The document provides 11 rules for using commas in sentences, with examples for each rule. It also lists 4 common misuses of commas, such as separating a subject from its verb. The rules cover using commas to separate independent clauses, elements in a list, introductory phrases, adjectives, appositives, interruptions, non-essential clauses, quotes, locations, and greetings.

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COMMA REFERENCE SHEET
Rule #1 Separates two independent clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions.
Example She was loud, but today she was oddly quiet.
Rule #2 Separate elements in a list or series.
Example Kelly packed her skirt, shirt and dress.
Rule #3 Separate introductory phrases and clauses from the independent clause.
Example Drinking mountain dew, Jade suddenly felt hyper.
Rule #4 Separates a series of adjectives, also replaces the word "and"
Example The cat, bird ate pie.
Rule #5 Use commas to off set an appositive.
Example Kelly, my best friend, stole my monster.
Rule #6 Use a comma when a word or phrase interrupt the sentence, could be removed but the sentence would still make sense.
Example Well, lets go shopping!
Rule #7 To set off non-essential clauses as in ones you don't really need.
Example The young child, who lived in Union City, plays in the park.
Rule #8 To set off or around quote elements.
Example She said, "can I have a piece of gum?'
Rule #9 DO NOT ADD COMA if the quote ends in a question mark or exclamation point.
Example Run away!
Rule #10 To separate city and state.
Example She lived in Union City, Pennsylvania.
Rule #11 after greeting or closing a letter.
Example Dear Dad,
When a dependent clause follows a
MISUSE #1 Do not separate a subject from a verb. MISUSE #3
independent clause.
Do not separate verbs or verb phrases in a when a quote ends in a question mark or
MISUSE #2 MISUSE #4
compound predicate. exclamation point.