COMMA RULES Please take notes
Comma Rule #1 compound sentences
compound sentences Use a comma with a conjunction to separate two independent clauses---use: FANBOYS , for , or , and , yet , nor , so , but EX: The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.
complex sentences (sometimes!) Comma Rule #2 complex sentences (sometimes!)
Introductory dependent clause (IDC) Use a comma when a sentence begins with a dependent clause AAAWWUBBIS words EX: While I was eating, the cat meowed. EX: The cat meowed while I was eating. (no comma)
Comma Rule #3 IPP’s
Introductory prepositional phrases (IPP) Use a comma when a sentence begins with a prepositional phrase-IPP EX: In a minute, the bus is going to arrive. EX: The bus is going to arrive in a minute. (no comma)
in a series and with adjectives Comma Rule #4 in a series and with adjectives
In a series Use commas to separate items in a series EX: The list included eggs, bacon, and milk. (items) EX: She was running fast, sweating profusely, and winning the race. (list of verbs w/adverbs)
More about series commas EX: John, Mark, and Luke all won the race. (names) EX: The big, scary monster was under the bed. (list of adjectives—use a comma when AND would sound good between them)
addresses, dates, and letters Comma Rule # 5 addresses, dates, and letters
Addresses, dates & letters Use a comma to separate day and year when the full date is used EX: January 14, 2000 EX: July 1999—needs no comma When the full date is in a sentence, it needs a comma after the year, too. EX: The puppies born on September 23, 2010, will be ready to go home in another week.
Address, dates, letters Use a comma to separate city and state EX: Denison, Texas Use a comma for an opening and closing in a letter Dear Grandma, (opening) Sincerely, (closing)
Comma Rule #6 dialogue
Dialogue Use a comma to shift between the words being spoken and the speaker. EX: John said, “I am hungry.” EX: “I was able,” she answered, “to find the buried treasure.” EX: “She was late to school,” said John.
Comma Rule # 7 interjections
Interjections When a sentence starts with an interjection, set it off with a comma. Wow, that was a really good movie! Awww, she is a cute baby!
appositives and interrupters Comma Rule #8 appositives and interrupters
appositives Use a comma to set off phrases that add meaning to a noun . EX: That Tuesday, which happens to be my birthday, is the only day I can babysit. EX: My teacher, Mrs. Langley, was shopping at Wal-Mart.
interrupters Use a comma when a phrase is used that is non-essential to the meaning. EX: Bob was late for school, by the way. EX: Brownies are really fattening, apparently.