1. Commas!
What are the rules?

2. Rule #1
Commas must be used to separate three or more items in a series.
A Comma before the word “and” and at the end of the list is optional.
Ex. Her room was cluttered with books, clothes, shoes and magazines.

3. Rule #2
Commas are used after an introductory element. You will hear a pause after the introductory words.
Ex. After studying for the exam, Joe ate his dinner.
When I didn’t get my raise, I called my boss.

4. Rule #3 Commas are used to set off transitional words or expressions
Ex. Nobody, for example, did his or her homework last night.
She will, nevertheless, finish her homework tonight.

5. Rule #4
Commas are used before and after words that may interrupt the flow of thought.
Ex. Sam, our new friend, is a chef at a family restaurant.

6. Rule #5 Use commas in addresses and dates
Ex. He lives at 125 Main Street, Toronto, Ontario.
Ex. The party on Tuesday, January 12th, 2009, was fantastic.

7. Rule #6
Use commas when writing a letter
Ex. Yours truly,
Dear Betty,

8. Rule #7 Use commas with direct quotations.
Ex. John said to Lizzy, “I cannot move to Maine.”

9. Rule #8
Use a comma when you are addressing a person to set off a name.
Ex. John, you are late again.
You, Mr. Greene, will be our guest speaker.

10. Rule #9 Use commas after interjections.
Ex. Oh, he forgot to lock the door again.

11. Rule #10 Use a comma to join two independent clauses.
Ex. She went to the store, and he went to the library.

12. Works Cited
Professor Ruth Hannah
George Brown College