COMMA RULES
Presented by: Dalyn Ikens ®
RULE 1
Use commas to separate words and groups of words with a
series of three of more.
Example:
My grandma always gives $100 dollars to me, my brother, my cousin Eric, and
my cousin Ralph.
* If you chose to omit the comma before AND you would indicate that Eric
and Ralph have to share their $100.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm
RULE 2
Use a comma to separate two adjectives(describers) when
the word AND can be inserted between them.
Example:
Annabelle is a very smart, active little girl for her age.
*My family did not go to the expensive Alaskan cruise this year due to my
father being sick.
You would not put a comma between expensive and Alaskan because you
would not put AND between them.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm
RULE 3
Use a comma when an –ly adjective is used with other
adjectives
Examples:
Maxine was a sickly, old gal who still went jogging every Monday.
**I had a hard time seeing Johnny through the opaquely stained glass. (NO
comma needed because opaquely is not an adjective.)
NOTE: To test whether an -ly word is an adjective, see if it can be used alone
with the noun. If it can, use the comma.
http://www.litscape.com/word_tools/ends_with.php
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm
RULE 4
Use commas before or surrounding the name or title of a
person directly addressed.
Examples:
Would you, Teresa, marry me?
No, Thomas, I will not!
NOTE: Capitalization is needed when directly addressing someone with a
title(Proper Noun).
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 5
Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year
and after the year.
Example:
My birthday party will be on March 22, 2014, at Yosemite National Park.
Example:
My birthday will be in March 2014 in Yosemite National Park.
*If any part of the date is omitted, leave out the comma.
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 6
Use a comma to separate the city from the state and after the
state in a writing assignment. If the abbreviated form of the state is
used, you do not need a comma after the state.
Examples:
George Strait wrote a song about Cheyenne, Texas, where I grew
up.
George Strait wrote a song about Cheyenne, TX where I grew up.
NOTE: With addresses on envelopes mailed via the post office, do not use any
punctuation.
George Strait wrote a song about Cheyenne, TX where I grew up.
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 7
Use commas to distinguish degrees or titles used with names.
Commas are not used with Jr. and Sr. Commas never set off
II, III, etc.
Example:
Peter Griffin, M.D., hired Doris Day Sr. and Elvis Presley III.
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 8
Use commas to set off expressions that interrupt sentence
flow.
Example:
Cheri is, as you probably can see, very excited about her promotion.
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 9
When a sentence starts with a dependent clause, use a
comma after it. However, do not use a comma when the
sentence starts with a strong (independent) clause followed
by a dependent clause.
Examples:
If you are not ready for this, let me know now.
Let me know now if you are not ready for this.
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 10
Use a comma after phrases of more than four words that
begin a sentence. This is the introductory phrase!
Examples:
In order to go to the store, we advise you make a list of essentials.
NOTE: Introductory phrases usually consists of prepositional phrases. This may
help in determining whether or not to use a comma.
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 11
APPOSITIVES & DESCRIBERS: If something or someone is
sufficiently identified, the description following it is considered
nonessential and should be surrounded by commas.
Example:
McKenzie, who makes straight A’s, always studies three hours before an exam.
NOTE: McKenzie is named, so the description is not essential; therefore set off
by commas.
The girl who makes straight A’s always studies three hours before an exam.
NOTE: We do not know which girl is being referred to without further
description; therefore, no commas are used.
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 12
Use a comma to separate two independent clauses joined by
a coordinating conjunction--and, or, but, for, nor, yet, so.
Example:
I have prepared a lovely dinner, and he will have to clean once supper is
over.
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 13
TAKE A BREATHER!
As we know there are many reasons for the use of commas. We haven’t even
learned them all. Something to remember is the biggest problem is overusing
commas. Pausing is not necessarily a reason to place a comma, this is where
remembering your rules comes into play.
https://www.google.com/search?q=funny+comma+jokes
https://www.google.com/search?q=smiley+emojis
RULE 14
A comma splice is an error caused by joining two indepedent
clauses with only a comma instead of separating the clauses
with a conjunction, a semicolon, or a period. A run-on
sentence, which is incorrect, is created by joining two
independent clauses without any punctuation.
Incorrect:
Time flies when we are having fun, we are always having fun. (Comma splice)
Time flies when we are having fun we are always having fun. (Run-on sentence)
Correct:
Time flies when we are having fun; we are always having fun.
OR
Time flies when we are having fun and we are always having fun.
OR
Time flies when we are having fun. We are always having fun.
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 15
If the subject does not appear in front of the second verb, do
not use a comma. (independent/conjunction/dependent)
Example:
She ran quickly but was unable to jump high enough.
(She ran quickly/but/was unable to jump high enough.)
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 16
Use commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotations.
Examples:
Mom screamed, “I will paint your back-porch red!”
“MOM!,” I exclaimed, “She did it!”
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 17
Use a comma to separate a statement from a question.
Example:
Molly likes apples, doesn’t she?
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 18
Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.
Example:
This my dog, not the family’s.
http://www.punctuationmadesimple.com/PMSComma.html
RULE 19
Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory
words such as well, now, or yes.
Examples:
Yes, I will go to church on Sunday.
Well, would you look at that sunset!
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/
RULE 20
Use commas surrounding words such as therefore and
however when they are used as interrupters.
Examples:
I should, therefore, demand a payment.
I would be frightened, however, to go on the big roller-coasters.
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/
RULE 21
Use either a comma or a semicolon before introductory
words such as namely, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for
instance when they are followed by a series of items. Use a
comma after the introductory word.
Examples:
Today at the store we need items for BBQ; i.e., sauce, chicken, and beans.
This is where
you can also
use a comma!
NOTE: i.e. means that is; e.g. means for example
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/
MISUSE
How to use correct SYNTAX
No spaces before, one space after
No comma before an opening parenthesis. The aside takes the place of the
comma in the sentence.
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/
THE END!
GOOD LUCK WITH ALL
FURTHER USE OF
COMMAS 