Extra Credit Blog

Comma Rules

Rule #1: Use commas in compound sentences when clauses are separated by a conjunction such as "and," "but," "for," "nor," or "yet."

Examples: She managed the restaurant, but he did the cooking.
This food tastes superb, for it was made by the best.

Rule #2: Use commas to separate elements in a series. Such element usually are adjectives, verbs, or nouns.

Examples: The tall, dark, handsome man hailed, lauded, and applauded Ben, George, Maude, and Rebecca.
Most people think of the beach as a calm, fun, and beautiful place.

Rule #3: Use commas when attributing from quoted material. Commas set off words of attribution from the words of a one-sentence quotation unless a question mark or exclamation mark is preferred. Use them also in greetings.

Examples: He said, "Hello."
"The fair has been canceled," she said.

Rule #4: Commas follow introductory matter, such as after an introductory adverbial clause.

Examples: When the team was forced to kick, the coach sent in his best players.
In the spring of 1981, she returned to College Park.

Rule #5: Commas follow the salutation of a friendly letter and the complimentary close of any letter. Commas also follow capitalized elements such as the complimentary close.

Examples: Dear James,
Sincerely, Dean Smith

Rule #6: Commas follow all items in a date or full address:

Examples: July 16, 1962, is his date of birth
She has lived in Lake City, Fla., all her life.

Rule #7: Commas surround nonessential words or phrases.

Examples: Well, we will just have to walk home.
The president-elect, suffering from laryngitis, canceled his speech.

Rule #8: Commas surround words of direct address.

Examples: Maria, please pass the butter.
I can see, Fred, that you are lazy.

Rule #9: Commas indicate omitted verbs, usually expressed in another part of the sentence.

Examples: Talent often is inherited; genius, never.
Pilots Ask for Guns; Airlines, for Marshals.