Comma Rules
Ms. Schutkoske - English 10
Semester 1
Comma – Rule #1
Use commas to separate items (words,
phrases, and clauses) in a series.
• James enjoys playing tennis, soccer, and
basketball.
• The troop traveled into the mountains, across
the plains, and along the river.
• The car dealer made sure that the purchaser’s
car was clean, that the license plates were
ready, and that the ownership papers had been
signed.
• NOTE: If all the items in a series are joined by
and, or, or nor, commas are not required.
– The chef’s exquisite dishes include filet mignon and
roast beef and lamb.
• NOTE: If the conjunction and joins words that
constitute a unit, team, or such, do not separate
that name. Yet, you will still need the commas
to separate items in a series.
– Peanut butter and jelly, ham and eggs, and spaghetti
and meatballs are the children’s favorite foods.
• NOTE: Some writers choose not to include the
final comma in a series if, by leaving the comma
out, the meaning is still clear.
– Our social studies class members studied the Korean
War, the Civil War, World War I and World War II. (It
is clear that the students studied four wars.)
Practice – Rule #1
1. Callie’s favorite movies include: Garden
State Love Actually Across the Universe
and Gone with the Wind.
2. If I sprint from my dorm to my first class
in Henderson climb the stairs instead of
taking the elevator and sprint to my next
class in the science building I get some
aerobic exercise without running laps.
3. Ms. Karr Mr. Rivera and Mrs. Johnson
were Maria’s fourth grade teachers.
4. Serious problems may be prevented if we
plan now for possible future energy
shortages by learning how to conserve by
seeking new sources of energy and by
stockpiling fossil fuels like coal and oil.
5. Don't forget to empty the trash vacuum
the carpet and wash the windows.
Answers
1. Callie’s favorite movies include: Garden
State, Love Actually, Across the
Universe, and Gone with the Wind.
2. If I sprint from my dorm to my first class
in Henderson, climb the stairs instead of
taking the elevator, and sprint to my next
class in the science building, I get some
aerobic exercise without running laps.
3. Ms. Karr, Mr. Rivera, and Mrs. Johnson
were Maria’s fourth grade teachers.
4. Serious problems may be prevented if we
plan now for possible future energy
shortages by learning how to conserve, by
seeking new sources of energy, and by
stockpiling fossil fuels like coal and oil.
5. Don't forget to empty the trash, vacuum
the carpet, and wash the windows.
Commas – Rule #2
Use a comma after introductory words or
phrases.
1. Use a comma after Yes and No when
these words start a sentence.
- Yes, we have the show’s starting time.
- No, there are no bananas in that store.
2.
Use a comma both after consecutive introductory
prepositional phrases and after a long introductory
prepositional phrase.
- In the middle of New York City, the traffic is very
heavy during rush hour.
- In the World Series’ final game that was played in
1960, the Pirates hitter whacked a home run over the
left field wall.
NOTE: A comma can be placed after a short introductory
prepositional phrase if the sentence’s meaning and
flow are improved by the comma. Read the sentence
aloud to see if a comma is justified.
-In the first instance, the dog was in the back of the
van.
- Without Greg’s assistance, Ricardo would have spent
many hours on that project.
3. Use a comma after an introductory
participle (verb form used as an adjective) or
participial phrase.
- Intrigued, the young child looked into
the fishbowl.
- Motivated by their drama coach’s
remarks, the cast members worked even
harder than before.
4. Use a comma after an introductory
adverb clause.
- Before we started our vacation, we had
the mechanic check out our car.
Practice – Rule #2
1. While the turkey was cooking I prepared
mashed potatoes.
2. Yes I will go on a date with you.
3. If you liked Harry Potter you'll love Lord of the
Rings.
4. After hiking in the woods for three hours I sat
down to have a drink of water.
5. Bending nearly to the ground in the hurricane
the palm trees looked ready to break.
Answers
1. While the turkey was cooking, I prepared
mashed potatoes.
2. Yes, I will go to the movies with you.
3. If you liked Harry Potter, you'll love Lord of the
Rings.
4. After hiking in the woods for three hours, I sat
down to have a drink of water.
5. Bending nearly to the ground in the hurricane,
the palm trees looked ready to break.
Comma – Rule #3
Use a comma to separate two or more
adjectives that precede a noun.
• She is an intelligent, fair leader.
• The draftee is a strong, athletic player.
NOTE: To check if a comma is needed, separate
the two adjectives with the word and. If it
sounds logical, a comma is required.
NOTE: Second, try reversing the adjectives. If by
reversing the adjectives the meaning of the
sentence remains the same, you need a comma.
If when they are reversed the meaning is no
longer the same, no comma is needed.
- We saw a lively happy poodle.
- We saw a lively (and) happy poodle.
- We saw a happy lively poodle.
