3. Rule #1 The Comma in a Series
A “series” is a list of 3 or more items, the two of which are joined by and, or, or nor.
Cups, jars, and plates
Cups of sugar, jars of honey, and plates of spaghetti

4. Rule #2 The Comma in a Compound Sentence
Use a comma before a conjunction to join two independent clauses.
Compound Sentence= 2 independent clauses.
We can go to the zoo, or we can go to the movies.

5. Rule #3 The Comma to Separate a Dependent Clause from an Independent Clause
Dependent Clause- Incomplete thought Independent Clause-Complete thought Without food, the animals will starve.

6. Rule #4 Appositive
An appositive is a noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it. The appositive can be a short or long combination of words. Mr. Sullivan, Mrs. Sullivan’s husband, loves basketball.

7. Rule #5 Commas in Quotations
Use a comma to separate a quotation from the rest of the sentence. “We need to buy more sugar,” she said, “before it runs out!”

8. Rule #6 Commas with Introductory Elements
Well, I hope the problem will be fixed soon!

9. Rule #7 Commas in Geographical Names
Use a comma to separate the name of a city from the name of a state or country. Use a comma after the name of the state or country in the middle of the sentence. I went to Paris, France, for the summer.

10. Rule #8 Comma in Dates
Use a comma to separate the day of the week, the day of the month, and the year. Today is Monday, April 2, April 2, 2033, is a day of the future.

11. Rule #9 Commas to Separate Adjectives
Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that describe the same noun when the word “and” can be inserted between them. Jessica is a strong, beautiful female. Jessica is a strong “and” beautiful female.

12. Will you, Ray, go to the movies? Yes, Cindy, I will.
Rule #10 Commas before or surrounding the name of title of a person directly addressed

13. (such as however, moreover, finally, therefore, of course, by the way, on the other hand, I am sure, I think). I would, therefore, like a response. I will be happy, however, to volunteer my time.
Rule #11 Comma surrounding expressions when they are used as interrupters

14. The Comma Story