Comma Rules
1. Use a comma before the conjunction (and, for, but, or, nor, so) that joins the two independent clauses in a compound sentence.
Examples
I like working outside and I also enjoy reading.
He got out of school early so he took a nap.
Comma Rules
2. Use a comma after relatively lengthy introductory phrases or dependent (subordinate) clauses. It is important to note that a comma should not be used when the clause or phrase comes at the end of the sentence as illustrated by the third example.
Examples
In order to be successful one must learn to write well.
After she learned the rules for using commas her grades improved.
Her grades were not good before she knew the comma rules.
Comma Rules
3. Use commas to separate items in a series. If you are going to insert a comma proceeding the last item make sure you are consistent and do it every time. Otherwise, it may be omitted.
Examples
Amy ordered two hamburgers a Coke and a large fry.
Comma Rules
4. Use commas before and after non-essential elements (parts of the sentence providing information that is not essential in order to understand its meaning). If the clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence it is not set off by commas.
Examples
Horace Mann Elementary which is the smallest school in the district enrolls only 160 students.
The man who is wearing a tan jacket looks suspicious.
Comma Rules
5. Use commas between coordinate adjectives (of equal importance) that modify the same noun. Do not separate adjectives of unequal importance. A good way to determine if the adjectives are of equal importance is to reverse them in the sentence. If the sentence does not read well after the reversal, do not use a comma between them.
Examples
By the end of the game the field was a slippery wet mess.
Her big blue eyes and bright red hair made her strikingly beautiful.
Comma Rules
6. Use commas to separate the elements of dates and places.
Examples
The date was June 12 1999.
He was born in St. Cloud Minnesota.
Florence-Carlton School located at 5602 Old Highway 93
Florence Montana 59833 started school this year September 4
1990.
Comma Rules
7. Use a comma before a direct quotation. Also commas (and periods as well) go inside the quotation marks.
Examples
When asked if he had studied for the test Paul replied "Only a little" and his grade showed it!
"I don’t like commas" said Bob.
Comma Rules
8. Use commas before and after words and phrases like however and never the less that serve as interrupters.
Examples
Adam did not like math. He was however very successful in his math classes.
Therefore he got good grades on his tests.