Eight Basic Rules to Use a Comma

The tendency now in English is to use fewer commas than in the past. There is no one complete set of rules on which everyone agrees. There are four main ways to use a comma, as well as four other less important ways. If you memorize eight basic uses of the comma, you will be more confident and correct in your punctuation.

1. Use a comma to separate items in a series (to list more than two items). These items can be words, phrases, or clauses:

I was angry, fretful, and impatient.

NOTE:

A. A group of adjectives may not be regarded as a series if some of the words "go together":

I put on my old, dark blue coat.

I looked for my ring under the table, between the sofa cushions, and behind the TV-set.

Last year he graduated from college, went into business, and he won the lottery.

B. The comma before and is optional, but most writers use it.

2. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to link two independent clauses (as a linker). The coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so.

The house was on fire, but I decided not to leave my shelter.

The speaker rose to his feet, and the room became quiet.

Use a comma after introductory words, expressions, phrases, or clauses.

Yes, I agree with you on this issue.

In the long run, I made up my mind to quit the job.

If you drop a line, your parents will be pleased.

NOTE:

A. Introductory words (such as yes, oh, no, well)

Oh, I never thought he would win.

B. Introductory expressions (such as a matter of fact, finally, secondly, consequently)

As a matter of fact, I'm not involved in this project.

C. Introductory phrases:

In the beginning of the year, he thought he would never cope with this task.

Walking on tiptoe, I made my way for the exit.

To be quite honest, I don't believe in his power to change anything.

D. Introductory dependent clause beginning with a subordination conjunction:

After the game was over, we all went for a drink.

Use a comma as an inserter. Put a comma on both sides of the inserted material if the word or group of words interrupts the main idea.

My grades, believe it or not, were the highest in the class.

Ann, the girl with the braids, has a wicked sense of humour.

NOTE:

If the inserted clause is not essential to the main idea of the sentence, use commas around it (relative non-defining clause).

If it is essential to the main idea, do not use commas (relative defining clause).

My sister, who wears braids, has a wicked sense of humour.

The girl who wears braids is my sister.

5. Use commas with quotations:

My mother told me," Money does not grow on trees. "

" Let them," she said, "be on their own. "

Use commas with dates, addresses, and direct address.

September 11, 2001, is the gravest day in the history of America.

We lived at 135 Hillcrest Road, Lake Avenue, Pennsylvania, before we moved to Florida.

I thought, James, that I saw your picture in the newspaper.

7. Use commas with numbers (of one thousand or larger):

The price of equipment was $ 1,238.

8. Use commas where it is necessary to prevent misunderstanding:

Before eating, the cat prowled through the barn.

Whoever it is, is abound to be punished.

How to Use Other Marks of Punctuation

If you want to join two simple sentences that are related in their ideas and do not use a coordinating conjunction, you can combine them with a semicolon.

Three Uses of the Semicolon

1. To join two independent clauses whose ideas and sentence structure are related:

He decided to consult the map; she decided to ask the next pedestrian she saw.