Comma Rules

1: Separate Independent Clauses Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) Class was over, but Rainy stayed to ask Ms. Stuckey a question. Class was over, but Rainy stayed to ask Ms. Stuckey a question. Ms. Stuckey explained comma rules, and the students understood. Ms. Stuckey explained comma rules, and the students understood.

2: After Opening Clauses/Phrases/Words Use commas after a) adverb clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that open the sentence (come before the main clause). Use commas after a) adverb clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that open the sentence (come before the main clause). a)Since she was absent, Erika asked for make-up work. b)Riding like the wind, Ms. Stuckey zoomed past on her bike. c)Beautiful, the sky shimmered as the sun set.

3: Set off Non-Essentials (The Interrupter) Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Scott, who sits near my desk, has the neatest binder. Scott, who sits near my desk, has the neatest binder. Jacob, the leader of the group, answered most of the questions. Jacob, the leader of the group, answered most of the questions. For the last surprise, however, I didn’t buy the class donuts. For the last surprise, however, I didn’t buy the class donuts.

4: NOT for Essentials Do NOT use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence (restrictive adj. clauses, noun clauses beginning with that) Do NOT use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence (restrictive adj. clauses, noun clauses beginning with that) The books that students chose for their book talks were excellent. The books that students chose for their book talks were excellent. Students who cheat only harm themselves. Students who cheat only harm themselves.

5: Separate a Series Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. My cat clawed the furniture, jumped on top of the cabinet, and yowled loudly when she wanted attention. My cat clawed the furniture, jumped on top of the cabinet, and yowled loudly when she wanted attention. Maria, Ryan, Erick, and Ryan are in second hour. Maria, Ryan, Erick, and Ryan are in second hour.

6: Separate Coordinate Adj. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. The classroom has a lot of colorful, cheerful posters. The classroom has a lot of colorful, cheerful posters. Ms. Stuckey doesn’t wear high heel shoes. Ms. Stuckey doesn’t wear high heel shoes.

7: At end to Show Shift Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift. Use a comma near the end of a sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift. Julianne was merely resting her eyes, not sleeping. Julianne was merely resting her eyes, not sleeping. Ciara is friends with Marlayna, isn’t she? Ciara is friends with Marlayna, isn’t she?

8: Set off Free Modifiers Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer back to the beginning or middle of the sentence (if they are “free modifiers”) Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer back to the beginning or middle of the sentence (if they are “free modifiers”) Becky whispered to Kevin, giggling suspiciously. Becky whispered to Kevin, giggling suspiciously. Giggling suspiciously, Becky whispered to Kevin. Giggling suspiciously, Becky whispered to Kevin.

9: Separate Time, Geography, Titles Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names. Birmingham, Michigan, gets its name from Birmingham, England. Birmingham, Michigan, gets its name from Birmingham, England. April 28, 2009, was a momentous day in his life. April 28, 2009, was a momentous day in his life. In July 2005 I painted every room in my house. In July 2005 I painted every room in my house. Who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC? Who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC? David Maile, Ed.D, was principal at LHS. David Maile, Ed.D, was principal at LHS.

10: NEVER Between S & V Never put a comma between a subject and a verb. Never put a comma between a subject and a verb. Believing completely and positively in oneself is essential for success. Believing completely and positively in oneself is essential for success. (even though you might take a breath to pause after ‘oneself’, you don’t need a comma)

11: Separate Quotations Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse and a quotation. John said with a creepy stare, "I'll see you tomorrow." John said with a creepy stare, "I'll see you tomorrow." "I was unable," Colin answered, "to stay awake." "I was unable," Colin answered, "to stay awake." In 1848, Marx wrote, "Workers of the world, unite!" In 1848, Marx wrote, "Workers of the world, unite!"

12: Prevent Confusion Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading. Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading. To Hannah, Montana was too far of a drive. To Hannah, Montana was too far of a drive. Wishing he was king, Henry sat on the throne. Wishing he was king, Henry sat on the throne.