1. Eight Basic Comma Rules
Punctuating Sentences Correctly by

2. Punctuation Saves Lives!
Definition
A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence.
Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader.
Punctuation Saves Lives!

3. Items in a Series
Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list—separate items in a series.
An “item” may refer to a noun, verb, adjective, or phrase.
Incorrect:
I need to buy eggs milk lettuce and bread.
Correct:
I need to buy eggs, milk, lettuce, and bread.

4. Compound Sentences
Use a comma to separate independent clauses (complete sentences) when they are joined by a coordinating conjunction:
and, or, for, nor so, but, yet
Incorrect:
I want to buy that jacket but it is too expensive.
Correct:
I want to buy that jacket, but it is too expensive.

5. Complex Sentences
Use a comma to separate a dependent clause (phrase) from an independent clause (complete sentence).
Incorrect:
Without water the plant will die.
Correct:
Without water, the plant will die.

6. Interrupting Elements
Use a comma to separate a word or phrase from the rest of the sentence that is not essential to the sentence meaning.
Incorrect:
My mother on the other hand does not like chocolate.
Correct:
My mother, on the other hand, does not like chocolate.
Notice that if you remove the phrase “on the other hand,” the remaining words form a complete sentence!

7. Direct Quotation
Use a comma to separate a quotation from the rest of a sentence.
Incorrect:
“We need to buy more sugar” he said “before it runs out!”
Correct:
“We need to buy more sugar,” he said, “before it runs out!”
We need to buy more sugar he said.
“We need to buy more sugar,” he said.”

8. Introductory Elements
Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence.
Incorrect:
Hi how are you?
Correct:
Hi, how are you?

9. Separating City and State
Use a comma to separate the name of a city from a state and/or country.
Incorrect:
I live in San Diego California USA.
Correct:
I live in San Diego, California, USA.

10. Dates
Use a comma to separate the day of the week, the day of the month, and the year.
Incorrect:
Today is Monday November
Correct:
Today is Monday, November 15, 2012.