Twelve Comma Commandments
These will get you through MOST situations in your writing life…
Commandment 1: Items in a series
A series contains at least three items, and those can be words or groups of
words.
I bought pizza, pop, and candy. (nouns)
The dog was big, mean, and furry. (adjectives)
She hopped, jumped, and skipped. (verbs)
Georgia slipped on the ice, screamed out loud, and broke her toe.
(verb phrase)
The comma before the and is optional, but I want you to use it.
Commandment 2: Introductory Elements (This includes dependent
clauses that come at the beginning of the sentence.)
Introductory elements are words or groups of words that come at the
beginning of a sentence. Watch for prepositions at the beginning of sentence,
too. They can signal a group of words that can be separated by a comma.
Actually, I really like flamingos.
Screaming wildly, the woman crashed through the window.
Hey, that’s not your papaya.
To make the information clearer, I talked slowly.
Because I was extremely tired, I took a nap after school.
Around the time of his graduation, people started asking him about his future
plans.
Commandment 3: Interrupters
Interrupters are words or groups of words that interrupt the main thought of
the sentence. Pretend that the interrupter sticks out its foot and trips the
main idea.
You can, for example, by CDs on the internet.
Rachel, my little sister, is silly.
You can eat dessert now, I suppose.
Notice that commas are needed on either side of the interrupter UNLESS it’s
at the end of the sentence.
Commandment 4: Direct Address
“Direct address” means you are addressing (or speaking to) someone.
I told you, Bob, to stop eating mud pies.
Sean, bring the lama here.
Do you like socks, Ebonie?
I’ve asked you not to eat in class before, Anthony, and I mean it.
Notice that commas are needed on either side of the name if it’s in the
middle of the sentence.
Commandment 5: Large Numbers
Large numbers (four or more digits) need commas. Count back from the
right every three digits.
123,456,789
Commandment 6: Dates
Separate parts of a date UNLESS only the month and year are written.
I will see you on Friday, December 31, 2008.
September 23, 1971, is the day I was born.
The next Olympics are in July 2000. (no comma)
Notice commas are needed on each side unless it’s at the end of the
sentence.
Commandment 7: Addresses
When writing addresses, use commas between the parts EXCEPT between
the state and the ZIP code.
We live at 923 Cuckoo Lane, 313, Virginia, MN, 55792.
International Falls, Minnesota, is often the cold spot of the nation.
Think about how you would write out an envelope: Street address
See the parts? Keep them separated with commas. Apartment/suite #
City, state ZIP
Notice that commas are needed on either side of the address UNLESS it’s at
the end of the sentence.
Commandment 8: Titles
Titles can be degrees, occupations, Jr./Sr., etc.
Louie Snickerdoodle, M.D., was a wacky doctor.
Ken Griffey, Jr., is a great athlete.
I really admire Grover Monster, Ph.D.
Sincerely,
Mark Parr, Principal
Notice that commas are needed on either side of he title unless it’s at the end
of the sentence.
Commandment 9: Compound Sentences (using a conjunction)
A compound sentence is made up of two complete sentences joined by a
conjunction. Remember, a complete sentence needs SUBJECT and a VERB.
Mrs. Yesnes saw that movie,
(full sentence)
and
(conj.)
she really liked it.
(full sentence)
Commandment 10: Dialogue
Set off the exact words of the speaker from the rest of the sentence.
“Hello,” said Mrs. G.
“Howdy,” said the class, “how are you?” (one sentence)
OR
“Howdy ,” said the class. “How are you?” (two sentences)
Look at the two divided sentences above. Why is one how capitalized, and
the other isn’t? It’s because of the punctuation…
The comma goes inside of the quotations marks, not outside them or
underneath them. Write carefully! Also, for every new speaker, start a new
paragraph.
Commandment 11: Separate Equal Adjectives
Equal adjectives are adjectives that have the same intensity or importanceone is not more important than the others(s). This one is different than items
in a series because there is no and or or. To find out whether adjectives are
equal, ask yourself if the word “and” makes sense between them. If so,
substitute the “and” with a comma.
The big, hairy bear ate a popsicle. (Yes, you can say big and hairy bear)
The cold December morning was depressing. (No. You can’t say cold and
December)
Sweet, tasty milk chocolate is my favorite. (Notice that milk chocolate is one
word)
Commandment 12: Salutation and Closing for a letter
This one is easy.
Dear mom,
Sincerely yours,
When writing a business letter, use a colon after the salutation.