This document discusses various rules for using commas in sentences: 1) Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions (and, or, nor, but, yet, so) to join two independent clauses. 2) Use commas to separate items in a list of three or more items. 3) Use commas to set off introductory phrases or dependent clauses from the main clause. Commas should also be used to separate interrupting words or phrases from the main clause.

1. Comma Rules

2. **Serial Comma
Rule: Use commas to separate items in
a list of three or more items.
• I wanted pizza, pop, celery, and
apples for dinner.
• Your jobs this weekend include
scrubbing the bathroom, grooming
the cat, and trimming the roses.

3. **Joining Comma
Rule: Use a comma before a coordinating
conjunction when joining two independent
clauses (complete sentences).
Coordinating conjunctions: and or for nor so but yet
• I want to buy a new computer, but I don’t
have enough money.
• The computer I want will cost $1200, so I
have to wait for a year.

4. **Intro Comma
Rule: When you have an introductory phrase
or a dependent clause, a comma must be
placed before the main sentence.
• When my tax refund comes, I may buy a
computer.
• Because of the rain, I did not go on a
picnic today.
• After the rain, I will go on a picnic.
• Well, I don’t know.

5. **Interrupting Comma
Rule: Use commas to separate any word or
phrase that interrupts the main sentence.
• My sister, a dog lover, lives in Toledo.
• I am ready for a change of pace, maybe
on a beach somewhere warm, from my
daily life and chores.

6. ** Quote Comma
Rule: Use commas to separate the exact
words someone said or wrote from the
rest of the sentence.
• “Oh my stars,” Aunt Rose said, “we
must not tease the rabid dogs.”
• The surprised man exclaimed, “Wow,
that space alien was friendly!”

7. **Adjective Comma
Rule: Use a comma to separate two equal
adjectives.
• The tall, loud child was scolded by his
teacher. (Note: you could say “tall and loud,” so
those are equal adjectives)
• The dark green coat needs washed.
(Note: it doesn’t make sense to say “dark and
green,” so those are not equal and a comma is not
used)

8. **Standard Commas
Rule: Use commas in dates & addresses
• She lived in Lima, Ohio, for all of her
life.
• She was born April 1, 1966, in a
small town.
• My school address is 1 Spartan Way,
Lima, Ohio.

9. ** Comma Warning
Rule: Do NOT use a comma simply
because you pause when reading the
sentence. You should be able to explain
how the comma follows one of the
previous rules.

10. ** Examples of Sentences that do
NOT need commas
• The boy ran very quickly when he was
being chased by the big dog.
• The tall clown from the circus was
followed through the town by the
mustached woman and the trapeze artist.
• Learning commas should be easy because
you have these rules to follow.