1. Punctuation Review
Commas

2. Conjunctions Words that join two independent clauses together.
For
And
Nor
But Or
Yet So
I like animals, so I go to the zoo every weekend.
Independent Clause
Independent Clause

3. Commas with Compound Sentences
Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence.
Jose wanted to attend the game, but he decided to do his report instead.
Either we will win tonight, or we will have to face a sad crowd afterward.

4. Commas between items in a series
Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a series.
Ellen bought new jeans, a plaid skirt, and a pair of gloves.
They drove to the post office, parked the car, and unloaded the boxes.

5. Commas between adjectives
Use commas to separate adjectives of equal rank.
A narrow, rough road led to the country market.
The tall, handsome man handed me the money.

6. Commas that set off added elements
Commas After Introductory Material: Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause.
Introductory Material:
Introductory word: No, I don't think I can go.
Introductory phrase: Reaching the lake, she searched for her canoe.
Introductory Clause: When she entered the building, she was confused and frightened.

7. Commas that set off added elements
Parenthetical expressions:
Names of People Being Addressed: I know, Susan, that you will do well.
Certain adverbs: I decided, therefore, to wait.
Common Expressions: Mr. Wong agreed, I believe, to go.
Contrasting Expressions: The room is narrow, not wide.

8. Commas that set off added elements
Commas with nonessential expressions: A nonessential expression, short or long, give additional information about someone or something in a sentence. Because it can be left out without changing the basic meaning of the sentence, it is set off with commas.

9. Commas That Set off Added Elements
Essential: My cousin the computer expert is growing rich.
Nonessential:Cathy, a computer expert, knows BASIC and COBOL.
Essential: The man standing in the corridor is the principal.
Nonessential: Dr. Rogers, now standing at the corridor, is the principal.
Essential: The boy who lives in the next house plays the French Horn.
Nonessential: My cousin Phil, who lives in the next house, plays the French Horn.

10. Commas That Set off Added Elements
Commas with Places, Date, and Titles:
When a geographical name or a date is made up of two or more parts, use a comma after each item except in the case of a month followed by a day. Use commas to set off a title following a name.
Geographical Name: Houston, Texas, is a rapidly growing city.
Date: On September 19, 1939, German Panzers invaded Poland.
Name with Title: Jim Thon, M.D., Discussed safe ways to lose weight.

11. Commas That Set Off Added Elements
Address: Send the package to J. Brown, 10 Elk Lane, Glen Cove, New York
Salutation and Closing: Dear Peter, Very truly yours,
Numbers: 31,654 envelopes
Elliptical Sentence: Lorraine plays the guitar; her brother Sam, the flute.
Direct Quotation: “in a few minutes,” laughed Julio, “you’ll know the surprise.”
To Prevent Confusion: For Carla, Jonas had designed a unique costume.