1. COMMAS RULE !!

2. RULE 1: Items in a Series Use a comma with 3 or more items (series) joined with “and” or “or”. (IS)
The adults talked, laughed, took photographs, and shared memories.

3. EXCEPTION! NO Comma if… Do NOT use a comma if you have a compound subject, verb or any other compound part.
He went to tennis practice and finished his homework before 9 PM.

4. RULE 1: Adjectives in a Series Use a comma with two or more adjectives that are together without any conjunction and only if they can be reversed or “and” put between them. (IS)
The gray, darkening sky caused me to hurry home.
If one of the words modifies another,
do not separate them with a comma.
Example: I study in our small dining room.
Dining room is considered as one part of speech.

5. RULE 2: FANBOYS Use a comma before FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) when they join independent clauses. (CS)
Hector pressed the button, and the engine started up.

6. RULE 3: Introductory Words Use a comma after an introductory word or phrase. (Intro W)
Ah, nothing tastes as good as cold lemonade on a hot day!

7. 3a: Introductory Phrases
Participial Phrase:
Switching on a flashlight, the ranger led
the way down the path.
Adverb Infinitive Phrase:
To get to the park, turn left at the next corner.
Multiple Prepositional Phrases:
By the end of the train ride, the children were
exhausted.
Long Prepositional Phrase:
Inside the green gate, she built a shed.

8. RULE 3b: Introductory Adverb Clause Use a comma with an introductory adverb clause. (DC,IC)
When you see smoke, you know there is a fire.

9. RULE 3c: Introduction: Use a comma for direct address (DA)
Mr. Young, would you please explain the definition again?

10. RULE 3d: Introductory phrase:
Nevertheless, you must do all of your homework.

11. RULE 4: INTERRUPTIONS/ INTERJECTIONS: Use a comma/commas to set off interruptions or sentence interjections.
Griffins, which are mythological beasts, are seen on many coat of arms.

12. RULE 4a: Interrupters Use commas to set off nonessential appositives and nonessential appositive phrases. (APP)
Their new parrot, Mina, is very gentle.
He loved her, that cute redhead, more than anyone else in class.

13. My essay, according to my English teacher, is the best in the class.
RULE 4b: Interrupters Use a comma to set off parenthetical expressions. (Inter W/P)
My essay, according to my English teacher, is the best in the class.

14. RULE 5: Conventional Situations Use commas with dates and addresses
RULE 5: Conventional Situations Use commas with dates and addresses. (CONV)
On December 5, 1984, their address became 25 Peralta Road, Oakland, CA
Please send this letter to Ms. Marybeth Correio, 1255 S.E. 56th Street, Belleview, Wa