- We saw a lively, happy poodle.
- We saw a young golden retriever.
- We saw a young (and) golden retriever.
- We saw a golden young retriever.
- No comma is needed.
Practice – Rule #3
1. We enjoyed the clean crisp smell of the
mountain air.
2. The awkward shy teenager felt nervous about
his first date.
3. Dr. Bean gave us a hard final examination.
4. She ate the sweet juicy apple with a
vengeance.
5. We saw several large apples on the young
tree.
Answers
1. We enjoyed the clean, crisp smell of the
mountain air.
2. The awkward, shy teenager felt nervous about
his first date.
3. Dr. Bean gave us a hard final examination.
4. She ate the sweet, juicy apple with a
vengeance.
5. We saw several large apples on the young
tree.
Comma – Rule #4
Use a comma to separate independent
clauses joined by the conjunctions for,
and, nor, but, or, and yet.
• The singer wanted to perform at Carnegie
Hall, but her schedule prevented that.
• You can drive, or you can walk.
• NOTE: When you use the conjunctions for, so,
and yet to join independent clauses, always use
a comma before the conjunction. For the
conjunctions and, nor, but, and or, a comma is
not required as long as the independent clauses
are relatively short, AND the sentence is
understandable and clear without the comma.
•
– Our principal understood and she responded
immediately. (no comma needed)
Practice – Rule #4
1. Ted wants to study this morning but he plans
to jog first.
2. Maria Rodriguez was born in Puerto Rico but
she moved to Atlanta with her family.
3. I like to watch television attend films and read
but what I enjoy most are concerts.
4. My two-year-old is very curious so I have to
keep a close eye on her.
5. I may consider your plan or I may ignore it.
Answers
1. Ted wants to study this morning, but he plans
to jog first.
2. Maria Rodriguez was born in Puerto Rico, but
she moved to Atlanta with her family.
3. I like to watch television, attend films, and
read, but what I enjoy most are concerts.
4. My two-year-old is very curious, so I have to
keep a close eye on her.
5. I may consider your plan, or I may ignore it.
Comma Rule #5
Use a comma to set off a word or words
in direct address.
- Ellie, would you like us to pull you on the
float again?
- This situation, Eve, is drastic.
- Will you lend a hand here, Nicky?
Practice – Rule #5
1. I know you can hear me Tom so why
won’t you answer?
2. I have never been on a sailboat before
Steven.
3. Ann you are my very best friend.
4. Mom have you seen my new socks?
5. When is your flight leaving tomorrow
Aunt Gerry?
Answers
1. I know you can hear me, Tom, so why
won’t you answer?
2. I have never been on a sailboat before,
Steven.
3. Ann, you are my very best friend.
4. Mom, have you seen my new socks?
5. When is your flight leaving tomorrow,
Aunt Gerry?
Comma Rule #6
Use a comma to set off parenthetical expressions,
such as, “I believe,” “For example,” “On the other
hand,” “In the first place,” “As a matter of fact,”
“To tell the truth,” “Of course,” and “However.”
• Parenthetical expressions provide additional information
and are loosely connected to the sentence’s content.
- This, I believe, is the best method.
Practice – Rule #6
1. For example the fruit fly can breed up to ten
times in one hour.
2. I was fired from my last job and consequently
must look for a new one.
3. Exercising immediately after a heavy meal is I
think asking for trouble.
4. Two students obviously pranksters replaced
the chalk in the classrooms with sticks of white
chocolate.
5. One toothpaste according to experts is
generally the same as another.
Answers
1. For example, the fruit fly can breed up to ten
times in one hour.
2. I was fired from my last job and, consequently,
must look for a new one.
3. Exercising immediately after a heavy meal is, I
think, asking for trouble.
4. Two students, obviously pranksters, replaced
the chalk in the classrooms with sticks of white
chocolate.
5. One toothpaste, according to experts, is
generally the same as another.
Comma Rule #7
Use a comma to separate nonessential or
nonrestrictive clauses, participial
phrases, and appositives. A
nonessential or nonrestrictive element
adds information that is not necessary to
the sentence’s basic meaning.
• Nonessential or nonrestrictive clauses
– The debate, which was attended by two
hundred people, was exciting.
– (The fact that two hundred people attended
the debate is not essential to the sentence’s
basic meaning.)
• ESSENTIAL CLAUSES: (Each underlined
clause restricts the italicized word that it
modifies.)
– The dress that Mom wore to the dinner last
night was a gift from dad.
– A man who has confidence will go far.
• Nonessential or nonrestrictive participial
phrases
– My two buddies, posing for their high school
reunion photo, have worked for the
government for the past thirty years.
– The fact that these two buddies are posing for
their high school reunion photo is not
essential to the sentence’s meaning.
