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COMMA REFERENCE SHEET
Rule #1 separates two independent clauses connected by coordinated conjunctions.
Example Jim can usually pass the tests, but he failed the last on.
Rule #2 Seperates elements in a list or a series.
Example At baseball practice we ran, slid, and played catch.
Rule #3 separate introductory phrases and clauses from the independent clause.
Example In the year 1994, Kory Minner was born.
Rule #4 separates the series of adjectives.
Example The fluffy, white cat sat in the blue, fur covered chair.
Rule #5 uses commas to set off an appositive.
Example Fluffy, my cat, has very many fur balls.
Rule #6 Use a comma when words or phrases interrupt the sentence, and they could be removed and the sentence still makes sense.
Example We, too, had to go eat dinner.
Rule #7 To set off non-essential which, who, whom, or that clauses.
Example Mr. Rogers, who lives in the basement, is our butler.
Rule #8 To set off or around quoted elements. Do not add a comma if the quote ends in a question mark or an exclamation point.
Example She said, "Did you see the game last night." "Where should we go?" Jim asked.
Rule #9 To separate city and state.
Example We live in Union City, Pensylvania.
Rule #10 Between date and year.
Example I was born June 29, 1994.
Rule #11 After a greeting or closing in a letter
Example Dear Uncle Fred, we saw the Grand Canyon.
When a dependent clause follows an
MISUSE #1 Do not separate subject from the verb. MISUSE #3
independent clause.
Do not separate verb or verb phrases in a Do not add a comma if the quote ends in a
MISUSE #2 MISUSE #4
compound predicate. question mark or exclamation point.