Comma Rules
A. Put a comma after a dependent clause (fragment - clause that cannot stand on its
own) that is followed immediately by an independent clause (a complete sentence):
Example: Since it had rained all day, the ground was wet.
Exercises: Insert a comma when needed.
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After the rain the sun shown brightly.
Before you leave you need to take out the trash.
As far as I see you are doing very well.
Since I ran around all day my feet are tired.
B. Put a comma between two independent clauses (two complete sentences) that are
joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS):
Example: I went to the store, but I forgot to buy milk.
Exercises: Insert a comma when needed:
1. Juan and Marcie decided to get married yet they are going to wait a year.
2. I went to the store and I bought milk and cookies.
3. Dr. Smith is going to give money to charity and donate her time.
C. Put commas between words, phrases, or clauses that are in a series (a series consists
of three or more):
Example: She walked into the house, threw her coat on the chair, and went to the
refrigerator.
Exercises: Insert a comma when needed:
1. Jacques bought apples oranges limes and mangoes for his salad.
2. Be sure to bring a tent sleeping bag and warm clothes for the retreat.
3. Susan bought wrapping paper and tape to help with the decorations.
D. Put commas before and after modifiers (one word or a group of words) that are not
essential to the meaning of the sentence (nonessential or nonrestrictive modifiers):
Examples: My sis, Aly, graduated from Harvard.
Exercises: Insert a comma when needed.
1. The motorcycle gleaming in the sun was the first thing he wanted.
2. Albany which is the capital of New York is located in the eastern part of the state.
3. Dr. Loyal a professor of science taught my physics class.
E. Put commas around words that are out of the normal word order (subject-verbobject:, around sentence modifiers (for example, unfortunately, on the other had, etc.) and
around conjunctive adverbs (therefore, however, consequently, etc):
Example: I would like, however, to go on the trip.
Exercises: Insert a comma when needed:
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On the other hand I think I will go.
Shelia however hates spiders
Mark and Luke consequently are the best players on the team.
A.J. I think you need to leave.
F. Put commas between adjectives that independently describe nouns and pronouns
(coordinate adjectives). Hint: If you cannot put 'and' between the adjectives, you need to
put a comma between the adjectives-if in doubt do not put in a comma.
Example: My dog is a soft, cuddly puppy.
Exercises: Insert a comma when needed or "and" to correct the sentence.
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The yellow green car is ugly.
The Beatles lived in a metal yellow submarine.
Tome ate all the sweet sour candy.
Red yellow tulips grace our yard.
G. Put commas in dates, addresses, and titles: **When only a month and year are
listed, do not use the comma.
Example: November 19, 2002, is the date for the conference.
Exercises: Insert ca comma when needed.
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Tyrone lives at 1123 S. Timberlane Drive Phoenix Arizona.
September 11 2001 will live in infamy as will December 7 1941.
Dr. Lloyd a cancer specialist will present her research at the conference.
October 27 1964 is my birthday.
H. Put commas around direct contrasts and short questions and after interjections
and adverbs such as yes and no.
Example: You were there, weren't you?
Exercises: Insert a comma when needed.
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No I hate chocolate.
Well I guess so.
Yes John Jacob Jinglehimer Schmitt is my name, too.
Huh I don't understand the question.
I. Put commas around names or words used in direct address (when someone is
speaking directly to someone else).
Example: I think it is time we went on vacation, Sara.
Exercises: Insert a comma when needed.
1. George take out the trash.
2. We need to finish our project Jill.
3. You Jerrah need to clean the mess in the dining area.
J. Put commas around phrases like he said, she replied, they yelled when they are
attached to quotations.
Example: The protesters yelled, "Down with Dunmore!"
Exercises: Insert a comma when needed.
1. "Please hurry" the manager yelled "I need that deposition!"
2. She replied I guess I could set some time aside to help.
3. "Don't worry be happy" he said.
K. Put commas around absolute phrases (a phrase that modifies the whole sentence and
can be put anywhere in the sentence.
Example: Taking advantage of his offer to help me, I finished the letter.
Exercises: Insert a comma when needed.
1. I left early for class my friends having warned me of the weather.
2. Going down the elevator picked up speed.
3. Being angry with her boyfriend she would not answer her phone all night.
L. Put a comma in a sentence when necessary for clarity.
Example: Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.
Exercises: Insert a comma when needed.
1. "Do or do not there is no try" - Yoda
2. One sings and the other dances.
3. "Come on baby light my fire" - Doors