1. Commas indicate where to pause when reading a sentence.

2. Use commas to separate items in a series  January, February, and March are all summer months in the Southern Hemisphere.  The engine rattled, coughed, and stalled.

3. Use commas to separate two or more adjectives (describing words) that come before a noun.  The fat, hungry rat scurried across the floor and searched for food.  The Oompa Loompa is a creepy, evil creature.

4. Use a comma before and, but, for, not, or, so, or yet when it joins two complete sentences together to form a compound sentence.  Ms. Temple karate-chopped the Oompa Loompa, and he cried for hours.  She felt bad for hurting him, so she apologized.

5. Use commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence.  Mr. Robbins, my teacher, went to UC Santa Barbara, a college in California.

6. Use commas to set off words that are used in direct address (when you are speaking directly to someone)  Ben, please answer the door.  Could you help me with my luggage, Sir?

7. Place a comma after introductory words or phrases.  Yes, you did step on my toe.  After apologizing, David bought me an ice cream.  In the summer, my favorite place is the beach.

8. Use commas to separate items in dates and addresses.  She was born on July 15, 1992, in San Diego, California. Use a comma after the salutation of non- formal letters and after the closing of a letter.  Dear Sally,  Sincerely,

9. September 20 2010 Dear Mom Yesterday at camp I went hiking fishing and rope swinging. You will not believe what my hilarious helpful camp counselor did upon seeing some kids were homesick. She sang a Lady Gaga song and she danced like Shakira! Love Sally

10. September 20, 2010 Dear Mom, Yesterday at camp, I went hiking, fishing, and rope swinging. You will not believe what my hilarious, helpful camp counselor did upon seeing some kids homesick. She sang a Lady Gaga song, and she danced like Shakira! Love, Sally