Commas
Use Commas…
between three or more items in a series.
o Make sure that each item in the series is the
same type of word or phrase, such as all nouns,
all prepositional phrases, etc.
along with a conjunction to join both independent
clauses in a compound sentence.
after introductory words not necessary to the meaning
of the sentence.
after introductory phrases and clauses.
Example
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
between adjectives of equal rank.
o Adjectives of equal rank can be placed in any
order and still sound correct.
o Do not use a comma if the adjectives cannot be
placed in any order.
o Do not put a comma between the last adjective
and the noun it modifies.
with interrupters.
with appositives, participial phrases, and clauses not
necessary to the meaning of the sentence.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
with nouns of direct address.
with direct address and appositives.
o
o
o
o
with contrasting expressions.
o
with dates
o Use a comma after each part of a date except in
the case of month followed by day.
o When a date contains only a month and year,
no comma is needed.
with geographical locations and addresses
o Use a comma after each part of a geographical
location or address.
o Fewer commas are needed when the address is
stacked such as on an envelope.
o No comma is needed between the state and ZIP
code.
after the greeting in all personal letters and after the
salutation in all letters.
with numbers of more than three digits.
o
o
o
o
Insert a comma before every third digit, counting
from the left.
Commas are not needed with ZIP codes, phone
numbers, addresses, and page numbers.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
We packed, ate, and left for home.
Joyce, Brad, and Lindsey won prizes.
We went to the store, to the movies, and to a
restaurant.
Harry Houdini was America’s most famous
magician, but he died tragically.
Yes, he is my friend.
Well, I would like to go with you.
Storing all of the ornaments in boxes, Laura put
away her holiday decorations until next
Christmas.
When the holidays are over, I always feel just a
bit sad.
He sanded the rusty, old jalopy.
He uses an expensive Japanese camera.
This bike is in good condition, however.
This paper, for example, has no heading.
Our teacher Ms. Jones is absent today.
(essential)
Alicia, the girl with the red hair, is my cousin.
(nonessential)
Pat, waiting in the van, asked us to hurry.
We cheered enthusiastically for Darius, who
scored the winning touchdown.
Mother, this is my new friend.
Call me tonight, Janet, if you can.
Sara, I’d like you to meet Mr. Blackburn, our
new principal.
Mrs. Samuels, this is my brother, Richard
Stevens.
This cloud, not that one, resembles a Disney
character.
Saturday, June 20, is their anniversary.
The exciting year began on Sunday, January 1,
2005.
It wasn’t until May 2005 that George Lucas
completed the Star Wars story.
We moved from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Miami,
Florida.
Mail your entry to 150 Ridge Avenue, Newton,
Massachusetts 01765, as requested.
Ramblewood Middle School
8505 West Atlantic Boulevard
Coral Springs, FL 33071
Dear Sally,
With love,
1,750 feet
3,608,787 square miles
page 1022