Comma Capers
Designed by
Elisa Paramore
Introduction
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Commas are used in writing for 5 main
reasons:
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To signal where ideas end
To show how ideas relate to one another
To show which ideas are emphasized
To show which ideas are down played
To signal which ideas are expressed in a
person’s own words
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Topics of Discussion
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The 6 most important comma rules are:
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To separate 3 or more items in a series
To set off introductory material in a sentence
On both sides of words that interrupt the flow of
thought in a sentence
Between 2 complete thoughts connected by a
conjunction
To set off a direct quote
To separate certain everyday material from a the rest
of a sentence
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Rule #1- Items in a Series
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When using rule # 1 remember that the 3
items in the series can be single words,
phrases or clauses.
Also remember that a comma is only used if
the word “and” can be inserted between the
items without sounding unnatural
Rule # 1 Examples
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He ordered pie, cake and ice cream. (single items in
a series
When I go to the country I like to swim, to hike, to ride
horses and to pick wild flowers. (clauses in a series)
Before his first day of school, Shonda took her
kindergartener on a tour of the school, she introduced
him to the principal and she bought his school
supplies. (Phrases in a series)
Rule # 1 Practice
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The vacation brochure promised us fun relaxation
and excitement.
The instructor explained that the class could write a
paper on a childhood memory on a decision recently
made or on a favorite teacher.
The trouble with the mayor is that she does not
delegate responsibility she does not manage city
finances and she does not work well with the city
council members.
Rule # 2 - Introductory Phrases
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When using rule #2, remember that the
introductory material can be a single
word, a beginning word group or a
dependent clause.
Rule # 2- Examples
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Although she promised to meet me for lunch,
Caroline never arrived at the restaurant.
(Introductory subordinate clause)
By the end of the first half of the tournament,
our team had won nine games. (Introductory
phrase)
Reluctantly, Mr. Simpson told his oldest
employee that he was selling his business.
(Introductory adverb)
Rule # 2 Practice
After we checked to be sure all the
doors were locked we left the beach
house until next summer.
 As a result of the devastating heat wave
the death toll rose to 108.
 Frequently we accuse others of the
behavior we dislike most in ourselves.
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Rule # 3- Interrupters
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When using rule #3 commas are used after
transitional words or expressions if the word
or expression is at the beginning of a
sentence
Or at both the beginning and end if they
appear in the middle of a sentence.
Rule # 3 - List of Interrupters
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for example, in other words, that is
Accordingly, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, thus, therefore, if…
then
Accepting the data, granted that, of course
In another sense, but conversely, despite, however, nevertheless, on the
contrary, on the other hand, though, yet
Similarly, more over, also, too, in addition, likewise, next in importance
Add to this, besides, in addition to this, even more, to repeat, above all, indeed,
more important
At the same time, likewise
Furthermore, first, finally, last, second, then
In brief, in conclusion, to sum up
Since then, after this, thereafter, at last, at length, from now on, afterwards,
before, formerly, later, meanwhile, now, presently, subsequently, ultimately, since
Rule # 3 Examples
The students behavior at the concert, it
seems to me, was exemplary.
(Interrupter in the middle of the
sentence)
 Of course, not every one shares my
concern for this issue. (Interrupter at the
beginning of the sentence)
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Rule #3- Practice
As a matter of fact the lamp does need
a higher-wattage bulb.
 This report I feel is inadequately
prepared.
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Rule # 4- With Conjuctions
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When using rule #4, remember that each
complete thought must have a subject and a
verb
If either of the two parts of the compound
sentence lacks a subject or a verb, then it is
not a complete thought.Therefore a comma
cannot be used.
Rule # 4 Examples
The match was over, yet the spectators
refused to leave.
 The match was over, but the spectators
refused to leave.
 At night the hummingbird becomes
practically lifeless, and its body
temperature drops to that of the
surrounding air.
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Rule # 4- Practice
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Janice had been rejected many times yet she
retained her sense of humor.
The students were lazy and insolent so the
teacher assigned them extra pages to study.
Karen fastened red bows to the lamppost for
the holiday season was fast approaching.
