Comma Rules – When to use Commas 1.Adverb Dependent Clause, Independent Clause If it rains, we will go inside. Independent Clause + Dependent Clause does NOT need a comma. We will go inside if it rains.

2.Independent Clause,+ CC + Independent Clause Joe likes pizza, but Fred prefers tacos. Joe likes pizza; however, Fred prefers tacos. Subject +Verb + CC + verb=does not need a comma. Joe likes pizza but does not like vegetables. Independent Clause (;) Independent Clause (no comma) Joe likes pizza; Fred likes tacos. Pat Conroy’s writing is inspiring; he writes about things that have made an impact on his own life. Comma Rules Continued

3.Use commas after introductory phrases. After an Introductory Participial Phrase Running down the hall, he tripped and fell. After an Introductory Preposition Phrase After English class, we go to soccer.

Comma Rules Continued 4. When using nonessential appositives We read Of Mice and Men, a novel, in class. 5. After a Nonessential Adjective Clause Jane, who drives a red car, is nice.

Comma Rules Continued 6. Use commas when listing items in a series. Please buy apples, oranges, and bananas. 7. Use a comma with a noun of direct address. Tom, do your work. Please don’t sit there, Sue. Sir, we do not have any money.

Comma Rules Continued 8. Use commas to separate days of the week, month dates, and year. The baby is due on Sunday, February 2, February 2, 2011 is her due date. 9. Use a comma to separate cities and states. Douglasville, Georgia. Seattle, Washington

Comma Rules Continued 10. Use commas after an introductory word. Well, I hope these rules are helpful. Yes, I will attend the party. 11. Use commas when using interrupters. These rules, I think, will help you if you comply. I will, however, be late for the meeting.

Comma Rules Continued 12.Use commas to separate adjectives. Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word and can be inserted between them or the coordinate (have same value) adjectives can be reversed. Do NOT use a comma with non-coordinate adjectives. The dark, eerie night made me paranoid after having just watched a scary movie. (coordinate adjectives) William wore a black top hat while performing in the play. (non-coordinate adjectives) Use a comma when an -ly adjective is used with other adjectives. Felix was a lonely, young boy.

Comma Rules Continued *** Note: Misusing commas with quotations and paraphrases is one of the 20 most common grammatical errors committed by students. # 13 Before Quotations. Rule: Introduce a direct quotation with a comma, like this: The president said, "I will veto this bill." After Quotations. Note this example: “Absolutely not,” Jane said, “I will not repeat the directions.” "I will veto this bill," the president said. If the quotation ends in a question mark, no comma is needed. "Will I veto this bill?" the president asked.

Remember This: 14.Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift. He was merely ignorant, not stupid. The chimpanzee seemed reflective, almost human. You're one of the senator's close friends, aren't you? The speaker seemed innocent, even gullible.