C’mon, you know you want to know how to use them properly…
I practice tennis in the summer but I’m still not very good at it.
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it joins independent clauses. I practice tennis in the summer, but I’m still not very good at it.
We’ll change seats talk about the week and begin our work.
Use commas to separate items in a series. Remember to include the comma before the final conjunction for clarity’s sake. We’ll change seats, talk about the week, and begin our work.
The sunset is still a vivid beautiful scene in my mind.
Use commas to separate two or more adjectives before a noun. Remember to try the “and” test. The sunset is till a vivid, beautiful scene in my mind.
Monica carrying the heaviest load lagged far behind the others.
Use commas to set of nonessential elements (phrases and clauses). Monica, carrying the heaviest load, lagged far behind the others. Marcie Smith, who lives across the street, went on vacation last week. My job, teaching sophomore English, is rewarding.
Yes I heard your question.
Use a comma to set off a mild introductory interjection. Yes, I heard your question.
At the end of the period you may turn in your essays.
Use a comma after TWO OR MORE introductory prepositional phrases. At the end of the period, you may turn in your essays. You may need to use a comma after only one prep phrase if clarity is an issue. At the track, meet me at the front gate.
When we get to the pool you can go swimming with Meg.
Use a comma after an introductory adverb clause. When we get to the pool, you can go swimming with Meg.
John Steinbeck a famous modern author wrote Of Mice and Men.
The band in my opinion is worth booking for the party.
Stan would you please sit in the front desk?
Use commas to set off interrupters such as appositives, direct address, or parenthetical expressions. John Steinbeck, a famous modern author, wrote Of Mice and Men. The band, in my opinion, is worth booking for the party. Stan, would you please sit in the front desk?
The teacher in the room across the hall is Catherine’s neighbor.
DO NOT USE UNNECESSARY COMMAS! There are other ways to “create drama” in your writing.