Rule # 5- Direct Quotes
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When using rule #5, remember to insert the
comma after the explanation of who is talking
if it comes at the beginning of the sentence
Or insert it after the direct quote and before
the explanation of who is speaking if the
explanation comes at the end of the sentence
Rule #5 Examples
Merry said, “ I have just found a real
bargain.” (Explanation at the beginning)
 “Imagination is more important than
knowledge,” said Albert Einstein.
(Explanation at the end)
 “Imagination,” said Albert Einstein,”is
more important than knowledge.”
(Explanation in the middle)
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Rule #5- Practice
Jimmy the Janitor said pick up the
paper.
 Your novel will be published next fall
said the editor.
 I hope said the teacher that this review
will help you prepare for the test.
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Rule # 6- Everyday Material
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When using rule # 6, remember:
To use a comma to separate a direct address from
the rest of the sentence
To separate a date from the year and another comma
to separate the year from the rest of the sentence
To use a comma before both the opening and closing
salutation of a letter
To use a comma to separate numbers that are more
than 3 digits long
Rule # 6- Examples
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Dorie, you must get ready for school now. (Remember to place
a comma after a direct address of a person)
Today’s date is August 18, 1999, the first day of fall semester.
(Remember to separate the day of the month from the year and
the year from the rest of a sentence.)
Dear John, ( Remember to place a comma at the end of a
letters’ opening salutation.)
Yours Truly, ( Remember to place a comma after the closing
salutation of a letter.)
Last year my salary was $ 1,000 per month. (Remember to
place a comma in numbers that are more than 3 digits.)
Other Comma Uses
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Place commas around non-essential information in a sentence
Place commas between the name of a city and state if given in a
continuous line
Place commas between parts of an address if given in a
continuous line
Place a comma immediately before non-essential material that
is added to the end of a sentence
Use comas to separate 2 or more adjectives of equal
importance that describe the same noun or group of words
Examples for Other Comma Uses
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Uncle Ralph, who has been on the police force 20
years, believes handgun legislation is the key to
reducing crime.(the phrase that starts with who is not
needed for the sentence to make sense to the reader,
therefore it is enclosed by commas)
My new address will be 5159 Edgewater Dr., Panama
City Beach, Florida 25464. (If an address appears in
a continuous line, remember to place commas
between the street address and the city and then
between the city and state.)
More Examples
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Whether or not I pass the test is my responsibility, not
my instructor’s. (Remember to place a comma before
any extra information at the end of a sentence that is
not needed for the reader to understand what the
main idea is.)
An expensive, well-tailored suit is a necessary
investment for a young executive. (Remember to
insert a comma between modifiers such as expensive
and well-tailored if the adjectives can be reversed
and if the word and can be placed between them.)
When Not To Use a Comma
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Do not use a comma to separate a subject and its
verb
Do not use a comma to separate a verb from its
object
Do not use a comma to separate a verb from its
complement
Do not use a comma after the words like or such
Do not use a comma after the word that and a direct
quote
Examples of When Not To Use
Commas
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The governor-elect, promised to work to change the
way public education is funded in our state.
(Remember not to separate a subject and its verb.)
The U.S. has a government, of the
people.(Remember not to separate a preposition
from its object.)
Carl, smacked the ball out of the park. (Remember
not to separate a verb from its object.)
Louise will become a concert pianist if she continues
to study. ( Remember not to separate a verb from its
complement.)
More Examples
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Kurt believes in some unusual ideas such as,
reincarnation, transmigration and mental
telepathy. (Remember not to use a comma
after the words like or such.)
The school board president said that,”we are
considering a ten-month school
year.”(Remember not to use a comma
between that and a direct quote.)
Conclusion
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I hope that this workshop has been helpful in regard
to how to correctly use commas in your writing. If you
have any questions about this topic or any other
dealing with English please feel free to ask the
Student Support Services English instructor or your
class instructor. Please come by Student Support
Services to fill out an Academic Enrichment Summary
so that we may document your participation. If you
are viewing this workshop via the internet you may
click on the link in the directions box on the
Workshops page to print one out or e-mail it to:
rcrews@wallace.edu. Thank you and Happy Writing!
Handouts available upon request.
EXIT