This document discusses five rules for using commas: 1) Use a comma in a series of three or more items. 2) Use a comma after an introductory phrase. 3) Use commas around interrupting phrases. 4) Use a comma before a FANBOY conjunction joining two independent clauses. 5) Use commas around direct quotations. It provides examples and practice problems for each rule to help the reader properly apply commas.
2. The Comma Rules
1. Series Comma
2. Introductory Comma
3. Interrupting Comma
4. Comma Conjunction
5. Direct Quotation Comma
3. Series Comma
•Use a comma between items in a list.
•DO NOT use a comma if the list only has two items.
•DO NOT begin the list with a comma.
Andrew groaned when he realized that his exams in
biology, economics, and sociology were all on Friday.
The mechanic started the engine and fiddled with the fan
belt.
4. Practice 1
1. My community recycles newspapers cardboard glass
aluminum and plastic.
2. Walking bicycling and swimming are all good aerobic
exercises.
3. We collected the kids loaded the van and set off for the
amusement park.
4. Signs of burnout include insomnia inability to concentrate
and depression.
5. Introductory Comma
•Use a comma after a incomplete thought that begins the
sentence.
•Think about complex sentences.
Dependent thought, complete thought.
Although everyone is required to serve jury duty, many
people find reasons not to serve.
In the middle of the storm, all the lights went out.
6. Practice 2
1. During the first-aid course one student accidentally broke
her finger.
2. When the power went back on all the digital clocks in the
house began to blink.
3. Pausing in the doorway the actress smiled warmly at the
photographers.
4. After waiting in line for two hours the students were told
that the registrar’s office was closing for lunch.
7. Interrupting comma
•Use commas around phrases that interrupt the flow of
thought.
•Usually, this information can be removed from the
sentence—it is nonessential.
•Place a comma before and after the interrupting phrase.
Our house, which was built in 1975, needs a new roof.
8. Practice 3
1. The Beatles who originally called themselves the
Quarrymen released twenty-nine single records in their
first year.
2. Frozen yogurt a dessert that is relatively low in calories is
as delicious to many people as ice cream.
3. Some dieters on the other hand would rather give up
desserts completely.
4. The new office building forty stories high provides a fine
view of the parkway.
9. Comma Conjunction
•Use a comma and a conjunction (and, but, so) to join
two complete thoughts.
•Think about compound sentences!
Complete thought ,FANBOY complete thought.
They were five strangers stuck in an elevator, so they told
each other jokes to ease the tension.
10. Practice 4
1. The horror-movie heroine screamed for help but nobody
heard hear.
2. Melba wasn’t wearing her glasses so she couldn’t read the
fine print in the ad.
3. I used to be able to type very quickly but now I am out of
practice.
4. Frequent TV watchers spend less time interacting with
friends and family and their reading is often limited to
magazines such as TV Guide.
11. Direct Quotation Commas
•Always use a comma before a quotation…
Someone shouted, “Look out below!”
•And after a quotation.
“To learn more about lions,” said the zookeeper, “Read
the book Born Free.”
12. Practice 5
1. When the bank robber Willie Sutton was asked why he
robbed banks, he replied “Because that’s where the money
is.”
2. “Only fifteen more minutes until this class ends” Sharon
whispered.
3. “Let me explain to you” said the math instructor “why I want
you to prepare your answer sheet in this way.”
4. “When you hear the beep, you know what to do” says the
message on my friend’s answering machine.
13. Pop Quiz!
What comma rule applies to each sentence? You may use
your notes, but not your books!
1. My father wanted to attend college, but his family could
not afford it.
2. Carrying her popcorn, Sylvia looked for a seat in the
theater.
3. Opal has evening classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Thursdays.
4. My brother told me, “You look as if you’ve seen a ghost!”
5. I ate ice cream, which is not on my diet, for dinner last
night.