1. COMMA L.I.E.S.

2. L- LIST Commas are used between items in a series, including coordinate adjectives modifying the same noun.

3. LIST EXAMPLES:  When the house had disappeared behind us, Emma held out an upturned palm, flicked her wrist, and a petite ball of fire flared to life just above her fingers.  Its tongues were unfurling more and then splitting apart, one coming toward me, another toward Enoch, and the third toward Emma.

4. I- INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS Commas follow such introductory elements as adverb clauses, long phrases, mild interjections, or transitional expressions

5. INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS EXAMPLES:  I jogged along the deck to the stern, tracking the shipwreck as it disappeared beneath our wake.  In less than twenty-four hours, the whole trip had become pointless.

6. E- EXTRA INFORMATION Commas are used to set off interrupters/extra information such as nonrestrictive words, clauses, and phrases.

7. EXTRA INFORMATION EXAMPLES:  Then, when the war was finally over, he said he couldn’t possibly come back.  Should you observe a person unknown to you, even if they appear to be peculiar, come immediately and inform me.

8. S- SENTENCES WITH FANBOYS Commas are used between main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS): sentence, conjunction sentence FANBOYS= for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

9. SENTENCES WITH FANBOYS EXAMPLES:  Suddenly there came a loud crash from somewhere in the house above me, and I startled so badly that all the pictures slipped from my hands.  It was pure black down there, but the next thing I knew it was filled with soft orange light.

10. SEMICOLONS

11. A SEMICOLON IS USED WHEN:  You want to connect 2 complete clauses that are about the same topic and are not already connected with a FANBOYS word  The museums of New York City are rich in are treasures; no other city has such a wonderful collection of pieces.  Often used with connective words like: however, therefore, consequently, furthermore, likewise, also, etc.  The restaurant’s outdoor seating is closed for the winter; however, the indoor section is open year round.