1. The 6 Primary Uses of a Comma Recapping the most misused piece of punctuation in the English language.

2. (1) When you are separating phrases that don’t need to be there  Basically, if it is NON-essential (the sentence still works without it), you need to use commas to separate the material  EXAMPLES:  My teacher, Mr. Brill Brill, is too young!  My pug, Morton, is lazy.

3. (2) When you are linking two independent clauses with a conjunction  This is when you have two sentences that could work ALONE, but you join them together with a conjunction (FANBOYS)  EXAMPLES:  English III is a hard class, because we have too much work.  I’d like to go to Six Flags, but it’s my day to clean the bathroom.

4. (3) When you are addressing someone in particular  This shows the distinction between talking TO someone or ABOUT someone  EXAMPLES:  Let’s eat, Grandma!  I want you to see my show, Mr. Brilliandt.

5. (4) When you are making a list  Multiple items should be separated by using commas (NOTE: be wary of using an Oxford Comma incorrectly!)  EXAMPLES:  I brought a Ms. Moore bobblehead, an ipod, and suntan lotion to the beach.  You need to be respectful to your elders, parents and teachers.

6. (5) When you have more than one adjective modifying a noun  If you can use the word AND in between the two adjectives and the sentence still works, use a comma to separate them  EXAMPLES  The stupid, long R.I.P. is going to make me die.  The silly, easy journals are going to bring me back to life.

7. (6) After introductory phrases or clauses  If the sentence works without the phrase/clause, you need a comma  EXAMPLES  Once we’re done with this example, we’ll move on to the next one.  When I went to the store, I bought broccoli.

8. For a reminder (and to see when NOT to use a comma), click the link below.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8q5Dm724LY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8q5Dm724LY