1. Why are commas important?
Items in a series
Independent clauses
Introductory elements
Interrupters
Conventional uses of commas
Review A
Review B
Using Commas
2. Why are commas important?
Problem: Unnecessary commas
My friend, Jessica, said she would
feed my cat, and my dog while I’m
away, but now, she tells me, she will
be too busy.
Commas can help make the meaning of sentences
clearer. In general, commas help separate or set
apart elements in a sentence.
Too many commas can clutter the sentence and
may confuse readers.
3. Why are commas important?
Problem: Missing commas
The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann Jerry Lee
Derrick Martha and Julie.
Missing commas may also confuse readers.
Is this Ruth
or Ruth Ann?
Is this Jerry
or Jerry Lee?
Without commas, it is unclear how many friends
are invited.
4. , , , ,
Why are commas important?
Commas make the meaning of this sentence clear
by separating the names in the list.
The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann, Jerry
Lee, Derrick, Martha, and Julie.
Ruth Ann Jerry Lee Derrick Martha Julie
[End of Section]
5. Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Words in a series
Phrases in a series
All my cousins, aunts, and uncles came to our
family reunion.
The children played in the yard, at the
playground, and by the pond.
6. Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Clauses in a series
Those who had flown to the reunion, who had
driven many miles, or who had even taken time off
from their jobs were glad that they had made the
effort to be there.
7. Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Short independent clauses
The engine roared, the wheels spun, and a cloud
of dust swirled behind the sports car.
Two or more adjectives preceding a noun
Are you going to that hot, crowded, noisy mall?
8. On Your Own
Items in a series
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences.
1. The loud annoying alarm woke us just before
dawn.
2. Robert Browning says that youth is good that
middle age is better and that old age is best.
3. Dr. Charles Drew worked as a surgeon developed
new ways of storing blood and was the first
director of the Red Cross blood bank program.
[End of Section]
9. Independent clauses
Use a comma before and, but, for, nor, or, so, or
yet when it joins independent clauses.
Hector pressed the button, and the engine
started.
She would never argue, nor would she complain
to anyone.
Are you going to the football game, or do you
have other plans for Saturday?
10. Answers
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences.
1. It is important to know first aid for an accident can
happen at almost any time.
2. More than eighty thousand people in the United
States die in accidents each year and many
millions are injured.
3. Emergency exits were clearly marked so people
were able to evacuate quickly when the alarm
sounded.
[End of Section]
Independent clauses
11. Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory
elements.
Hey, that’s an unusual pet you’re
walking.
Yes, it’s my pet iguana.
Mild exclamations such as well,
oh, or hey
Introductory words such as yes
and no
12. Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory
elements.
Switching on the flashlight, the ranger led the
way to the caves.
Introductory participial phrases
At home and at school, I enjoy reading
different books.
Two or more introductory prepositional
phrases or one long one.
By the time I get home from school, I am
ready for a snack.
13. Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory
elements.
Introductory adverb clauses
After he sang, the audience applauded.
14. Introductory elements
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences.
1. Built ten years ago the bridge needs some repairs.
2. Why that yellow paint is really bright, isn’t it?
3. After one day at summer camp the boys knew that
they would have a good time.
[End of Section]
15. Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Eileen Murray, who is at the top of
her class, wants to go to medical
school.
Nonessential clauses or phrases
Nonessential
clause
Tim Ricardo, hoping to make the
swim team, practiced every day.
Nonessential
phrase
16. Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Their parrot, Mina, is very gentle.
Nonessential appositives and appositive
phrases
Nonessential
appositive
Elizabeth Peña, my favorite actress,
stars in the movie I rented.
Nonessential
appositive
phrase
17. Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Linda, please read the poem
aloud.
Direct address
I like the image of the birds in
flight, Mr. Ryan.
Your comment, Bernie, is interesting.
18. Parenthetical expressions
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the
sentence.
Of course, I am glad that he called me about
the extra movie tickets.
She is, in fact, a dentist.
You should try out for quarterback, in my
opinion.
19. Interrupters
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences.
1. My dad’s classic car a 1955 Mustang won first
place in the car show.
2. That sculpture in my opinion is the most beautiful
one in the exhibit.
3. Are you competing in the track meet Joyce?
[End of Section]
20. Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations,
such as dates, addresses, salutations and closings
in letters, and certain titles and names.
After Friday, November 23, 2012, address all
orders to Emeryville, CA 94608.
Separate items in dates and addresses
21. Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Dear Mr. Arpajian,
After the salutation of a personal letter
After the closing of any letter
My dear Anna,
Sincerely, Yours very truly,
22. Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Please welcome Allen Davis, Sr.
Abbreviations, such as Jr., Sr., or M.D. when
they follow persons’ names.
Carol Ferrara, M.D., is our family doctor.
23. Conventional uses of commas
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following
sentences.
1. Please address the envelope to Ms. Marybeth
Correio 1255 S.E. 56th Street Bellevue WA 98006.
2. I glanced quickly at the end of the letter, which
read, “Very sincerely yours Alice Ems Ph.D.”
3. On April 6 2014 the company will celebrate its
twentieth anniversary.
[End of Section]
24. Review A
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M)
or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the
comma where needed.
_____ 1. During the festival, businesses on Main Street will
be open late.
_____ 2. Brittany Adam Christine and Leo are just four of
the graduates who decorated their caps.
_____ 3. Joseph who works as a lifeguard in the summer
has already taken the first-aid class.
[End of Section]
25. Review B
[End of Section]
Add commas where necessary in the following sentences.
1. My twin sister can run faster jump higher and do more
push-ups than I can.
2. Lance Martin was born June 21 2004 in Austin Texas.
3. When Professor Marcus went to China last year he visited
many historic landmarks.
4. She and many of her friends attended Earth Day a
festival devoted to ecology.
5. Biking accidents are common wherever cars and bicycles
use the same road so many communities have provided
bicycle lanes.
