COMMA RULES and EXAMPLES
8TH GRADE ENGLISH
Using Commas to Signal Pause or Separation
1. Use a comma to show a pause after an introductory word.
2. Also use commas to separate three or more items in a series.
Ex 1: No, I won’t be attending the meeting. (introductory word)
Ex 2: The cat jumped off the counter, landed on a throw rug, and skidded across the
floor. (series)
3.
Use a comma after two or more introductory prepositional phrases, an
introductory adverb clause, an introductory participle, or an introductory
participial phrase.
Ex3: In the middle of winter, a flower is an encouraging sight. (two prepositional
phrases)
Ex3: Although we were cold, we still had a good time. (adverb clause)
Ex3: Remembering the open window, Josh ran upstairs. (participial phrase)
4.
Use commas to set off appositives that are not essential to the meaning of the
sentence
5. or to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.
Ex4: Uncle Doug, Dad’s youngest brother, works for an insurance company. (non-essential
appositive)
Ex5: Ice hockey, to be sure, can be a violent sport. (interruption)
6.
Use commas to set off names in direct address.
Ex6: Charlene, you may begin.
Using Commas in Clauses and Compound Sentences
7.
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction such as and, or, or but when it
joins main clauses in a compound sentence.
Ex7: My grandparents came to visit, and they brought me a present.
Ali may choose football, or he may prefer to play soccer.
8.
Use a comma to set off an adverb clause that comes at the beginning of a complex
sentence. Adverb clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions such as after,
although, as, because, before, considering (that), if, since, so that, though, unless,
until, when, where, whether, and while.
Ex8: Unless a miracle happens, the Raiders will lose the game.
9. Do not use a comma with an adverb clause that comes at the end of a sentence.
Ex9: Peter was late because he stopped to help Kurt.
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COMMA RULES and EXAMPLES
8TH GRADE ENGLISH
Using Commas with Titles, Addresses, and Dates
10.
Use commas before and after the year when it is used with both the month and
the day.
11.
Do not use a comma if only the month and the year are given.
Ex10-11: Beethoven was born on December 4, 1770, and died in March 1827.
12.
Use commas before and after the name of a state or county when it is used with
the name of a city.
13.
Do not use a comma after the state if it is used with a ZIP code.
Ex12: The Jacksons moved here from Tupelo, Mississippi, last fall.
Ex13: Write to me at 12 Sarandon Circle, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.
14.
Use a comma or a pair of commas to set off an abbreviated title or degree
following a person’s name.
Ex14: The letter was signed Hilda Greenberg, Ph.D., and dated last week.
Using Commas with Direct Quotes,
in Letters, and for Clarity
15.
Use a comma or pair of commas to set off a direct quotation.
Ex15: “My cousin,” Marla said, “will be thirteen next week.”
16.
Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter and after the closing of both a
friendly and a business letter.
Ex16: Dear Melanie, Your friend, Sincerely yours,
17.
Use a comma to prevent misreading.
Ex17: Compared to Maine, Maryland is a southern state.