1. Commas

2. Commas Separate Used to separate items in a series
James enjoys playing tennis, soccer, and basketball.
The trop traveled into the mountains, across the plains, and along the river.

3. Commas Separate
If all the items are joined by and, or, or nor, commas are not required
The chef’s exquisite dishes include filet mignon and roast beef and lamb.

4. Commas Separate
If and joins words that constitute a unit or team, do not separate the name, but use commas separate the items
Peanut butter and jelly, ham and eggs, and spaghetti and meatballs are the children’s favourite foods.

5. Yes or No?
Use a comma after Yes and No when these words start a sentence.
Yes, we have the show’s start time.
No, there are no bananas in the store.

6. Prepositional Phrases
Use a comma after prepositional phrases
In the middle of New York City, the traffic is very heavy during rush hour.
In the World Series’ final game played in 1960, the Pirates hitter hit a home run over left field.
Without Greg’s assistance, Tom would have spent many hours on that project.

7. Adjectives
Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives that precede a noun.
She is an intelligent, fair leader.
The draftee is a strong, athletic player.

8. Conjunctions
Use a comma to separate independent clauses joined by the conjunctions for, and, nor, but, or and yet.
You can drive, or you can walk.
She wanted to watch the movie, but she was too tired.

9. Expressions
Use a comma to set off the following expressions: “I believe,” “For example,” “On the other hand,” “In the first place,” As a matter of fact,” “To tell the truth,” “Of course,” and “However.”
This, I believe, is the best method.