1. Comma Rules
English 7
Mrs. Johnson

2. Compound Sentences
Use a comma before a conjunction that joins two complete sentences.
A complete sentence has a subject and a predicate.
Example: I got up early this morning, and I ate a good breakfast.

3. Items in a Series
Use a comma after every item in a series except the last one.
Example: You need to bring your composition book, planner, and a pencil to class every day.

4. Adjectives
Use a comma between adjectives of equal rank that modify the same noun.
Example: Mums are colorful, decorative flowers in the fall. (comma is necessary)
When in doubt, replace the comma with “and.”
Example: Mums are colorful and decorative flowers in the fall. (comma not necessary)
If the adjectives are not of equal rank, do not use a comma.
Example: I have brilliant gold mums in my yard. (comma not necessary)

5. Introductory Words & Phrases
Use a comma after an introductory prepositional phrase.
Example: In the fall, I like pumpkin pie.
Use a comma after introductory words.
Example: Finally, ISTEP testing is over!

6. Interrupters
Use commas to set off a word or phrase that interrupts the flow of thought in a sentence.
Example: The rain provided, at long last, some relief from the drought.
Use commas to set off nouns of direct address.
Example: Your grades would improve, Tommy, if you turned in your homework.

7. Appositives
An appositive is a word or phrase that identifies or renames a noun or pronoun that comes right before it. Use commas when the appositive adds extra information.
Example: George Bush, our current president, is from Texas. (comma necessary)
The singer Jordan Sparks is an American Idol winner. (comma not necessary)

8. Dates Use a comma between the day and the year.
Use a comma after the year if the sentence continues.
Example: Tim was born on June 2, 2004, in Marion.

9. Addresses
Use a comma between the city or town and the state or country.
Use a comma after the state or country if the sentence continues.
Example: My vacation will be in Gulf Shores, Alabama, this year.

10. Study these rules before the test!
The End
Study these rules before the test!