaches English at the middle school. 8. Use commas after the greeting in friendly letters and after the closing in both friendly and business letters. Examples: Dear Jane, Sincerely yours, 9. Use commas with quotation marks to set off what is being said out loud. Examples: “Get off my foot,” she whimpered to the heavy dog. She whimpered to the heavy dog, “Get off my foot.” “If you don’t get off my foot,” she said, “I’ll step on yours.”

4. Each day at the start of class we will review a comma lesson. 4. Use commas after words, phrases, and clauses that come at the beginning of sentences. “No” and “yes” are included here. They always are followed by a comma. Examples: No, you may not turn in your homework late. Yes, you may do extra work if you wish. Wow, the student earned an A + on his test! If a subordinate clause is at the beginning of a sentence, you have to put a comma after it.

5. Because I didn’t drink enough coffee this morning and get enough sleep last night I am very sleepy. 4. Use commas after words, phrases, and clauses that come at the beginning of sentences. “No” and “yes” are included here. They always are followed by a comma. Examples: No, you may not turn in your homework late. Yes, you may do extra work if you wish. Wow, the student earned an A + on his test! If a subordinate clause is at the beginning of a sentence, you have to put a comma after it.

6. My daughter thinks that she is going to fail her summer reading test because she doesn’t like to read. Sorry – this was a trick! Never use a comma before because at the end of the sentence.

7. I am so thankful that today is Friday and we have Monday off for Labor Day. 3. Use commas to separate the simple sentences included in a compound sentence. Example: The teacher wrote the sentence, and she put in a comma because the sentence was compound.

8. My oldest daughter Mathilda is in eighth grade and goes to Seneca Valley. 5. Use commas to separate interrupters such as parenthetical expressions, direct addresses, and unnecessary appositives in a sentence. Examples: The big dog, of course, was a whimp. (Parenthetical expression) You know, parents, it is important to write correctly. (direct address) My cat, Skeeter, likes to sit on my lap as I write. (unnecessary appositive)

9. Gabbie my youngest daughter is in third grade and goes to CVE. She loves to read does competitive cheerleading and adores animals. 1. Use commas to separate items in a series. There are many different kinds of series, one for each part of speech except conjunctions. 5. Use commas to separate interrupters such as parenthetical expressions, direct addresses, and unnecessary appositives in a sentence.

10. The rain outside makes me feel sleepy somewhat depressed and very lazy. 1. Use commas to separate items in a series. There are many different kinds of series, one for each part of speech except conjunctions.

11. The movie Everest starring Jake Gyllenhaal is based on the novel Into Thin Air. 5. Use commas to separate interrupters such as parenthetical expressions, direct addresses, and unnecessary appositives in a sentence.

12. The relaxing hot lazy days of summer are unfortunately long gone. 2. Use commas between two or more adjectives that precede a noun unless one of the adjectives expresses a single idea with the noun (jet plane) or the last adjective tells color (green, red) or age (old, young). Examples: Comma needed: The cute, fuzzy dog barked at everyone. 5. Use commas to separate interrupters such as parenthetical expressions, direct addresses, and unnecessary appositives in a sentence.