GRA MMAR BAS ICS t e n c o m m o n c o m m a r u l e s 1.
Use commas to separate words and word groups with a series of
three or more.
Example: He went to the market and bought milk, eggs, butter, and sugar.
2.
When starting a sentence with a weak clause, use a comma after it.
Example: If you are unsure about the assignment, ask your professor.
3.
Use a comma between a month and year, and after a year.
Examples: Stephanie began classes on August 22, 2009, at Spalding University.
4.
Use a comma at the opening and after the close of a letter.
Examples: Dear Ms. Donovan, OR Yours truly,
5.
Use a comma between lines of an address (wherever you would
break the line).
Example: 210 Spring Street, Suite 110, Louisville, KY, 40204
6.
Use a comma between names and titles, but not between Jr. or III
Examples: Jessica Hammond, M.D. OR John Johnson Jr.
7.
Use a comma to insert a detail or description into a sentence. Note
that the sentence is still complete and makes sense without the
detail or description set off by the commas.
Example: The price of the bucket, $24.99, seemed exorbitant.
8.
Use a comma to set off an interjection or a modifier (a word or
phrase that is included in a sentence, but does not perform a
grammatical function in the sentence).
Example: In addition, Sam has stolen my lunch every day this week.
9.
Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word AND can be
inserted between them.
Example: She is a strong, healthy woman.
10.
Use a comma in a strong compound sentence when connecting two
independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, such as and,
but, so, or yet.
Example: I have cleaned almost the entire house, but Alex is still cleaning the
kitchen.
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