1. Comma Rules 1-10

2. Comma Rule #1 Use commas to separate items in a series. Example:
The choices are yellow, red, and blue.
Sarah, Tom, and Mary are waiting for the bus.

3. Comma Rule #2
Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives of equal rank that come before a noun. If you can switch ‘em, and the sentence still makes sense, you need a comma!
Example:
The long, winding road was in need of repair.

4. Comma Rule #3
Use a comma before a conjunction when it joins two sentences.
Conjunctions: and, but, or, for, so, yet
Sentence = subject + predicate, and it must express a complete thought.
Example:
Our work was complete, so we turned it in.

5. Comma Rule #4 Use a comma to set off interrupters.
An interrupter is a word or phrase that interrupts the flow of a sentence.
Example:
The stone provided, at long last, a key to heiroglyphics.

6. Comma Rule #5 Use commas to set off nouns of direct address.
(when you are talking to someone directly in a sentence)
Example:
Sarah, could you copy the notes, please?
Your class, Tom, is very prepared.

7. Comma Rule #6
Use a comma to set off nonessential appositives. Appositives are nonessential if the meaning of the sentence is clear without them.
An appositive: a word or phrase that identifies or renames a noun or pronoun that comes right before it.
Example:
Thomas Jefferson, a founding father, was a brilliant man.
(in the sentence above, the statement “a founding father” is not needed to understand the sentence)

8. Comma Rule #7
Use a comma after introductory words and phrases (an introductory phrase that contains a prepositional phrase).
Examples:
1. Finally, we arrived at the beach.
2. After a long drive, we were thankful to stretch our legs.

9. Comma Rule #8
Use a comma between the city and state or country. If the sentence continues, place a comma after the state or country as well.
Example:
Paris, France Huntsville, Alabama
I wish the residents of Madison, Alabama, would vote against a tax increase.

10. Comma Rule #9
Use a comma between the day of the month and the year. If the sentence continues, place a comma after the year, also.
Example:
On October 5, 2012, we had Twin Day.
September 9, 2014

11. Comma Rule #10
Use the comma after the greeting of a friendly letter and after the closing of a friendly or business letter.
Example:
Sincerely, Respectfully,
Mrs. Keith Sam Smith