This document outlines common rules for using commas, including: - Using a comma after an introductory opener phrase (e.g. "At the end of the game, let's order a pizza"). - Setting off interrupter phrases between two commas (e.g. "Please take those smelly socks to the garage, Kris, and put them in the washing machine"). - Joining two independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (e.g. "I really like country music, but I like classical music too").

1. Common Rules for...

2. Common Rules for...
Commas
★"Opener" Commas (at the beginning)
★"Interrupter" Commas (in the middle)
★"Compound" Commas ( join 'em)
★ "Series" Commas (list 'em)

3. The "Opener" Comma

4. The "Opener" Comma
RULE #1: Use a comma to set off an opener or after any
introductory element in a sentence.

5. The "Opener" Comma
RULE #1: Use a comma to set off an opener or after any
introductory element in a sentence.
Opener , sentence .
EXAMPLES: Notes
At the end of the game, let's order a pizza.
No, I would rather order sub sandwiches.
Jane, what do you want to order.
Well, I'm not sure I can wait that long.
After we watch the halftime show, I'll be hungry.
Wow, I can't believe we're still talking about this.

6. The "Opener" Comma
RULE #1: Use a comma to set off an opener or after any
introductory element in a sentence.
Opener , sentence .
EXAMPLES: Notes
At the end of the game, let's order a pizza. ✓ Speaking to someone
No, I would rather order sub sandwiches.
Jane, what do you want to order.
Well, I'm not sure I can wait that long.
After we watch the halftime show, I'll be hungry.
Wow, I can't believe we're still talking about this.

7. The "Opener" Comma
RULE #1: Use a comma to set off an opener or after any
introductory element in a sentence.
Opener , sentence .
EXAMPLES: Notes
At the end of the game, let's order a pizza. ✓ Speaking to someone
No, I would rather order sub sandwiches. ✓ Yes /No
Jane, what do you want to order.
Well, I'm not sure I can wait that long.
After we watch the halftime show, I'll be hungry.
Wow, I can't believe we're still talking about this.

8. The "Opener" Comma
RULE #1: Use a comma to set off an opener or after any
introductory element in a sentence.
Opener , sentence .
EXAMPLES: Notes
At the end of the game, let's order a pizza. ✓ Speaking to someone
No, I would rather order sub sandwiches. ✓ Yes /No
✓ AAAWWUBBIS words
Jane, what do you want to order.
Well, I'm not sure I can wait that long.
After we watch the halftime show, I'll be hungry.
Wow, I can't believe we're still talking about this.

9. The "Opener" Comma
RULE #1: Use a comma to set off an opener or after any
introductory element in a sentence.
Opener , sentence .
EXAMPLES: Notes
At the end of the game, let's order a pizza. ✓ Speaking to someone
No, I would rather order sub sandwiches. ✓ Yes /No
✓ AAAWWUBBIS words
Jane, what do you want to order. ✓ Mild Exclamations like hey,
Well, I'm not sure I can wait that long.
wow, etc...
After we watch the halftime show, I'll be hungry.
Wow, I can't believe we're still talking about this.

10. The "Opener" Comma
RULE #1: Use a comma to set off an opener or after any
introductory element in a sentence.
Opener , sentence .
EXAMPLES: Notes
At the end of the game, let's order a pizza. ✓ Speaking to someone
No, I would rather order sub sandwiches. ✓ Yes /No
✓ AAAWWUBBIS words
Jane, what do you want to order. ✓ Mild Exclamations like hey,
Well, I'm not sure I can wait that long.
wow, etc...
✓ Transition words/phrases
After we watch the halftime show, I'll be hungry.
Wow, I can't believe we're still talking about this.

11. The "Opener" Comma
RULE #1: Use a comma to set off an opener or after any
introductory element in a sentence.
Opener , sentence .
EXAMPLES: Notes
At the end of the game, let's order a pizza. ✓ Speaking to someone
No, I would rather order sub sandwiches. ✓ Yes /No
✓ AAAWWUBBIS words
Jane, what do you want to order. ✓ Mild Exclamations like hey,
Well, I'm not sure I can wait that long.
wow, etc...
✓ Transition words/phrases
After we watch the halftime show, I'll be hungry. ✓ openers may have one, a
few, or many words
Wow, I can't believe we're still talking about this.

