1. Using Commas Why are commas important? Items in a series
Independent clauses
Introductory elements
Interrupters
Conventional uses of commas
Review A
Review B

2. Why are commas important?
Commas can help make the meaning of sentences clearer. In general, commas help separate or set apart elements in a sentence.
Too many commas can clutter the sentence and may confuse readers.
Problem: Unnecessary commas
My friend, Jessica, said she would feed my cat, and my dog while I’m away, but now, she tells me, she will be too busy.

3. Why are commas important?
Missing commas may also confuse readers.
Problem: Missing commas
The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann Jerry Lee Derrick Martha and Julie.
Without commas, it is unclear how many friends are invited.
Is this Jerry or Jerry Lee?
Is this Ruth or Ruth Ann?

4. Why are commas important?
Commas make the meaning of this sentence clear by separating the names in the list.
The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann, Jerry Lee, Derrick, Martha, and Julie.
Ruth Ann
Jerry Lee
Derrick
Martha
Julie , , , ,
[End of Section]

5. Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series.
Words in a series
All my cousins, aunts, and uncles came to our family reunion.
Phrases in a series
The children played in the yard, at the playground, and by the pond.

6. Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series.
Clauses in a series
Those who had flown to the reunion, who had driven many miles, or who had even taken time off from their jobs were glad that they had made the effort to be there.

7. Grammar Gal Says... Items in a series
If all items in a series are joined by and, or, or nor, do not use commas to separate them.
Grammar Gal Says...
I need tacks and nails and a hammer.
Sam or Carlos or Yolanda will be able to baby-sit tomorrow.
She never whines nor lies nor picks on her brother.

8. Items in a series Use commas to separate items in a series.
Short independent clauses
The engine roared, the wheels spun, and a cloud of dust swirled behind the sports car.
Two or more adjectives preceding a noun
Are you going to that hot, crowded, noisy mall?

9. Grammar Gal Says... Items in a series
To find out if a comma goes between adjectives, insert and between them. If and fits sensibly, use a comma. Another trick is to reverse the order of the adjectives. If they make sense in reverse, you need a comma.
Grammar Gal Says...
We had smooth, creamy broccoli soup.
We had smooth and creamy broccoli soup.
We had creamy, smooth broccoli soup.

10. Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary.
1. With a quick powerful leap, the stunt person bounded over the burning balcony.
2. One summer when we were little, I had mumps you had measles and he had chickenpox.
3. I took a flashlight a sleeping bag extra tennis shoes and a parka on our camping trip.

11. Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary.
1. With a quick powerful leap, the stunt person bounded over the burning balcony. ,

12. Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary.
2. One summer when we were little, I had mumps you had measles and he had chickenpox. , ,

13. Items in a series
Identify each series in the following sentences, and add commas where necessary. , , ,
3. I took a flashlight a sleeping bag extra tennis shoes and a parka on our camping trip.

14. Items in a series Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
The loud annoying alarm woke us just before dawn.
Robert Browning says that youth is good that middle age is better and that old age is best.
Dr. Charles Drew worked as a surgeon developed new ways of storing blood and was the first director of the Red Cross blood bank program.
[End of Section]

15. Items in a series
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
The loud annoying alarm woke us just before dawn.
Robert Browning says that youth is good that middle age is better and that old age is best.
Dr. Charles Drew worked as a surgeon developed new ways of storing blood and was the first director of the Red Cross blood bank program. , , , , ,

16. Independent clauses
Use a comma before and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet when it joins independent clauses.
Hector pressed the button, and the engine started.
She would never argue, nor would she complain to anyone.
Are you going to the football game, or do you have other plans for Saturday?

17. Independent clauses
An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a sentence.
An independent clause has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
subject
verb
Hector
pressed
the button.
subject
verb
The engine
started.

18. Grammar Gal Says... Independent clauses
Do not be fooled by compound verbs, which can make a sentence look like a compound sentence. You do not need to use a comma between the parts of a compound verb.
Grammar Gal Says...
Mara cleared the table and did the dishes.
One subject with two verbs is a compound verb.

19. Independent clauses
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. She liked the story but she did not like the ending.
2. High school graduates may go on to college or may begin working immediately.
3. A few rowdy spectators tried to grab the star so the bodyguards formed a ring around him.

