Comma Sense Rules and Examples

The 8 Commas Series Comma Introductory Comma Independent Clauses Comma Non-essential Elements Comma Interrupters Comma Multiple Adjectives Comma Clarity Comma Other Odd Comma

Rules of Thumb Place a comma where you would naturally pause in reading a sentence aloud. When in doubt, leave it out (and then look it up to see if you are right).

Series Comma Place a comma after each item in a list or series (except the last). I went to the store to buy milk, eggs, sugar, and flour. I ate some breakfast, worked for two hours, walked the dogs, and met some friends for lunch today. NOTE: The final comma in the series is technically optional, but should be used for clarity.

Introductory Comma Place a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence (Adverbs, transitional phrases, dependent clauses, salutations). Unfortunately, I can not fly to Rome with you. Trying be kind, I kissed the man on the cheek to say goodbye. Because I loved another man, I could not open my heart to Mr. Dempsey. Dearest sister,

Independent Clauses Comma Place a comma before the coordinating conjunction that joins 2 independent clauses. The book captured my interest right away, and I couldn’t put it down all night. My car wouldn’t start, so I took the bus to work today. I have to go pick up my daughter, but you are welcome to stay until I get back. I can get it done next week, or you can take care of it today.

Non-essential Elements Comma Place commas around words or phrases that could be removed from the sentence without changing the meaning. My brother, who learned to drive at 30, has at least one accident a year. Leipzig, which is in Germany, is a quaint artists’ haven. David, the boy who grew up next door to me, was just hired as my boss.

Interrupters Comma Place commas around words or phrases that interrupt the flow of the sentence. [interjections, internal transition, and direct address] I read, oh, maybe 100 books last year. He has hearing problems, the teachers think, because he doesn’t respond when they call on him. Are you coming, Laura, or are you staying home? Being fired, on the other hand, can be very liberating.

Multiple Adjectives Comma Place a comma between lists of adjectives that could be connected by the word “and.” The smelly, [and] old basketball shoes stunk up the room. The far-reaching, dire results of her lie ruined her life in the end. NO COMMA HERE: They slept on the cold cement floor for a week.

Clarity Comma Place a comma in a sentence to make the meaning clearer and for dramatic emphasis. Bill claims Joe is the best pitcher on the team. [In this sentence Joe is the best pitcher.] Bill, claims Joe, is the best pitcher on the team. [In this sentence Bill is the best pitcher.] Nothing matters in the end, except love and fulfillment, but mostly love.

Other Odd Commas Name, title or degree City, state/country Day, year James Gallagher, Student Council President, won the community service award this year. City, state/country I used to live in Austin, Texas, but now I reside in Paris, France. Day, year My best friend was born on September 10, 1993. Numbers We expect over 30,000 people to show up for the music festival this weekend.

DO NOT USE COMMAS WHEN. . . They separate the subject from the verb Wrong: Bill and Anna, won the dance contest. They separate the verb from the direct object Wrong: Judy wrote, the letter of recommendation last week. Before/after prepositional phrases Wrong: The winner, of the Nobel Prize, declined the award. Between two items joined by and, but, or or Wrong: We can either play a game, or draw pictures.

Links to Practice Sites http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR /quiz_list.htm http://www.myenglishlessons.net/quizzes/co mmas.htm http://wps.ablongman.com/long_long_rw_2/ 43/11197/2866676.cw/index.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/gram mar/punctuation/commas/quiz.shtml