1. The Comma

2. Commas with Introductory Elements Introductory elements such as conjunctive adverbs need to be set off by commas. Introductory elements such as conjunctive adverbs need to be set off by commas. For Example: For Example: Furthermore, there is no need to be worried. Furthermore, there is no need to be worried. However, we have a need for computer technicians. However, we have a need for computer technicians.

3. Commas with Compound Clauses Commas are needed when two main clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction. Commas are needed when two main clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction. For Example: For Example: Because John left his book at home, Professor Johnson gave him an F on the assignment. Because John left his book at home, Professor Johnson gave him an F on the assignment. The greatest cars in the world, SUVs, usually have the capability to carry six people. The greatest cars in the world, SUVs, usually have the capability to carry six people. My brother, much to my disapproval, was dating a girl who was three years younger than him. My brother, much to my disapproval, was dating a girl who was three years younger than him.

4. Commas with Coordinate Adjectives When listing three or more items, commas need to be placed after each item except the last one. The comma between the lat two items must be placed before the coordinating conjunction ( and, or, but, for, nor). When listing three or more items, commas need to be placed after each item except the last one. The comma between the lat two items must be placed before the coordinating conjunction ( and, or, but, for, nor). For Example: For Example: Students at Cal Poly, UC Davis, UC Berkley, and UC Santa Cruz all competed in the contest. Students at Cal Poly, UC Davis, UC Berkley, and UC Santa Cruz all competed in the contest. Monterey, Salinas, Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Seaside are all in Monterey County. Monterey, Salinas, Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Seaside are all in Monterey County.

5. Commas with Quotations Commas set off phrases that connect quotations to the speaker or writer. For Example: he said, she wrote. Commas set off phrases that connect quotations to the speaker or writer. For Example: he said, she wrote. If the attribution follows a quotation that is a complete sentence, replace the period that would normally come at the end of the sentence with a comma. If the attribution follows a quotation that is a complete sentence, replace the period that would normally come at the end of the sentence with a comma. For Example: For Example: When you get to Hathaway, said Mr. Mitchell, turn right! When you get to Hathaway, said Mr. Mitchell, turn right! The best fast food in the world is Burger King, writes John. The best fast food in the world is Burger King, writes John.

6. Unnecessary Commas People often overuse commas in different ways. For example, placing a comma between the subject and the main verb. People often overuse commas in different ways. For example, placing a comma between the subject and the main verb. For Example: For Example: Incorrect- Many Cal Poly Students, often misplace commas in sentences. Incorrect- Many Cal Poly Students, often misplace commas in sentences. Correct- Many Cal Poly Students often misplace commas in sentences. Correct- Many Cal Poly Students often misplace commas in sentences. Commas can be used to set off modifying phrases that separate subjects and verbs. Commas can be used to set off modifying phrases that separate subjects and verbs. Donald Trump, owner of Trump Enterprises, is a very successful business man. Donald Trump, owner of Trump Enterprises, is a very successful business man.