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Commas are used to indicate a pause or change in thought. They keep words and ideas from running together and make writing easier to read.
Rule 1
Use commas in items in a series. Use commas between words or phrases in a series. A series contains at least three words or phrases in a row.
Example: March, April, and May are my favorite months.
Example: A good baseball player must be able to hit, run, and field.
Example: Knowing the pitcher's moves, taking a long lead, and getting a good jump on the catcher are essentials for a good base runner.
Which of the sentences below uses commas in a series correctly?
Rule 2
Use a comma between adjectives of equal rank that modify a noun in an equal way.
Example: Christine is an intelligent, responsible student.
Example: Many well-educated, well-respected parents attended the school play.
Note: Do not use an adjective to set off the last adjective from the noun.
Which of the sentences below uses commas separating two or more adjectives correctly?
Rule 3
Use a comma between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.
Example : I read The Scarlet Letter, and now I want to see the movie.
Example: I went to the store, but Missy went to the gym.
Which of the sentences below uses commas between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction correctly?
Rule 4
Use a comma in introductory elements, phrases, and clauses .
Example: Well, I guess so. (element)
Example: In the beginning, no one spoke. (phrase)
Example: After the practice was over, Kelly walked home. (clause)
Which of the sentences below uses commas in an introductory element correctly?
Rule 5
Use commas in elements in dates and addresses. Set off different parts in addresses and dates. Do not use a comma to separate the state from the ZIP code.
Example: On Friday, July 9, 2015, her baby will be born.
Example: Send your check or money to 1008 Christmas Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.
Which of the sentences below uses commas in dates and addresses correctly?
Rule 6
Use a comma in salutations of friendly letters and closings of all letters.
Example: Dear Becky, (salutation of friendly letter)
Example: Sincerely, (closing of letter)
Example: To Whom It May Concern: (salutation of business letter)
Which of the sentences below uses a comma in the closing of a letter correctly?
Rule 7
Use commas around nonrestrictive phrases and clauses Nonrestrictive phrases and clauses are those not necessary to the meaning of a sentence. .
Example: Soccer, which has been a favorite sport in Europe for years, is becoming more popular in America.
Example: The teacher, noticing my confusion, rephrased her question.
Example: The soccer that is played indoors is fast paced and high scoring. (no comma)
Which of the sentences below uses commas around nonrestrictive phrases and clauses correctly?
Rule 8
Use commas to set off exact words of the speaker from the rest of the sentence.
Example: Mr. Bryant asked, "Does anyone have a pencil?"
Example: Mr. Bryant asked if anyone had a pencil. (Do not use commas and quotation marks if the exact words are not used.)
Which of the sentences below uses commas to set off exact words of the speaker from the rest of the sentence correctly?
Rule 9
Use commas with interruptions or words that emphasize.
Example: You may someday, as a matter of fact, be a doctor.
Example: By the way, she is in my class.
Example: Incidentally, Charles will not be on the team any longer.
Which of the sentences below uses commas with interruptions or words that emphasize correctly?
Rule 10
Use commas in direct address, when the person being spoken to is named.
Example: The truth is, Derek, I am tone deaf.
Example: I would really like to try out for the team, Coach.
Example: Mom, I can't find my shoes.
Which of the sentences below uses commas in a direct address correctly?
Rule 11
Use commas with interjections.
Example: No kidding, you scored the winning goal?
Example: Okay, I will be there in a minute.
Which of the sentences below uses commas with interjections correctly?
Rule 12
Use commas in titles or initials.
Example: John Smith, M.D., is a great doctor.
Example: I had two cavities when I went to visit my dentist Charles Johnson, D.D.S.
Which of the sentences below uses commas in titles or initials correctly?
Rule 13
Use commas in explanatory phrases.
Example: The coach, wanting to be fair, played everyone on the team.
Example: Nancy, going back to college in the fall, is a substitute at Redwood High School.
Which of the sentences below uses commas in explanatory phrases correctly?
Rule 14
Use commas with appositive phrases.
Example : My two favorite subjects, history and English, are the first two periods of the day.
Example: Pizza, my favorite fast food, is not very good for me.
Which of the sentences below uses commas with appositive phrases correctly?
Rule 15
Use a comma after a conjunctive adverb. Conjunctive adverbs Examples of commonly used conjunctive adverbs: also, however, otherwise, consequently, indeed, similarly, finally, moreover, therefore, nevertheless, and thus. join independent clauses together.
Example: I can't make it to the game; therefore, I won't be able to take pictures.
Example: My mother doesn't like him; furthermore, I'm not too pleased with him either.
Example: Finally, I can relax during the summer.
Which of the sentences below uses commas after a conjunctive adverb correctly?
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