1. COMMA RULES
Please take notes

2. Comma Rule #1
compound sentences

3. compound sentences
Use a comma with a conjunction to separate two independent clauses---use: FANBOYS
, for , or
, and , yet
, nor , so
, but
EX: The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.

4. complex sentences (sometimes!)
Comma Rule #2
complex sentences (sometimes!)

5. Introductory dependent clause (IDC)
Use a comma when a sentence begins with a dependent clause
AAAWWUBBIS words
EX: While I was eating, the cat meowed.
EX: The cat meowed while I was eating. (no comma)

6. Comma Rule #3
IPP’s

7. Introductory prepositional phrases (IPP)
Use a comma when a sentence begins with a prepositional phrase-IPP
EX: In a minute, the bus is going to arrive.
EX: The bus is going to arrive in a minute. (no comma)

8. in a series and with adjectives
Comma Rule #4
in a series and with adjectives

9. In a series Use commas to separate items in a series
EX: The list included eggs, bacon, and milk. (items)
EX: She was running fast, sweating profusely, and winning the race. (list of verbs w/adverbs)

10. More about series commas
EX: John, Mark, and Luke all won the race. (names)
EX: The big, scary monster was under the bed. (list of adjectives—use a comma when AND would sound good between them)

11. addresses, dates, and letters
Comma Rule # 5
addresses, dates, and letters

12. Addresses, dates & letters
Use a comma to separate day and year when the full date is used
EX: January 14, 2000
EX: July 1999—needs no comma
When the full date is in a sentence, it needs a comma after the year, too.
EX: The puppies born on September 23, 2010, will be ready to go home in another week.

13. Address, dates, letters Use a comma to separate city and state
EX: Denison, Texas
Use a comma for an opening and closing in a letter
Dear Grandma, (opening)
Sincerely, (closing)

14. Comma Rule #6
dialogue

15. Dialogue
Use a comma to shift between the words being spoken and the speaker.
EX: John said, “I am hungry.”
EX: “I was able,” she answered, “to find the buried treasure.”
EX: “She was late to school,” said John.

16. Comma Rule # 7
interjections

17. Interjections
When a sentence starts with an interjection, set it off with a comma.
Wow, that was a really good movie!
Awww, she is a cute baby!

18. appositives and interrupters
Comma Rule #8
appositives and interrupters

19. appositives
Use a comma to set off phrases that add meaning to a noun .
EX: That Tuesday, which happens to be my birthday, is the only day I can babysit.
EX: My teacher, Mrs. Langley, was shopping at Wal-Mart.

20. interrupters
Use a comma when a phrase is used that is non-essential to the meaning.
EX: Bob was late for school, by the way.
EX: Brownies are really fattening, apparently.