• ESSENTIAL PARTICIPIAL PHRASES:
Each underlined phrase restricts the
italicized word that it modifies.
– These cards left on the table belong to Gino.
– The woman hailing the cab is my sister.
• Nonessential or nonrestrictive appositives
– Stuart, my best friend, loves to laugh.
• ESSENTIAL APPOSITIVE PHRASES:
Each underlined appositive phrase
restricts the italicized word that it modifies.
– Has your music teacher, Mrs. Brennan, given
you the assignment?
– The address, 1313 Mockingbird Lane, should
ring a bell with television viewers of that era.
Practice – Rule #7
1. Ellen Terry who wrote letters to George
Bernard Shaw was a famous actress.
2. The student who writes the best paper
will receive the best grade.
3. Mary realizing her bad situation tried to
convince her boss to give her a raise.
4. Recognizing the thief the policemen
arrested him immediately.
5. Elias Moxley a famous trial lawyer will
represent Ms.Tishman.
Answers
1. Ellen Terry, who wrote letters to George
Bernard Shaw, was a famous actress.
2. The student who writes the best paper
will receive the best grade.
3. Mary, realizing her bad situation, tried to
convince her boss to give her a raise.
4. Recognizing the thief, the policemen
arrested him immediately.
5. Elias Moxley, a famous trial lawyer, will
represent Ms.Tishman.
Comma Rule #8
Use a comma after the salutation of a
friendly letter and after the closing in a
friendly or business letter.
– Dear Marty,
– Dearest Mom,
– Sincerely,
– Be well,
Practice – Rule #8
Write a friendly letter to a friend or someone
in your family. Be sure to include three
parts: greeting, body, and closing.
Comma Rule #9
Use a comma to separate items in dates
and addresses.
- She was born on January 4, 1993, in
Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- The family’s current address is 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.
• NOTE: A comma is not needed
– Between the month and the day
• April 18, 2012
– Between the month and the year (when no
date is offered)
• January 2012
– Between the state (or state’s abbreviation)
and the ZIP Code
• Canton, MA 02021
– Between the house or apartment number and
the street
• 204 Joyner Court or Apartment 6A Twelfth Street
Practice – Rule #9
1. I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday
July 31 2009.
2. Andrea Walsh was born in Minneapolis
Minnesota on July 7 1951 and moved to
Clickville Florida on August 3 1978.
3. On February 5 1989 Mr. Keefer took his
biology class on a field trip to the science
museum in St. Paul Minnesota.
4. February 28 2012 is today’s date.
5. She was born in May 1984.
Answers
• I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday,
July 31, 2009.
• Andrea Walsh was born in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, on July 7, 1951, and moved to
Clickville, Florida, on August 3, 1978.
• On February 5, 1989, Mr. Keefer took his
biology class on a field trip to the science
museum in St. Paul, Minnesota.
• February 28, 2012, is today’s date.
• She was born in May 1984.
Comma Rule #10
Use a comma to separate the speaker
from the speaker’s direct quotation.
– Trey remarked, “This blanket was already
washed.”
– “My car needs new tires,” Gabriella said.
• NOTE: Place the period and comma
within the closing quotation marks.
Practice – Rule #10
1. “Learning about commas is easy” said Max.
2. “Well, it’s not as hard as I thought it would
be” responded Sue.
3. “You’re right ” agreed Bob. “I thought it
would be really complicated.”
4. Max thought a minute and said “There are
eleven rules for using commas.”
5. “Could you give me an example of a rule ”
asked Alex. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Answers
1. “Learning about commas is easy,” said Max.
2. “Well, it’s not as hard as I thought it would
be,” responded Sue.
3. “You’re right, ” agreed Bob. “I thought it
would be really complicated.”
4. Max thought a minute and said, “There are
eleven rules for using commas.”
5. “Could you give me an example of a rule?”
asked Alex. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Comma Rule #11
Use a comma after a mild interjection.
– Oh, I didn’t realize that you were here, Nana.
• NOTE: Use an exclamation mark after a
strong interjection.
– Rats! I left my wallet at the beach.
Practice – Rule #11
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Oh that test was not that difficult.
Well I think that I failed it last hour.
Wait I will go to lunch with you.
Shoot I need to stop by my locker first.
Okay meet me in the lunch room.
Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Oh, that test was not that difficult.
Well, I think that I failed it last hour.
Wait, I will go to lunch with you.
Shoot! I need to stop by my locker first.
Okay, meet me in the lunch room.
Number Rules
•
•
•
•
Numbers one through ten need to be spelled
out. (One, two, three, etc.)
Numbers greater than ten are written
numerically. (15, 32, 287, etc.)
If the number begins a sentence, you must
spell it out.
If it is a large number like 1,450, begin the sentence in a different
way.
–
Don’t say: One thousand and four hundred and fifty…
–
Say: There are 1,450…