Comma rules
• Comma rule #1: Use a comma to separate items
in a list for clarity
• Comma rule #2: Use a comma with
conjunctions when joining two sentences
instead of periods
– (IC, FB IC or IC; AC, IC)
• Comma rule #3: Use a comma in a conventional
situation (where a rule has become a rule, such
as dialogue, the date, etc.)
COMMA RULE #1
Yes, you do place
the comma here
Use a comma to separate items in a series.
Commas act as dividers for items in a series. You could connect them with the conjunctions and/or or
you can, and should, use commas. But we consider that poor style.
Ex.
Fish and ice cream and burritos Or
Fish, ice cream, and burritos
A series is considered three or more words, phrases, or clauses. Otherwise you would just use and/or.
Ex.
Pens, pencils, and paper… (words)
In the morning, at lunch, and after dinner… (phrases)
I came, I saw, and I went home. (clauses)
…although an adjective list requires only two that occur side by side (w/o the use of a conjunction).
Comma: Jeff ate a spicy, steamy bowl of chili. No comma:Jeff ate a spicy and steamy bowl of chili.
*Be sure to also remember the forward-backward rule to determine if adjectives are equal.
Equal: It was a damp, dreary day.
Unequal: That is my favorite red sweater.
COMMA RULE #2
Use a comma with conjunctions when joining two sentences instead of periods
A compound sentence has not one but two parts to the sentence. Those two parts are each
sentences, or if you want to get fancy, those parts are called independent clauses.
(Independent means it can stand alone.)
Here are two simple sentences with one independent clause each:
Alexis ate an enchilada. Artie gobbled up four tacos and an order of rice.
Since they are two independent clauses, they MUST BE separated. We most often do this with
a period. However, we have two other ways of doing so…
In a compound sentence, put a comma BEFORE the “FANBOYS” conjunctions.
***Remember, you only need a comma with and if you are separating two independent
clauses. Don’t forget the FANBOYS, or you may create a comma splice –a BIG mistake.
Or, if using a semicolon and an adverbial conjunction, we will place a comma after the
HOTSHOT CAT. (IC;AC, IC)
COMMA RULE #3
Use a comma in conventional situations
(a conventional situation is where comma use just becomes a rule; here are five common sit’s)
Situation 1: Dates
***Use a comma after these elements if the sentence
continues
Ex. She was born January 19, 1999, in Doylestown,
Situation 2: Addresses
Pennsylvania, to two proud parents.
Situation 3: Certain parts of friendly letters
Situation 4: In names that have a title
Situation 5: Use in dialogue
Greeting and closing
***For example:
Martin Luther King,
Jr.,
was a
great man.
Dr. Phil, P.H.D., is on television.