1. Commas
Rules 10-18

2. Rule 10
Set off an adverb clause at the beginning of a sentence. An adverb clause begins with a subordinating a conjuntion, such as after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, wherever, or while.

3. Whenever I feel afraid, I whistle a happy tune.
Rule 10 Example
Whenever I feel afraid, I whistle a happy tune.

4. Rule 11
Set off a nonessential adjective clause. A nonessential adjective clause simply gives additional information and is not necessary to the meaning of a sentence. An adjective clause usually begins with a relative pronoun, such as who, whom, whose, which, or that.

5. Rule 11 Example
My house, which has green shutters, is at the corner of Elm and Maple.
Hint: If your not sure if it needs a comma, try covering it up and rereading your sentence. Does it make sense still? If so, it needs to be off set with commas.

6. Rule 12
In a date, set off the year when it’s used with both the month and the day. Don’t use a comma if only the month and year are given.

7. Rule 12 Example
The ship struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, and sank early the next morning.

8. Rule 13
Set off the name of a state or a country when it’s used after the name of a city. Set off the name of a city when it’s used after a street address. Don’t use a comma after the state if it’s followed by a ZIP code.

9. The ship was sailing from Southampton, England, to New York City.
Rule 13 Example
The ship was sailing from Southampton, England, to New York City.

10. Set off an abbreviated title or degree following a person’s name.
Rule 14
Set off an abbreviated title or degree following a person’s name.

11. Michelle Nakamura, Ph. D., will be the graduation speaker.
Rule 14 Example
Michelle Nakamura, Ph. D., will be the graduation speaker.

12. Rule 15
Set off too when it’s used in the middle of a sentence and means “also.” Don’t set of too at the end of a sentence.

13. Parents, too, will attend the ceremony.
Rule 15 Example
Parents, too, will attend the ceremony.

14. Set off a direct quotation.
Rule 16
Set off a direct quotation.

15. Mom asked, “Have you finished your homework?”
Rule 16 Example
Mom asked, “Have you finished your homework?”

16. Rule 17
Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter and after the closing of both a friendly letter and a business letter.

17. Rule 17 Example
Dear Dad,
I am so glad you came to visit. Please come back soon.
Your daughter,
Shelly

18. Use a comma to prevent misreading.
Rule 18
Use a comma to prevent misreading.

19. Instead of two, five teachers made the trip.
Rule 18 Example
Instead of two, five teachers made the trip.