COMMA RULES

Rule 1. Commas are used between words, phrases, or clauses in a series. (A series
contains at least three items.)

Examples: Arthur is cute, funny, and furry.

At the grocery store I bought eggs, milk, and bread.
When I wake up in the morning I brush my teeth, wash my face, and
fix my hair.
My Example:
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Rule 2. Commas are used to separate items in an address and items in a date.

Examples: On April 27, 2006, my daughter will turn two.

Epiphany is located at 154 Centre St., Dorchester, Massachusetts.

My Example:
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Rule 3. Commas are used to set off interjections or weak exclamations from the rest of
the sentence.
Examples: Stop, you fool!
No kidding, you really likes prunes?
Yes, I love them.
My Example:
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Rule 4. Commas are used to separate a noun of direct address from the rest of the
sentence.

Examples: Joshua, pay attention

Do you understand me, Rudy?
My Example:
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Rule 5. Commas are used to separate two or more adjectives which equally modify the
same noun.

Example: The green, slimy frog jumped out of his book bag.

My Example:
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Rule 6. Commas are used to set off a word, phrase, or clause that interrupts the main
thought of a sentence. Such expressions usually can be identified through the following
tests:
1. They may be left out without changing the meaning of the sentence.
2. They may be placed nearly anywhere in the sentence without changing the
meaning.

Example: Computers will definitely become smaller. You can, for example,
already buy a lap-top model that will fit in a standard pocket folder.

My Example:
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Rule 7. Commas are used in dialogue to set off the exact words of the speaker from the
rest of the sentence.

Example: Robert whispered, Meet me at the water fountain during evening

study.
My Example:
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Rule 8. Commas are used between two independent clauses separated by a conjunction
such as and but, or, nor, for, so, and yet.

Example: I love Cheerios, but I hate Rice Krispies.

My Example:
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Rule 9. A comma should separate a dependent clause or a long modifying phrase from
the independent clause which follows it.

Example: After the teacher explained the directions, the class looked at her like
she was crazy.

My Example:
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Rule 10. Commas are used to separate an appositive phrase or an explanatory phrase
from the rest of the sentence.

Example: Acid rain, a form of pollution caused by burning coal, affects most of
North America.

My Example:
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