1. Commas

2. Use commas to separate 3 or more words, phrases, and short clauses in a series.
Example: It takes exactly 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 47.8 seconds to go around the sun.
Use no commas when all items are connected by and or or.
Josh seems as carefree and jaunty and happy-go-lucky as ever.
Commas in a Series

3. Commas to Separate Adjectives
Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that modify the same noun.
She is a slow, careful worker.
Ben is a cheerful, likeable person.
Notice that and can be substituted for the comma. However, if you cannot substitute and without changing the meaning, the adjectives are not coordinate, and no comma is needed.
Lauren knitted a dark brown sweater for her sister.
It does not make sense to say, “Lauren knitted a dark and brown sweater.”
Commas to Separate Adjectives

4. Commas to Separate Dates
When a date has two or more parts, use a comma after each item, except between the month and date.
The story was read on Thursday, April 20, 2009.
Make sure to place a comma after the year if it is not at the end of the sentence.
February 8, 1992, was the day I was born.
Commas to Separate Dates

5. Commas to Separate Addresses
When an address has two or more parts, use a comma after each item, except between the state and zip code.
Address the letter to Rita Watson, 520 West Legion, Apartment 8G, Evansville, Wisconsin
Commas to Separate Addresses

6. Commas for Interrupters
Use commas to set off non-essential phrases and clauses.
The difference between a non-essential and an essential clause is this: When the clause is removed, does the meaning of the sentence change?
Examples:
Non-essential: Teenagers, who can’t drive properly, should be kept off the highways.
Essential: Teenagers who can’t drive properly should be kept off the highways.
Commas for Interrupters

7. Commas for Appositive Phrases
Use commas to set off appositive phrases, if it’s not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
An appositive phrase explains or identifies what comes before it.
Examples:
Susan, our team’s outstanding center, fouled out of the game.
Commas for Appositive Phrases

8. Commas for Parenthetical Expressions and Interjections
Use commas to set off parenthetical expressions which interrupt the main thought of the sentence.
I will understand, of course, if you are unable to attend.
Use commas to set off words like yes, no, well, oh, and why when used at the beginning of a sentence.
Oh, I didn’t see you standing there.
Commas for Parenthetical Expressions and Interjections

9. Commas for Direct Address
Use commas to set off a person’s name or other words that stand for a person when they are used in direct address.
The President said, “My fellow Americans, I am speaking to you about a matter of utmost importance.”
Jennifer, can you help me study for my physics test?
Commas for Direct Address

10. Commas to Set off Introductory Clauses and Phrases
Put a comma after an introductory phrase or clause.
Even though Alex set the alarm, it didn’t go off.
Thinking the alarm was set, he didn’t worry.
Commas to Set off Introductory Clauses and Phrases

11. Commas Between Independent Clauses
Use a comma to separate two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction. The comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction.
Dr. Frazier was tired, yet she still had four more hours on her shift.
To remember the coordinating conjunctions, remember FANBOYS:
For Or
And
Yet
Nor So
But
Commas Between Independent Clauses

12. Commas to Separate Contrasting Elements
Examples:
Throw your dirty socks in the hamper, not on the floor.
The harder we tried to paint neatly, the messier it looked.
Commas to Separate Contrasting Elements