Commas
Placement of commas affects sentence rhythm since they indicate a pause. Not all grammar guides agree on every “rule,” and in some cases comma use is a matter of preference. The explanations and exercises that follow, however, will introduce you to the most common rules and help develop an intuitive sense of comma placement and how it affects sentence rhythm.
FANBOYS Comma Rule
FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) separate two independent clauses.
EX. My aunts think that Mac n' Cheese is a vegetable, and we eat it every holiday.
Introductory Words
If a sentence has a word that introduces the sentence, it needs
EX. However, I am going to Santa Fe in March.
EX. Tomorrow, she has her doctor's appointment.
Introductory Phrases
When a sentence begins with a dependent clause, use a comma to separate it from the independent clause.
Dependent Clauses
When a sentence begins with a dependent clause, use a comma to separate it from the independent clause. Remember, an independent clause has a subject, a verb, and a complete thought. A dependent clause is an group of words that needs an independent clause with it to be complete.
EX: If you come over today, I will make you cookies.
The dependent clause (If you come over today) comes before the independent clause (I will make you cookies) and therefore needs a comma afterwards.
EX. Once Harry has defeated the Dark Lord, he can enjoy his summer vacation.
Direct Address
If you're talking directly to someone or a group of people, you will use commas to separate the name.
EX. Ms. Brown, wouldn't you love some Starbucks gift cards for Christmas?
EX. Thank you, people of America, for your support.
EX. I believe in you, students!
Dates and Places
If you have a full date (Month, date, year), separate the year with commas. If you have a full place (city, state; or state, country), separate using commas.
EX. She was born on June 20, 2005, in Rexburg, Idaho, on the hottest day of the year.
EX. She was born June 2005 in Idaho.
Follow-up Elements
When you add on extra information to the end of a sentence, that is used as an afterthought, use a comma.
EX. Mr. Garcia patrols the hallways, looking for students who are misbehaving.
EX. I take naps every day, except on Fridays.
EX. I love getting gifts for Valentine's Day, especially jewelry.
Items in a Series
Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series or list. These can be single words or whole phrases.
EX. The same actor played Fred, young Scrooge, and other small rolls in the play.
EX. My mom went to the store and bought milk, eggs, and cheese.
EX. She likes to dance, loves to run, and is learning to play music.
Interrupting phrases
My cousin, the one who went to prison, set a historic building on fire.
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