1. The Comma Police We are here to stop the improper usage of the “comma”

2. When When using introductory material a comma should be used. This informs the reader you are beginning the sentence main point. If If the introductory material is brief, a comma is not needed. Ex. Even though the movie already started, we were let in to see it. Ex. In 2003 the east coast was hit by Hurricane Isabel.

3. The Comma Police Acomma is needed when using coordinating conjunctions (but, and, or, yet, so). Acomma is not necessary in short sentences and when the conjunction links it to a compound verb. Ex. Ex. He listened to his mom griping at him, but he forgot everything she said. He listened to his mom griping at him, but he forgot everything she said. Ex. Ex. I like to ski but I hate the cold weather.

4. The Comma Police A comma should be used when linking more than two items. A comma should be used when linking more than two items. Also can be used when listing coordinate adjectives Also can be used when listing coordinate adjectives Ex. Ex. Today I have to buy groceries, wash my car, clean my house, and pick up my kids from daycare. Ex. Ex. Christmas is the coldest, happiest time of the year.

5. The Comma Police Commas Commas are used to separate the year when the month and date are included. Also Also use a comma when including the name of a state, country, or county that follows the city. Ex. Ex. On January 25, 2000, a beautiful baby was born. In Hampton, Virginia, I attend a community college.

6. The Comma Police Use a comma when contrasting expressions ( not, but, rather than). Use a comma when contrasting expressions ( not, but, rather than). Ex. Ex. Bob was given the supervisor position, rather than Ellen

7. The Comma Police Use a comma to set off quotes Use a comma to set off quotes Ex. Ex. “Just make a quote,” said Betty, “so we can move on.”

8. Works Cited Rodrigues, Dawn and Myron C. Tuman. Writing Essentials: With quick reference coverage of writing online. 2 nd Ed. New York:Norton, 1999. Works Cited Rodrigues, Dawn and Myron C. Tuman. Writing Essentials: With quick reference coverage of writing online. 2 nd Ed. New York:Norton, 1999.