Commas

Commas
Punctuation Rules & Examples

Introductory Elements - Use a comma after introductory clauses, phrases, & words at the beginning of a sentence or preceding a main clause. 

• However you get there, please come to my party.

• In order that we finish class, we must take our exam.

• Even though the classes are difficult, we feel a sense of accomplishment when they are finished.

• When Jack arrived at Joe’s house, he gave him a big hug. 

• Around the side of the house on the porch, you will find my hammer. 

• In 1945 there was a great celebration when WWII ended.

• In 1944 in northern France, the Allied forces attacked German fortifications.

• Well, that seems about right.

• Yes, the check is in the mail.

• However, you may not like the rocky beaches. 

Coordinating Conjunctions - Combine two independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (i.e. and, or, nor, for, but, yet, so).

• It was wonderful to hear the rain, and the grass is green now.

• This semester students may choose pass/fail, or they may keep their letter grade.

• I do not like bowling, nor do I like basketball.

• I generally do not like coconut, but I might be able to tolerate a little.

• Some people oppose universal healthcare, yet those people not well-informed.

• The world will end in May of next year, for the Olmecs predicted this long ago.

• This semester students may choose pass/fail or keep their letter grade.

• I generally do not like coconut but might be able to tolerate a little.

Items in a Series - Use a comma to separate each item in a series, including the last. 

• I love apples, oranges, and pears.

• Billy, Sally, and George have come to stay with me this weekend.

• I love to eat apples, I love to sip wine, and I love to eat cheese.

• We swim and surf, eat and laugh, and drink and sing.

• The sky will fall, the moon will crumble, and the sea will boil.

Non-Essential (Non-Restrictive) Elements - Use commas to surround non-essential clauses, phrases, and words. Use one comma if ending the sentence. 

• Former President Barack Obama lives in Chicago, Illinois.

• Barack Obama, our former President, lives in Chicago, Illinois.

• I drove around all day because my pet dinosaur got loose.

• I drove around all day, which was super boring.

• The Labor candidate, who raised the least money, was deemed non-viable.

• Edward, who often pirates movies, is reckless and unstable.

• Professor Kent, laughing loudly, said he forgot the quiz.

• I will check into the insane asylum next week so that I will get better.

That vs. Which - Which: non-essential element (Use a comma!) 

                             That: essential element (DO NOT use comma!) 

• Brad’s earphones that have fancy ear pads was a gift from his brother.

• Trucks that are used for hauling purposes usually lack fuel efficiency.

• The knife in my kitchen that has a broken handle is dangerous to use.

• Billy’s guitar, which is painted red, has a hole in the soundboard.

• Colin’s favorite diner, which serves excellent breakfast, is in Austin, Texas.

• My circular saw, which has a new blade, weighs approximately 4 pounds.

Coordinate Adjectives - Use a comma to separate two or more coordinate adjectives. If the word and sounds okay between the two adjectives, you may use a comma. 

• General Custer was a difficult, stubborn officer.

• It is a hot, sticky day out side.

• Sara made a three-tiered, red velvet, chocolate-covered birthday cake.

• The pianist played a beautiful, haunting melody.

• The cold December wind chilled me to my bones.

• We lived in a white two-story house.

Quotations - Use a comma to signal a quotation or dialogue. *Commas go inside quotation marks!

• The victim told the detective, “He was around 6’ tall wearing a gray hoodie.”

• Sally asked, “What’s the difference?”

• “The shortfall is about $100,” Steve replied.

• “I’m not officially a member,” Roger sighed, “but I go to every meeting.”

• Dr. Smith asserts, “Over 1/3 of the world’s coral reefs are already dead.”

• In the eighth stanza the raven answers, “Nevermore” (Poe 45).

Parenthetical Expressions - Use commas to set off parenthetical expressions. 

• The scenery, on the other hand, is rather boring.

• In this case, however, students did very well. 

• Fat Tuesday, which is always a party, should have excellent weather this year.

Dates -When writing a date, the year must be followed by a comma. 

• On April 24, 2020, three planets were visible in the night sky.

• On 24 April 2020, three planets were visible in the night sky.

Addresses - When writing an address, the state must be followed by a comma. 

• We will meet at 704 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, near the back of the building. 

Other Rules

• Never separate the subject and verb of a sentence with only one comma.

• Never place a comma before the word because.

• Almost never place a comma before the word that.

• Commas go inside quotation marks.

• Enclose proper names in commas when directly addressing an individual.