12. The "Interrupter" Comma

13. The "Interrupter" Comma
RULE #2: Use two commas to set off an interrupter or a
phrase that interrupts the main sentence.

14. The "Interrupter" Comma
RULE #2: Use two commas to set off an interrupter or a
phrase that interrupts the main sentence.
Sent , interrupter , ence .

15. The "Interrupter" Comma
RULE #2: Use two commas to set off an interrupter or a
phrase that interrupts the main sentence.
Sent , interrupter , ence .
EXAMPLES:
, ,
Please take those smelly socks to the garage Kris and put
them in the washing machine.
, ,
My essay to be perfectly honest flew out of the bus window
while I was riding to school.
, ,
What you just ate if you must know was squid eyeball stew.

16. The "Interrupter" Comma
RULE #2: Use two commas to set off an interrupter or a
phrase that interrupts the main sentence.
Sent , interrupter , ence .
EXAMPLES:
, ,
Notes
Please take those smelly socks to the garage Kris and put
them in the washing machine.
, ,
My essay to be perfectly honest flew out of the bus window
while I was riding to school.
, ,
What you just ate if you must know was squid eyeball stew.

17. The "Interrupter" Comma
RULE #2: Use two commas to set off an interrupter or a
phrase that interrupts the main sentence.
Sent , interrupter , ence .
EXAMPLES:
, ,
Notes
Please take those smelly socks to the garage Kris and put ✓ interrupters
them in the washing machine. always need 2
commas
, ,
My essay to be perfectly honest flew out of the bus window
while I was riding to school.
, ,
What you just ate if you must know was squid eyeball stew.

18. The "Interrupter" Comma
RULE #2: Use two commas to set off an interrupter or a
phrase that interrupts the main sentence.
Sent , interrupter , ence .
EXAMPLES:
, ,
Notes
Please take those smelly socks to the garage Kris and put ✓ interrupters
them in the washing machine. always need 2
commas
✓ pull out the
, ,
My essay to be perfectly honest flew out of the bus window interrupter and
sentence makes
while I was riding to school. sense
, ,
What you just ate if you must know was squid eyeball stew.

19. The "Interrupter" Comma
RULE #2: Use two commas to set off an interrupter or a
phrase that interrupts the main sentence.
Sent , interrupter , ence .
EXAMPLES:
, ,
Notes
Please take those smelly socks to the garage Kris and put ✓ interrupters
them in the washing machine. always need 2
commas
✓ pull out the
, ,
My essay to be perfectly honest flew out of the bus window interrupter and
sentence makes
while I was riding to school. sense
✓ extra information
, ,
What you just ate if you must know was squid eyeball stew.

20. The "Interrupter" Comma
RULE #2: Use two commas to set off an interrupter or a
phrase that interrupts the main sentence.
Sent , interrupter , ence .
EXAMPLES:
, ,
Notes
Please take those smelly socks to the garage Kris and put ✓ interrupters
them in the washing machine. always need 2
commas
✓ pull out the
, ,
My essay to be perfectly honest flew out of the bus window interrupter and
sentence makes
while I was riding to school. sense
✓ extra information
✓
, ,
however
What you just ate if you must know was squid eyeball stew.

21. The "Interrupter" Comma
RULE #2: Use two commas to set off an interrupter or a
phrase that interrupts the main sentence.
Sent , interrupter , ence .
EXAMPLES:
, ,
Notes
Please take those smelly socks to the garage Kris and put ✓ interrupters
them in the washing machine. always need 2
commas
✓ pull out the
, ,
My essay to be perfectly honest flew out of the bus window interrupter and
sentence makes
while I was riding to school. sense
✓ extra information
✓
, ,
however
What you just ate if you must know was squid eyeball stew. ✓ speaking to people

22. The "Compound" Comma

23. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences

24. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
for
nor
so
but
yet

25. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
for
Sentence nor
so
but
yet

26. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet

27. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:

28. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music

29. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music I like classical music too.

30. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music but I like classical music too.

31. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too.

32. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too.
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth

33. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too.
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth they know how to use them.

34. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too.
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth and they know how to use them.

35. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too.
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth , and they know how to use them.

36. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too.
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth , and they know how to use them.
I'm coughing all the time

37. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too.
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth , and they know how to use them.
I'm coughing all the time ,

38. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too.
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth , and they know how to use them.
I'm coughing all the time , so

39. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too.
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth , and they know how to use them.
I'm coughing all the time , so I think I should see a doctor.

40. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet Notes
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too.
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth , and they know how to use them.
I'm coughing all the time , so I think I should see a doctor.

41. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet Notes
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too. ✓ Must have 2
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth , and they know how to use them.
complete sentences
on both sides of the
conjunction
I'm coughing all the time , so I think I should see a doctor.

42. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet Notes
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too. ✓ Must have 2
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth , and they know how to use them.
complete sentences
on both sides of the
conjunction
I'm coughing all the time , so I think I should see a doctor.
✓ Don't use with
compound subject.
NOT if you don't have 2 complete sentences:

43. The "Compound" Comma
RULE #3: Use a comma and conjunction to connect two complete sentences
Coordinating
Conjunctions
and FANBOYS
or
, .
for
Sentence nor
so
sentence
but
yet Notes
Examples:
I really like country music , but I like classical music too. ✓ Must have 2
Tigers have sharp claws and teeth , and they know how to use them.
complete sentences
on both sides of the
conjunction
I'm coughing all the time , so I think I should see a doctor.
✓ Don't use with
compound subject.
NOT if you don't have 2 complete sentences:
Jenna is very excited for summer but doesn't want to go camping.
NOT C OMPLETE
SENTENCE

44. The "Series" Comma

45. The "Series" Comma
Rule #4: Use commas between items and phrases in a series:

46. The "Series" Comma
Rule #4: Use commas between items and phrases in a series:
Sente , , n c , and
optional
e .

47. The "Series" Comma
Rule #4: Use commas between items and phrases in a series:
Sente
EXAMPLES:
, , n c , and
optional
e .
, ,
This morning I woke up got dressed brushed my
,
teeth and ate breakfast.
,
My favorite chips are mesquite barbeque cool
,
ranch and garden salsa.
, ,
He went to the store to buy milk butter and eggs.
, ,
John typed the letter Mary copied it and I mailed it.

48. The "Series" Comma
Rule #4: Use commas between items and phrases in a series:
Sente
EXAMPLES:
, , n c , and
optional
e .
, ,
This morning I woke up got dressed brushed my Notes
,
teeth and ate breakfast.
,
My favorite chips are mesquite barbeque cool
,
ranch and garden salsa.
, ,
He went to the store to buy milk butter and eggs.
, ,
John typed the letter Mary copied it and I mailed it.

49. The "Series" Comma
Rule #4: Use commas between items and phrases in a series:
Sente
EXAMPLES:
, , n c , and
optional
e .
, ,
This morning I woke up got dressed brushed my Notes
,
teeth and ate breakfast. ✓ The last comma before
and is always optional.
,
My favorite chips are mesquite barbeque cool
,
ranch and garden salsa.
, ,
He went to the store to buy milk butter and eggs.
, ,
John typed the letter Mary copied it and I mailed it.

50. The "Series" Comma
Rule #4: Use commas between items and phrases in a series:
Sente
EXAMPLES:
, , n c , and
optional
e .
, ,
This morning I woke up got dressed brushed my Notes
,
teeth and ate breakfast. ✓ The last comma before
and is always optional.
,
My favorite chips are mesquite barbeque cool
✓ Never put a comma
after "and"
,
ranch and garden salsa.
, ,
He went to the store to buy milk butter and eggs.
, ,
John typed the letter Mary copied it and I mailed it.

51. The "Series" Comma
Rule #4: Use commas between items and phrases in a series:
Sente
EXAMPLES:
, , n c , and
optional
e .
, ,
This morning I woke up got dressed brushed my Notes
,
teeth and ate breakfast. ✓ The last comma before
and is always optional.
,
My favorite chips are mesquite barbeque cool
✓ Never put a comma
after "and"
,
ranch and garden salsa. ✓
, ,
He went to the store to buy milk butter and eggs.
, ,
John typed the letter Mary copied it and I mailed it.

52. The "Series" Comma
Rule #4: Use commas between items and phrases in a series:
Sente
EXAMPLES:
, , n c , and
optional
e .
, ,
This morning I woke up got dressed brushed my Notes
,
teeth and ate breakfast. ✓ The last comma before
and is always optional.
,
My favorite chips are mesquite barbeque cool
✓ Never put a comma
after "and"
,
ranch and garden salsa. ✓
✓
, ,
He went to the store to buy milk butter and eggs.
, ,
John typed the letter Mary copied it and I mailed it.