1. Working with Commas

2. With compound sentences….
Use a comma before a that joins independent clauses in a sentence. EX: I am hungry right now, so I want to have a snack.
conjunction
compound

3. With items in a series…
Use a comma after every item in a except the one . EX: I went to the store and bought eggs, milk, bread, and cheese.
series
last

4. With two adjectives….
Use a comma between or more adjectives of rank that modify the same noun EX: The tall, ancient trees shaded the walkway.
two
equal

5. With introductory words and phrases….
Use a comma after an introductory word or phrase to it from the rest of the sentence. EX: Hey, what time is it? In the first place, I don’t have time to take you to the movies.
separate

6. With interrupters….
Use a comma to set off words or phrases that or break the flow of in a sentence. EX: If that is, in fact, your final answer, then what is it? The best movie, I think, is Star Trek.
interrupt,
thought

7. With nouns of direct address….
Use a comma to set off the or title of someone you are talking to directly. EX: Sally, what time is it? What’s wrong with me, Doctor?
name

8. With appositives…. appositive
An is a word or phrase that identifies or a noun or pronoun that comes right before it. Do NOT use commas when the appositive is needed to make the clear—only if it’s extra info. EX: My dog, who is a mini Australian Shepherd, has lots of energy! That house, which is beautiful, is for sale.
renames
meaning

9. To avoid confusion….
Use a comma whenever the reader might otherwise be EX: Before autumn, leaves start turning colors in the cool, Canadian air. OR Before autumn leaves start turning colors in the cool, Canadian air.
confused

10. With dates….
Use a comma between the and the If the sentence after the year, put a comma after the year. EX: School starts on August 24, On June 4, 2009, summer break begins.
day
year.
continues

11. With addresses….
Use a comma between the or town and the or country. If the sentence after the state, put a comma after the state. EX: My son was born in Lewisville, Texas. The Winter Festival in San Antonio, Texas, starts tomorrow.
city
state
continues

12. With letters….
Use a comma after the of a casual letter and after the of a casual or business letter. EX: Dear Mom, Sincerely,
greeting
closing