FUN w/ Commas! Commas!!!!!!! Just pretend that I’m pointing to a comma instead of a bunch of trees: This is the appropriate level excitement one should exhibit when dealing with commas.

Even dads know just how exciting commas can be.

Comma Rules 1. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but, nor, yet, for, so) that separates two independent clauses. i.e. Trimming trees is an enjoyable experience, and it serves as an excellent form of physical activity.

Comma Rules Continued 2. Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause that comes before a main clause. i.e. Due to his short temper, Albert was excluded as a potential candidate for a babysitting gig.

Much like this broken shoe, your sentences will be unattractive and difficult to look at if commas are absent.

Comma Rules Continued 3. Use commas around words, phrases, and clauses in the middle of a sentence when they aren’t essential to the meaning of the sentence. i.e. “My uncle, who is eighty years old, walks three miles every day.”

Comma Rules Continued 4. Use commas between items in a series. i.e. Allison enjoys reading in the park, swimming at the beach, and skipping through the meadow.

Teachers experience feelings of extreme sadness when their students choose not to use commas.

Quick Guide Continued 5. Use commas before and after a quotation within a sentence. i.e. “Taming a pack of wolves,” said Mr. Danz enthusiastically, “is much easier than teaching a llama how to play checkers.”

Both are challenging Vs.

Quick Guide Continued 6. Use a comma before an afterthought or contrasting element i.e. “He was merely ignorant, not stupid.” i.e. “The chimpanzee seemed reflective, almost human.” i.e.“You're one of the senator's close friends, aren't you?” i.e. “The speaker seemed innocent, even gullible.”

That meal was delicious, almost too delicious for words.

Quick Guide Continued 7. Use commas to set off geographical names, items in a date, and professional titles. “Birmingham, Alabama, gets its name from Birmingham, England.” “July 22, 1959, was a momentous day in his life.” “Who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC?” “Rachel B. Lake, MD, will be the principal speaker.”

Get Excited for Commas! (and argyle socks)