Top Ten Comma Rules

Top Ten Comma Rules

The Top Ten Comma Rules 

This web site contains more detailed information and a list of quizzes to test your understanding of the comma rules

Her is a power point, Conquering the comma to help you as well:
Conquering the Comma Powerpoint.PPT

My hope is that if you know the rules by name, you can avoid both over usage and under usage. The best practice for effective and proper comma usage is to just be aware as you write anything of why you are--or are not--using commas by the name of the rule that applies. Using commas correctly and effectively is a life long practice that will help you for as long as put words to thoughts.

 

1. Separate elements in a series: I have to remember to bring my books, pencil, baloney, and peanut butter fluff sandwich. Use a comma before the final "if" there could be any confusion in meaning without it. [Note: if you are introducing a list with a noun, use a colon to introduce the list. Don't forget these important items: my books, pencil, baloney, and peanut butter fluff sandwich. If you introduce the list with a verb use a comma after the first item in the list: Don't forget my books, pencil, baloney, and peanut butter fluff sandwich.]
2. Commas with Conjunctions (Soyetandornorforbut): These commas must have an independent clause (it can stand alone as a sentence) before and AFTER the conjunction and comma. This kind of comma can always be replaced with a period or semi-colon instead of the comma and conjunction. It is raining, so I am not going to school. It is raining; I am not going to read. It is raining. I am not going to study comma usage.
3. Commas with introductory elements (words, phrases, and dependent clauses): Actually, Fred can take the test. (introductory word). Without thinking, he ran into the burning building and saved his goldfish. (introductory phrase) Because it is raining, I am not going to school. (dependent clause).
4. Commas with parenthetical elements (non-essential phrases and words): The kid in the back row, who loves grammar, took all of the quizzes and studied the comma use webpage. Remember: If it you want your reader to read it without emphasis, use commas; if you want to whisper or say something as an aside, use parentheses, and if you want to shout, use double dashes.
5. Commas with descriptive adjectives: If you can naturally (meaning without it sounding weird) put an "and" or a "but" between the adjectives, a comma will probably belong there.  He is a mean, nasty, hard-hearted teacher, but, at the same time, he is a wise old owl.
6. Commas that express contrast: This is important when comparing the differences in somebody or something and you want to emphasize the contrast. He's big, but slow. You probably don't need a comma if you write "He is big and slow." because you are not emphasizing the contrast
7. Commas to avoid confusion in meaning: For most, the year is already finished. These commas often fall into another rule as well. In this case, "for most" is an introductory phrase.
8. Commas to set off quotes: Fitz said, "Know how to use commas, and you are 90% of towards writing grammatically correct sentences."
9. Commas with place names and dates: On June 8, 2009, The

   Fenn

   School

   ,

   Concord

   MA

   , will be a quiet place.
10.   Commas with tag elements: As when a word or phrase is "tagged on to the end of a sentence. Do you love studying commas, Peter? I couldn't memorize all of this myself, of course.

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