PERIOD AND COMMA RULES
Read these rules and apply them to the Using Comma Exercise.
USE A PERIOD…
1. at the end of an assertive or imperative sentence
I enjoy music.
Shut the door.
2. after most abbreviations and initials
34 High Park Ave.
J.L. Duncan
3. after numbers or letters in an enumeration
1. 2. a. b.
USE A COMMA….
1. to separate words or phrases used in a series
The ordered books, paper, and pencils.
2. to clarify or to prevent misunderstanding
Soon after, Sally left.
3. to set off the name of a person being addressed
Can you come now, Jim?
4. to separate the name of a city from a province
Randy was born in Flin Flon , Manitoba.
5. for parenthetical expressions
Gillian’s talent, together with her ambition, made her successful.
6. before short quotations
Pat wrote, “I can go”.
7. to separate an introductory clause from a main clause
When you go to the beach, don’t forget to bring your bathing suit.
8. to set off appositives
Larry, the baker’s son, is going into business.
9. after the words “yes” or “no” in a sentence
Yes, it can be done.
10. to separate items in an address or a date
She lived at 23 Mincing Lane, Toronto, Ontario.
Tim will arrive on Thursday, October 14, 20--.
11. between two principal clauses in a compound sentence joined by a conjunction
The exhibition was planned for July, but a delay was caused by the strike.
12. between co-ordinate adjectives
The teacher composed a short, easy test.
13. between contrasted elements
Sue needed less time, not more.
14. to show the omission of words that are implied
Terry received $4.00 for babysitting Saturday night; Donna $5.00.
15. after the complimentary closing in two-point or closed punctuation in a letter
Yours truly,
16. between a name and a position on the same line of an inside address
Miss F. Hill, Treasurer
USING COMMAS EXERCISE
Key the following sentences inserting commas where appropriate. Single space the
sentences and double space between sentences.
1. We both know therefore that it cannot be easily done.
2. He wrote to her at 23 Cowslip Cres. London England.
3. No that answer is not the correct one.
4. I asked you to do it yourself Martha.
5. The horses cows sheep and goats were all hungry.
6. If I were to win the prize I know how I would spend the money.
7. Julie had an appointment for Monday August 16 20--.
8. Sandy will write to the hotel in Summerside P.E.I. to make the reservations.
9. Myrna said to Jerry “I will be late this evening.”
10. The car was in for repairs so she had to take a taxi.
11. The student typed an accurate factual essay.
12. By the way Peter must help me today.
13. Doctor Chan who graduated from McGill University came to help in the clinic.
14. The day before we stayed with them.
15. Kevin wanted a dog not a cat.