Comma Rules
The Comma
The comma is valuable punctuation because
it separates the pieces of sentences to
make them more clear.
It makes a sentence easier to understand!
There are 9 basic rules to comma usage.
What’s the difference between the two
following sentences?
Let’s eat Grandma!
Let’s eat, Grandma!
Rule 1. Compound Sentence
Use commas to separate independent clauses
when they are joined by any of these seven
coordinating conjunctions:
(FANBOYS) for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Example: The game was over, but the crowd
refused to leave.
independent clause + comma + conjunction + independent clause = compound sentence
Rule 2. Introductory Comma
Use commas after introductory 2a) clauses,
2b) phrases, or 2c) words when they are
followed by an independent clause.
Introductory Clause
Also called a dependent
clause: subject and verb
but not a complete
thought
Introductory Phrase
Missing a subject or a
verb, so it cannot be a
complete thought.
Introductory Word (transition)
A transition word builds a
smooth bridge from one
paragraph to the next or
from one sentence to the
next.
2a. Introductory Clause aka Dependent Clause
2a. When a sentence begins with a dependent
clause, a comma separates the dependent
clause from the main clause.
Dependent clauses are easy to recognize
because they begin with subordinating
conjunctions (aka SWABIS).
Common subordinate conjunctions:after,
although, as, because, if,
since,when, while.
Complex Sentence
Example: While I was eating, the cat scratched
at the door.
Dependent clause + , + main clause = complex sentence
2b. Introductory Phrase
2b. When a sentence begins with an introductory
phrase, a comma separates the introductory phrase
from the main clause.
Example: Having finished the test, he left the
room.
Introductory phrase + , + main clause.
2c. Introductory Word (transition)
2c. When a sentence begins with an introductory
word (transition), a comma separates the intro
word (transition) from the main clause.
Common introductory words (transitions) that
should be followed by a comma include:
however, so, then, and next.
Introductory word (transition) + , + main clause.
Introductory Commas:
If the sentence begins with an introductory clause,
phrase, or word, and the independent clause
works just fine without the introductory information,
then you should separate the two with a comma.
Rule 3: Items in a Series (list)
• Use commas to separate items in a series.
• Example:
– The Constitution establishes the
legislative, executive, and judicial
branches of government.
– Please bring your swimsuit, towel, and
money to the party.
Rule 4: Pause or Shift
• Use a comma near the end of a
sentence to separate contrasted
elements or to indicate a distinct shift
in information.
• Example:
– He was merely ignorant, not stupid.
Rule 5: Dialogue
• Use a comma to shift between the narrator
and dialogue.
• Example:
– John said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
– “Let’s open presents!” Sally shouted.
Rule 6: Between Adjectives
• Use a comma to SEPARATE ADJECTIVES.
– We live in a brick, one-story house.
– He drives a fast, red sports car.
• When it comes to separating adjectives,
you can use a comma instead of writing
and.
Rule 7: Avoid Confusion
• Use commas wherever necessary to prevent
possible confusion or misreading.
• Example:
– To George, Harrison had been a sort of
role model.
Rule 8: Interrupter
• Use a pair of commas in the middle of a
sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and
words that are not necessary to the
meaning of the sentence.
• Use one comma before the word group and
one at the end to show the pause.
• Here are some clues to help you decide
whether the sentence element is necessary:
• If you leave out the clause, phrase, or word, does
the sentence still make sense, and is it
grammatically correct?
• Does the clause, phrase, or word interrupt the
flow of words in the original sentence?
• If you move the element to a different position in
the sentence, does the sentence still make sense?
Rule 8 continued:
…if you answer “yes” to one or more
of these questions, then the
information in question is not necessary
and should be surrounded with
commas.
Examples of Interrupter:
• Clause: That Tuesday, which happens to be
my birthday, is the only day when I am
available to meet.
• Phrase: The restaurant has an exciting
atmosphere, but the food, on the other hand,
is rather bland.
• Word: I appreciate your hard work, but in this
case, however, you seem to have over-exerted
yourself.
• Name: My sister, Lisa, is my best friend.
Rule 9: Direct Address
• Use a comma when DIRECTLY ADDRESSING
someone.
• Examples:
– I love you, mom.
– Mom, I love you.
– I love you, mom, when you do things for me.
Time to practice...
1. Mrs. Hargrove loves to run draw and eat.
2. When you go to the store don’t forget to get beans
paper towels pizza and cereal.
3. His mother was disappointed not angry.
4. Brenda exclaimed “I’ll never speak to you again!”
5. John ran across the room and shouted “Don’t forget
my favorite sweet chocolate candy from the store.”
6. It’s an enormous crystal-clear blue lake about an
hour from here.
Time to practice...
7. Ms. Copley our Language Arts teacher says we have to
learn how to use commas.
8. Mrs. Hargrove my friend has three boys one dog and six
cats.
9. In fact we should have a comma quiz in the near future!
10. If you John would like to bring up your grades you’ll
need to do your best work.
11. How can we the students make a difference?
12. After turning in the essay he wished he would have
spent more time on the revisions.