1. Commas : o Separate items in a series o Ex. The dishes, pots, and pans need to be washed o Separate two or more adjectives o Ex. John is a humble, innocent child. o Before for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so when they separate independent clauses. o Ex. We could read the book, or we could wait to see the movie.

2. Commas To set off nonessential clauses – Ex. His sayings, stated simply and directly, express wisdom. After introductory elements – Ex. No, I have not read that book. Looking calm, Jill walked to the podium To set off interruptions – Ex. Your research paper, Dylan, is very interesting

3. Conventional situations: To separate items in dates and addresses – Ex. April 8, 2000 – 315 Wayne Court, Danuba, California After the salutation or closing of a letter – Dear Alicia, – Sincerely, To set off abbreviations such as Jr., Sr., RN, M.D., Ltd., or Inc. – Jorge Rivera, Jr. – Flowers by Algernon, Inc.