You will thank me one day!  Comma Rules! You will thank me one day! 

Comma Rule # 1 Use a comma to set off a noun used in direct address. Use two commas when other words come both before and after the name. Mary I have a letter for you. I have a letter for you Mary. Today Mary I have a letter for you. Set off- comma in front and behind Separate- a comma between words

Comma Rule #2 Use commas to set off appositives and appositive phrases that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Dan O’Neil our captain is our leading scorer. This man a veteran of World War II has written several books.

Comma Rule # 3 Use commas to set off words inserted in sentences but not really needed (parenthetical expression-a side remark that adds information or relates ideas.) Tomorrow by the way is March 3. Nobody incidentally has asked my advice. I shall of course write to you. I may not do so very often however. The school district is growing; therefore taxes will rise.

Comma Rule # 4 Use a comma after an introductory oh, yes, no, or well. Yes I am your friend. Well I’ll think about it. Oh you know what I mean.

Comma rule # 5 Use commas to separate the exact words of a speaker from the rest of the sentence. “Don I need your help,” said my uncle. I replied “I’ll do my best.” “Well” he told me then “your best is good enough for me.” Sometimes, the sense of the sentence requires some other mark. “Don will you help me?” asked my uncle. “I certainly will!” I exclaimed.

Comma Rule #6 Use commas to separate items in an address made up of more than one part. (House number and street form one part, as do state and zip code.) Is 1250 Ford Street Amarillo Texas 79455 the right address? Our school’s address is 580 Quinn Road Collierville TN 38017.

Comma Rule #7 Use commas to separate items in a date made up of more than one part. (Month and day form a single part.) (set off every part after the first) My father was born on May 28 1942. My father was born on May 28 1942 in Ridgely. My father was born in May 1942. (A comma between a month and a year if no day is given is optional.) ******Notice that in a date or address that consists of more than one part, a comma separates the last item from the words that follow it.

Comma Rule #8 Use commas to separate three or more items in a series. We need butter milk potatoes and sugar. Jill jumped up ran to the table and grabbed her purse. ***Use no commas if the items are joined by and or or. Tim or John or Larry will help you. My mother and my father and my sister went to the movies without me!

Comma Rule #9 Use a comma before the conjunction that connects the two parts of a compound sentence. (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet)FANBOYS The comma and conjunction work together as a team to join two or more complete sentences. Greg has a new jacket and I want one like it. I wanted to go to the movies but I had too much homework.

Comma Rule #10 Use a comma after an introductory dependent clause. The comma shows that the natural order of the sentence has been changed. The introductory clause must have a subject and a verb. When the dust had settled we saw a strange sight. Before we leave we should check the time. After we bake the cookies we have to clean the kitchen.

Comma Rule #11 Use a comma to separate two or more consecutive adjectives if and can logically be placed between them. Use a comma wherever the word and would sound right or wherever the adjectives can be inverted or reversed. A noisy excited boy ran through the mall. (noisy and excited makes sense) A noisy little boy ran through the mall. (noisy and little sounds wrong-no comma needed)

Comma Rule #12 Use a comma after an introductory participial phrase or infinitive phrase. (does not have a subject and a verb ) Laughing loudly the man repeated the funny joke. Drifting lazily down the river Huck and Tom were extremely happy. To begin the program the band played several songs.

Comma Rule #13 Use a comma after a long introductory prepositional phrase or after two or more introductory prepositional phrases. (side by side) In the morning before dawn we will meet at the river. After the game on Tuesday night the team will have a pizza party. Before the long boring meeting I ate a snack.

Comma Rule # 14 Use a comma to set off a nonessential participial phrase or a nonessential subordinate clause. A phrase or clause in the middle of or at the end of a sentence-that is not necessary to understand the full meaning of the sentence-can be omitted without changing the main idea of the sentence. Nonessential A rainbow shimmering in the sky suddenly appeared on the horizon. Lorena who is captain of the soccer team is also president of the math club Essential The students trying out for the team assembled in the gym. The dancer who won the award was not there to accept her prize.

Comma Rule #15 Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter and after the closing of any letter. Dear Uncle Mike Sincerely yours Use a colon after the salutation of a business letter. To whom it may concern: Dear Principal Warren:

Comma Rule # 16 Use a comma to show that two parts of a sentence are being contrasted. I ordered pizza not lasagna. I am going with my mother not my father.

Comma Rule #17 Use a comma to separate any sentence parts that might be improperly joined or misunderstood without the comma. According to the ghost story people saw the mysterious woman yearly. In the field mice had burrowed under the grass. With this ice cream would taste very good.

Comma Rule #18 Use commas when adjectives come after the noun they modify. My English teacher kind of heart and generous of spirit will surely give me an A if I learn all these comma rules. The above example sentence could also be an example of a false premise! 

Comma Rule #19 Use a comma to set off the word “too” when it means “also.” You too can see it. Women worked hard in the home too.