The Comma

Rule One He ordered steak, salad(,) and a beer. We went to the shopping mall, the cinema(,) and the museum. She likes jazz, rock(,) and world music.

Use commas in a series of three or more items.

Rule Two He was a strong, brave man. She was an attractive, intelligent woman. The Samurai were fierce, fearless fighters.

Place a comma between two adjectives.

Rule Three I was born on July 1, 1969. We were married on December 16, 1998. The shop will open on March 16, 2013.

Place a comma between the date and year.

Rule Four She is, as I’ve told you, my most important competitor. They have, without any help, managed to finish their project on time. He was, so I’m told, the bravest soldier in his unit.

Use commas to separate expressions that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Rule Five If you get home on time, give me a call. When I was a boy, I would go fishing with my dad every Sunday. Because he had lost his wallet, Sam had to go to the police station after work.

Put a comma after a dependent clause.

Rule Six In August, we’re going camping. Fortunately, they were able to catch their flight. Before breakfast, I usually go running.

Place a comma after an introductory phrase of three words or less.

Rule Seven Mr. Smith, who lives next door, is a very strange man. He admires Oliver Stone, who directed Platoon. I want to get rid of my car, which is a piece of junk.

Information about someone or something that is sufficiently identified should be surrounded by commas.

Rule Eight He couldn’t swim, but he was a great cyclist. We must leave, for it will be dark and dangerous soon. She was a great dancer, yet her voice wasn’t up to par.

Place a comma before and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet when the are followed by a subject and a verb.

Rule Nine Tom turned around and said, “I got you.” “Why,” he asked, “do you always come here.” When I was a child, my grand-father said, “You mustn’t waste your time watching TV.”

Place a comma to introduce or interrupt a direct quotation.

Rule Ten He was, however, very happy with his raise. I would, therefore, like a refund. The young man is determined, nevertheless, to stay in the team no matter what.

Surround words such as therefore, nevertheless, however with commas when they interrupt a sentence.

PRACTICE

One I don’t like chicken beef or pork.

Two That dog is a nice friendly dog. That dog is a nice, friendly dog.

Three I was born on July 1 1969. I was born on July 1, 1969.

Four McGill as you know is the best university in Canada.

Five When I was a child I lived in Quebec.

Six Unfortunately I can’t go with you.

Seven We visited Ms. Graham who lives in Laval.

Eight I like Montreal but it’s too cold in winter.

Nine My father said “Do your homework.”

Ten He did however buy a nice jacket.