This set of slides will illustrate the most common uses of one of the most common punctuation marks:

Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series. Use one comma fewer than the # of items! My favorite uses of the Internet are sending , surfing the Web, and using Facebook. You may have learned that this comma is not necessary. *IT IS!!!! DON’T FORGET IT! Comma Rule #1

Blake Mark and Debbie seemed to have a good time at the wedding. Comma Rule #1 - Practice Please bring ice potato chips paper plates and cake to the picnic on Sunday. He hit the ball dropped the bat and ran to first base.

Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives that modify the same noun. Coaches grew weary of running practices in the drafty, dreary, dilapidated gymnasium. Comma Rule #2 The designs for an expensive, modern gym should make them happy.

Comma Rule #2 Practice That tall distinguished good looking man helped them find the merchandise they were looking for. Sally purchased a bright red hat from the store. The shiny red hat vs. The floppy, red hat.

Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction word (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to separate two independent clauses. FANBOYS! The public seems eager for some kind of gun control legislation, but congress is obviously too timid to enact any truly effective measures. Comma Rule #3 (FANBOYS)

Comma Rule #3 Practice I went to Germany but Amy went to Japan. I got up late this morning so I didn’t have time for breakfast. Juan and Marcie decided to get married yet they are going to wait a year.