1. Comma Rules

2. #1 After introductory words or phrases Ex: Yes, we like English
#1 After introductory words or phrases Ex: Yes, we like English! Ex: After the game, we are going for pizza.

3. #2 After introductory adverbs in a series Ex: First, we woke up; next,
#2 After introductory adverbs in a series Ex: First, we woke up; next, we went to school; and finally, we went home.

4. #3 After every item in a series (unless commas already in series) Ex: We had hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza for lunch Ex: We visited New York, New York; Chicago, Illinois; and Dallas, Texas.

5. #4 After every item in a date (month/day = one item) Ex: September 11, 2001, is a day that will always be remembered.

6. #5 After every item in an address (never between state & zip) Ex: 501 N. Pine, Rapid City, SD , is my address.

7. #6 After the greeting/closing in letters (business letter greeting gets a :) Ex: Dear John, Sincerely, Your friend,

8. #7 Between adjectives describing the same noun Ex: The tasty, nutritious meals were distributed on the field trip.

9. #8 Set off direct address Ex: Well, Mom, this would be
#8 Set off direct address Ex: Well, Mom, this would be a great night to go out for pizza.

10. #9 Set off appositives Ex: English, my favorite subject, can sometimes be confusing.

11. #10 Set off nonrestrictive clauses (subject/verb) Ex: English, which is my favorite subject, is sometimes confusing.

12. #11 Set off interrupters Ex: We all, on the other. hand, consider the
#11 Set off interrupters Ex: We all, on the other hand, consider the matter closed.

13. #12 Before a conjunction in a compound sentence Ex: I like watching my
#12 Before a conjunction in a compound sentence Ex: I like watching my brother play football, but volleyball is my favorite sport.

14. #13 Before a concluding participial phrase IF it creates a STRONG break from the rest of the sentence Ex: During the long opera, Kris uncomfortably tolerated the performance, squirming constantly in his seat.

15. #14 With explanatory words in quotes Ex: “I did it,” I replied, “in
#14 With explanatory words in quotes Ex: “I did it,” I replied, “in study hall.”

16. #15 To avoid confusion Ex: In the field below, the
#15 To avoid confusion Ex: In the field below, the brook gurgled merrily Ex: Whenever you go, go quickly.