Comma Rules

#1 Use commas to separate items in a series. Example: I want the money split evenly between Tom, Bob, and George

Example: I want the money split evenly between Tom, Bob and George

#2 Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives preceding a noun. Example: This is a narrow, dangerous road. This is a dangerous, narrow road.

Example: I like cold, orange juice. I like orange, cold juice.

#3 Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions when they join two sentences. Example: And, but, or, nor, for, yet, so She likes coffee, but he likes tea.

Sentence: Subject + Verb + Complete Idea Complete Idea: A sentence has a complete idea when no subordinating conjunctions precede the subject/verb combination.

Example: I like coffee, and need it every day. I like coffee and I need it every day. I like coffee, I need it every day.

#4 Use commas to set off nonessential clauses and nonessential phrases. Example: Dr. Small, who is in Dillsburg, treats me well. Dr. Small, residing in Dillsburg, treats me well.

Clause: A group of words with a subject & verb that has a singular function in a sentence. Phrase: A group of words that has a singular function in a sentence.

Essential: when the clause or phrase modifying a word is necessary to determine the identity of the word modified. Nonessential: when the clause or phrase modifying a word is not necessary for identity of the word modified.

Example: George who ate his breakfast felt bad. The shop, where I work, closed. Fred jumping into the ice water got frostbite. The book, written by Homer, is a good story.

#5 Use a comma to offset introductory words when they start a sentence Example: Well, yes, no, why, ah, etc. No, you are not going to the movie.

#6 Use a comma after an introductory participial phrase. Example: Holding his breath, the diver went under water.

Example: The diver, holding his breath, went under water.

Example: Inside the wall of the mansion on the hill, we heard noises. #7 Use a comma to offset introductory prepositional phrases if they are “long” Example: Inside the wall of the mansion on the hill, we heard noises.

Example: In class, we learned about comma rules.

#8 Use commas to offset appositives and appositive phrases. Example: My dad, the doctor, gave us treatment. Everyone, even the teacher, likes comma rules.

Sometimes an appositive is so closely related to the word it modifies that it should not be offset with commas. Example: My cousin Vinny will keep us out of jail. We women must continue fights for equality.

#9 Words in direct address should be offset by commas Example: Joe, I need your schedule. The door, Doctor, won’t open.

#10 Use commas for parentheticals Example: You are, in fact, a terrific person. I didn’t go to work, to tell the truth.

#11 Use a comma to separate items in dates and addresses. Example: On July 7, 1977, my address became 22 Birch Street, Millville, VA 19090.

Example: Dear Mr. Green, My Dear Jolene, Sincerely, Yours truly, #12 Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter or the closing of any letter. Example: Dear Mr. Green, My Dear Jolene, Sincerely, Yours truly,

Example (professional): Mr. Jones: Dear Board Member:

#13 Use a comma after a name followed by a title. Example: David Miller, Jr. Kevin Smith, PhD. Lt. John James, U.S.N.

#14 Use commas to offset direct quotes or dialogue. Example: Mark Twain said, “What’s popular isn’t always right, and what’s right isn’t always popular.” “I wish,” she answered, “that you knew me.”

…And remember…if you can’t match using a comma to a comma rule…

Don’t use one !!