Basic Comma Rules

Commas-Elements in a Series Use the comma to set off elements in a series (three or more things). She likes running, dancing, and stealing babies from Walmart.

Commas-Coordinating Conjunction Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to separate two independent clauses. The hurricane hit the islands, but few of the villages were ever in any danger-except Steve.

Commas-Intro word, phrase, clause Use a comma to set off introductory words, phrases, or clauses. Anxious to play in a new division, Timberland’s coach hoped to win against more formidable opponents this year. After winning the lottery, Mr. Hult bought himself a house in Costa Rica.

Commas-Coordinate Adjectives Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives. Coaches ran practice on the damp, dreary soccer field. Mr. Boesch left behind his rusty, dented, broken- down car. (if you can put and between the adjectives, you should put a comma between them.)

Commas-Set off Cities from states or countries Use a comma to set off states and countries and cities from states. The conference was originally set for Geneva, Switzerland, but was then rescheduled for East St. Louis, Illinois.

Commas-Dates Use commas to separate items in a full date. Example: Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a van down by the river.

Commas-Quotes Use a comma to set off quoted language. Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet begins with the lines, “Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona where we lay our scene.” “Fire when ready, Horatio,” the Admiral said.

Commas-Parentheticals A parenthetical is “added information” It can be removed from a sentence without changing the true meaning of that sentence. Deciding what is “added information” and what is essential is sometimes difficult.

Commas-Appositives Use commas around words, phrases, and clauses in the middle of a sentence when they aren’t essential to the meaning of the sentence. (EX. May be an APPOSITIVE) Mr. Boesch, perhaps America’s most beloved teacher, died of sorrow because his students didn’t understand comma rules.

Commas-Direct Address Use a comma for direct address. Bill, please go to the door. I am asking you politely, Bill, not to go to the door.

Any Questions?