Use Some “Comma” Sense!
How to use commas to enhance your writing
By Courtney Guthrie
Adapted from Mechanically Inclined by Jeff Anderson
What is wrong with this sentence?
 I like turkey but I don’t like chicken.
Commas in Compound Sentences
 Use commas and a conjunction to join two independent clauses.
Conjunctions are FANBOYS:
Sentence,
for
and
nor
but
or
yet
so
sentence.
Example:
You can pick your friends, but you’re stuck with family.
–Jeff Foxworthy
What is wrong with this sentence?
 If you can’t annoy someone there is
little point in writing.
-Kingsley Arms
Commas After Openers
 Use commas after openers, introductory phrases,
transitions, and transition phrases.
Opener, sentence
Comma Causers:
Although, After as, While, When, Until, Because, Before, If, Since
Example:
If there was an Olympic contest for talking, Shelly Stalls would
sweep the event.
From the book Flipped
What is wrong with this sentence?
 Usher a real fine guy sings so sweet.
Commas with Interrupters
 When a group of words interrupts a sentence, it
needs to have commas on both sides.
Sent, interrupter, ence
Examples:
Mrs. Guthrie, our LA teacher, says we’re intelligent.
January 17, our first snow day, was the best day of the
year!
What is wrong with this sentence?
 It was time to get my haircut bangs over
my eyes flopping back down every time
I brush it back.
Commas Before Closers
 Use commas to set off additional information at the
end of a sentence.
 The closer often includes sensory details.
Sentence, closer.
Example:
The screen was coming away from the screen door in
one corner, curling away from the metal frame like a
leaf.
-Harriet the Spy
What is wrong with this sentence?
 I don’t like rap, but I do like Outkast Eminem JayZ.
Commas in a Series
 Use commas to separate a series of three or more things,
actions or phrases
and
Examples:
I love to eat apples, bananas, and grapefruits.
or
You can play volleyball, basketball, or soccer.
A few reminders from 5th Grade…
 Use commas when introducing a quotation.
Example:
Owen said, “Elfie is funny!”
Use commas in personal letters or emails.
Example:
Dear Owen,
Thanks for being good.
Love,
Elfie
A few reminders from 5th Grade…
 Use commas between city and names.
Example:
Eminence, Kentucky
Use commas between state and country names.
Example:
Paris, France
A few reminders from 5th Grade…
 Use commas in large numbers.
Example:
1, 546, 234
Use commas in dates
Wednesday, December 25, 2013