The document discusses the different uses of commas in English writing, including using commas in lists, after introductory phrases or words, between adjectives describing the same noun, when introducing a name and relationship, around parenthetical information, and separating independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Examples are provided for each usage along with exercises for the reader to practice identifying proper comma usage.

1. Commas
English Composition I
September 2012
Dr. Whitney Vandiver

2. Function
“When you talk, your voice, with its pauses, stresses, rises, and falls,
shows how you intend your words to fit together. When you write,
punctuation marks are the road signs (stop, go, yield, slow, detour) that
guide the reader, and you wouldn’t be understood without them.” --
Patricia T. O’Conner, Woe is I
Examples: Cora claimed Frank planned the murder.
Cora, claimed Frank, planned the murder.
Augie quite saying he was looking for another job.
Augie quit, saying he was looking for another job.
The Battle of the Sexes:
Woman without her man is nothing.
Woman: without her, man is nothing.

3. Usage #1: In a List
 A list consists of three or more items and involves a
conjunction, usually “and” or “or”.
 A comma goes between each item in the list AND before the
conjunction for the final item:
Examples:
Nell is baking cookies, pies, and cakes for the dinner.
None of us can locate our binders, textbooks, pens, or
notes.
 The last comma is called the “serial comma” and some
resources will say that it is optional.

4. Usage #2: An Introductory Phrase
 Use a comma after an introductory phrase if you intend to
pause before moving on:
As usual, she is running late to work.
Leaving it unresolved, the student gave up on the
problem.
Moving forward in her career, Edith took the job offer
without hesitation.
Without hesitation, Edith took the job offer to move
forward with her career.

5. Usage #3: Introductory Words
 Use a comma after an introductory word, such as well,
yes, or indeed.
 Examples
Yes, I will be attending the meeting.
Well, he was late today, so he was unable to register.
Indeed, the conference was a success.

6. Usage #4: Separating adjectives
 Use a comma when separating adjectives that describe
the same object.
 Examples:
She adopted a small, orange kitten.
He lost his new, blue backpack.

7. Usage #5: Providing someone’s
name
 Use a comma when introducing someone and their
relationship
 Examples
My friend, John, is visiting this week.
Mary, the new teacher, brought snacks today.
Barbara, the librarian, is hosting workshops this week.

8. Usage #6: Parenthetical
Information
 “Parenthetical information” consists of information that:
 may be omitted without impacting grammaticality
 adds additional information about the sentence that is not
necessary
 “could just as well go in parentheses” (O’Conner)
 How to know when information is parenthetical...
 Remove it from the sentence—if the sentence is still
grammatical, it is unnecessary information.
 Put it in parentheses—if it does not sound awkward, it is
likely parenthetical information.

9. Usage #6: Parenthetical
Information
 Examples:
My supervisor, the one with the mustache, called in sick today.
College, much like elementary school, is really just about coloring
and discovering your own personality.
Jerry, with a broomstick and a catcher’s mitt, finally defeated the
giant bumble bee.
The boy with the skateboard is my nephew.—not parenthetical
 Rule: Surround the parenthetical information with commas.

10. Usage #7: Separating Independent
Clauses
 When combining two independent clauses, use a
coordinating conjunction with a comma
 Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)
For
And It rains quite a bit in Seattle, but it rains more in London.
Nor
But He brought her a box of chocolates, and he surprised her
Or with a stuffed bear.
Yet
So

11. Exercises
1. Despite being on time John couldn’t find a seat.
2. She is a doctor like her father who specializes in
airborne diseases.
3. The car needed new brake pads brake fluid and an oil
change.
4. No one wanted to go to the movies so we went to
dinner instead.
5. He couldn’t have delivered the package if he was out of
town.
6. Eliot my best friend is in Germany this semester.

12. Exercises: Answers
1. Despite being on time, John couldn’t find a seat.
2. She is a doctor, like her father, who specializes in
airborne diseases.
3. The car needed new brake pads, brake fluid, and an oil
change.
4. No one wanted to go to the movies, so we went to
dinner instead.
5. He couldn’t have delivered the package if he was out of
town.
6. Eliot, my best friend, is in Germany this semester.

13. Resources
Strunk, Jr., William and White, E.B. (2000) The Elements of
Style 4th edition. New York: Longman Publishers.