20. Independent clauses
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed. ,
1. She liked the story but she did not like the ending. M

21. Independent clauses
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
2. High school graduates may go on to college or may begin working immediately. C

22. Independent clauses
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed. ,
3. A few rowdy spectators tried to grab the star so the bodyguards formed a ring around him. M

23. Independent clauses
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
It is important to know first aid for an accident can happen at almost any time.
More than eighty thousand people in the United States die in accidents each year and many millions are injured.
Emergency exits were clearly marked so people were able to evacuate quickly when the alarm sounded.
[End of Section]

24. Independent clauses
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
It is important to know first aid for an accident can happen at almost any time.
More than eighty thousand people in the United States die in accidents each year and many millions are injured.
Emergency exits were clearly marked so people were able to evacuate quickly when the alarm sounded. , , ,

25. Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Mild exclamations such as well, oh, or hey
Hey, that’s an unusual pet you’re walking.
Introductory words such as yes and no
Yes, it’s my pet iguana.

26. Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Introductory participial phrases
Switching on the flashlight, the ranger led the way to the caves.
Two or more introductory prepositional phrases or one long one.
By the time I get home from school, I am ready for a snack.
At home and at school, I enjoy reading different books.

27. Introductory elements
A participial phrase is used as an adjective and consists of a participle and any complements or modifiers the participle has.
participial phrase
participle
participial phrase
participle
Disappointed by the high prices, we made up a new gift list.
Disappointed by the high prices, we made up a new gift list.
Disappointed by the high prices, we made up a new gift list.
Switching on the flashlight, the ranger led the way to the caves.
Switching on the flashlight, the ranger led the way to the caves.
Switching on the flashlight, the ranger led the way to the caves.
The participial phrase Disappointed by the high prices modifies the word we.
The participial phrase Switching on the flashlight modifies the word ranger.

28. Introductory elements
A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, the object of the preposition, and any modifiers of that object.
object of the prep.
prep.
At the Natural Science Museum
At the Natural Science Museum
At the Natural Science Museum
object of the prep.
prep.
prepositional phrase.
Near the door to the garage
Near the door to the garage
Near the door to the garage
Near the door to the garage

29. Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Introductory adverb clauses
After he sang, the audience applauded.

30. Introductory elements
An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb.
Adverb clauses generally answer the questions how, when, where, why, how, how much, to what extent, or under what circumstances the action of the verb takes place.
After he sang, the audience applauded.
After he sang tells when the audience applauded.

31. Introductory elements
A subordinate clause (or dependent clause) does not express a complete thought and cannot stand by itself as a sentence.
when you arrive at the airport in Dallas
What happens when you arrive?
which grow only locally
What grows?

32. Introductory elements
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. In Mexico a favorite dish is a corn tortilla with beans.
2. If you’d like more variety in your diet you could add more whole grains to your meals.
3. Because the soybean is high in protein it has been a principal crop in Asian countries for more than five thousand years.

33. Introductory elements
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. In Mexico a favorite dish is a corn tortilla with beans. C

34. Introductory elements
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
2. If you’d like more variety in your diet you could add more whole grains to your meals. , M

35. Introductory elements
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed. ,
3. Because the soybean is high in protein it has been a principal crop in Asian countries for more than five thousand years. M

36. Introductory elements
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
Built ten years ago the bridge needs some repairs.
Why that yellow paint is really bright, isn’t it?
After one day at summer camp the boys knew that they would have a good time.
[End of Section]

37. Introductory elements
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
Built ten years ago the bridge needs some repairs.
Why that yellow paint is really bright, isn’t it?
After one day at summer camp the boys knew that they would have a good time. , , ,

38. Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Nonessential clauses or phrases
Eileen Murray, who is at the top of her class, wants to go to medical school.
Nonessential clause
Tim Ricardo, hoping to make the swim team, practiced every day.
Nonessential phrase

39. Interrupters
A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) clause or phrase adds information that is not necessary to the main idea in the sentence.
Eileen Murray, who is at the top of her class, wants to go to medical school.
Eileen Murray wants to go to medical school.
Removing the nonessential clause does not change the main idea of the sentence.

40. Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Nonessential appositives and appositive phrases
Nonessential appositive
Their parrot, Mina, is very gentle.
Elizabeth Peña, my favorite actress, stars in the movie I rented.
Nonessential appositive phrase

41. Interrupters
A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) appositive or appositive phrase provides information that is unnecessary to the basic meaning of the sentence.
Their parrot is very gentle.
Their parrot, Mina, is very gentle.
Removing the nonessential appositive does not change the meaning of the sentence.

42. Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Direct address
Linda, please read the poem aloud.
I like the image of the birds in flight, Mr. Ryan.
Your comment, Bernie, is interesting.

43. Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Parenthetical expressions
Of course, I am glad that he called me about the extra movie tickets.
She is, in fact, a dentist.
You should try out for quarterback, in my opinion.

44. Commonly Used Parenthetical Expressions
Interrupters
Parenthetical expressions are side remarks that add information or relate ideas.
Commonly Used Parenthetical Expressions
after all
generally speaking
nevertheless
at any rate
however
of course
consequently
I believe
on the contrary
for example
in the first place
on the other hand
for instance
moreover
therefore

45. Interrupters
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. My favorite painting Mona Lisa is displayed at the Louvre in Paris.
2. Did you know Amy that one of Faith Ringgold’s story quilts sold for $40,000?
3. You are, I hope, planning to go to the museum with me.

46. Interrupters
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed. , ,
1. My favorite painting Mona Lisa is displayed at the Louvre in Paris. M

47. Interrupters
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
2. Did you know Amy that one of Faith Ringgold’s story quilts sold for $40,000? , , M

48. Interrupters
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. You are, I hope, planning to go to the museum with me. C

49. Interrupters Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. My dad’s classic car a 1955 Mustang won first place in the car show.
2. That sculpture in my opinion is the most beautiful one in the exhibit.
3. Are you competing in the track meet Joyce?
[End of Section]

50. Interrupters
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. My dad’s classic car a 1955 Mustang won first place in the car show.
2. That sculpture in my opinion is the most beautiful one in the exhibit.
3. Are you competing in the track meet Joyce? , , , , ,

51. Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations, such as dates, addresses, salutations and closings in letters, and certain titles and names.
Separate items in dates and addresses
After Friday, November 23, 2012, address all orders to Emeryville, CA

52. Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
After the salutation of a personal letter
Dear Mr. Arpajian,
My dear Anna,
After the closing of any letter
Sincerely,
Yours very truly,

53. Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Abbreviations, such as Jr., Sr., or M.D. when they follow persons’ names.
Please welcome Allen Davis, Sr.
Carol Ferrara, M.D., is our family doctor.

54. Conventional uses of commas
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
1. Marcia traveled to Tyler Texas last month.
2. My brother received a letter that began, “Dear John, There’s something I need to tell you.”
3. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January

55. Conventional uses of commas
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed. , ,
1. Marcia traveled to Tyler Texas last month. M

56. Conventional uses of commas
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
2. My brother received a letter that began, “Dear John, There’s something I need to tell you.” C

57. Conventional uses of commas
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
3. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January , , M ,

58. Conventional uses of commas
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
Please address the envelope to Ms. Marybeth Correio 1255 S.E. 56th Street Bellevue WA
I glanced quickly at the end of the letter, which read, “Very sincerely yours Alice Ems Ph.D.”
On April the company will celebrate its twentieth anniversary.
[End of Section]

59. Conventional uses of commas
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
Please address the envelope to Ms. Marybeth Correio 1255 S.E. 56th Street Bellevue WA
I glanced quickly at the end of the letter, which read, “Very sincerely yours Alice Ems Ph.D.”
On April the company will celebrate its twentieth anniversary. , , , , , , ,

60. Review A
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
_____ 1. During the festival, businesses on Main Street will be open late.
_____ 2. Brittany Adam Christine and Leo are just four of the graduates who decorated their caps.
_____ 3. Joseph who works as a lifeguard in the summer has already taken the first-aid class.
[End of Section]

61. Review A
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
_____ 1. During the festival, businesses on Main Street will be open late.
_____ 2. Brittany Adam Christine and Leo are just four of the graduates who decorated their caps.
_____ 3. Joseph who works as a lifeguard in the summer has already taken the first-aid class. C M , , , M , ,

62. Review B Add commas where necessary in the following sentences.
My twin sister can run faster jump higher and do more push-ups than I can.
Lance Martin was born June in Austin Texas.
When Professor Marcus went to China last year he visited many historic landmarks.
She and many of her friends attended Earth Day a festival devoted to ecology.
Biking accidents are common wherever cars and bicycles use the same road so many communities have provided bicycle lanes.
[End of Section]

63. Review B
Add commas where necessary in the following sentences.
My twin sister can run faster jump higher and do more push-ups than I can.
Lance Martin was born June in Austin Texas.
When Professor Marcus went to China last year he visited many historic landmarks.
She and many of her friends attended Earth Day a festival devoted to ecology.
Biking accidents are common wherever cars and bicycles use the same road so many communities have provided bicycle lanes. , , , , , , , ,

64. The End