Eight Basic Comma Rules

1. Eight Basic Comma Rules Punctuating Sentences Correctly by

2. Definition • A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence. • Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader. Punctuation Saves Lives!

3. Items in a Series • Place commas in a sentence to divide items in a list—separate items in a series. • An “item” may refer to a noun, verb, adjective, or phrase. • Incorrect: • I need to buy eggs milk lettuce and bread. • Correct: • I need to buy eggs, milk, lettuce, and bread.

4. Compound Sentences • Use a comma to separate independent clauses (complete sentences) when they are joined by a coordinating conjunction: and, or, for, nor so, but, yet • Incorrect: • I want to buy that jacket but it is too expensive. • Correct: • I want to buy that jacket, but it is too expensive.

5. Complex Sentences • Use a comma to separate a dependent clause (phrase) from an independent clause (complete sentence). • Incorrect: • Without water the plant will die. • Correct: • Without water, the plant will die.

6. Interrupting Elements • Use a comma to separate a word or phrase from the rest of the sentence that is not essential to the sentence meaning. • Incorrect: • My mother on the other hand does not like chocolate. • Correct: • My mother, on the other hand, does not like chocolate. • Notice that if you remove the phrase “on the other hand,” the remaining words form a complete sentence!

7. Direct Quotation • Use a comma to separate a quotation from the rest of a sentence. • Incorrect: • “We need to buy more sugar” he said “before it runs out!” • Correct: • “We need to buy more sugar,” he said, “before it runs out!” • Incorrect: • We need to buy more sugar he said. • Correct: • “We need to buy more sugar,” he said.”

8. Introductory Elements • Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence. • Incorrect: • Hi how are you? • Correct: • Hi, how are you?

9. Separating City and State • Use a comma to separate the name of a city from a state and/or country. • Incorrect: • I live in San Diego California USA. • Correct: • I live in San Diego, California, USA.

10. Dates • Use a comma to separate the day of the week, the day of the month, and the year. • Incorrect: • Today is Monday November 15 2012. • Correct: • Today is Monday, November 15, 2012.