Comma Rules English 7 Mrs. Johnson

Compound Sentences Use a comma before a conjunction that joins two complete sentences. A complete sentence has a subject and a predicate. Example: I got up early this morning, and I ate a good breakfast.

Items in a Series Use a comma after every item in a series except the last one. Example: You need to bring your composition book, planner, and a pencil to class every day.

Adjectives Use a comma between adjectives of equal rank that modify the same noun. Example: Mums are colorful, decorative flowers in the fall. (comma is necessary) When in doubt, replace the comma with “and.” Example: Mums are colorful and decorative flowers in the fall. (comma not necessary) If the adjectives are not of equal rank, do not use a comma. Example: I have brilliant gold mums in my yard. (comma not necessary)

Introductory Words & Phrases Use a comma after an introductory prepositional phrase. Example: In the fall, I like pumpkin pie. Use a comma after introductory words. Example: Finally, ISTEP testing is over!

Interrupters Use commas to set off a word or phrase that interrupts the flow of thought in a sentence. Example: The rain provided, at long last, some relief from the drought. Use commas to set off nouns of direct address. Example: Your grades would improve, Tommy, if you turned in your homework.

Appositives An appositive is a word or phrase that identifies or renames a noun or pronoun that comes right before it. Use commas when the appositive adds extra information. Example: George Bush, our current president, is from Texas. (comma necessary) The singer Jordan Sparks is an American Idol winner. (comma not necessary)

Dates Use a comma between the day and the year. Use a comma after the year if the sentence continues. Example: Tim was born on June 2, 2004, in Marion.

Addresses Use a comma between the city or town and the state or country. Use a comma after the state or country if the sentence continues. Example: My vacation will be in Gulf Shores, Alabama, this year.

Study these rules before the test! The End Study these rules before the test!