COMMAS
Here's a quick and informative lesson about commas brought to you by the University of Phoenix online library.
Definition of COMMAS (,)
COMMAS SEPARATE PARTS OF A SENTENCE OR SET OFF WORDS OR PHRASES FROM THE REST OF A SENTENCE.
BETWEEN ITEMS IN A SERIES
Rule #1
Use a comma to separate a series of three or more equal words,
phrases, or complete statements. (The last comma is optional,
but we suggest you put it in for clarity.)
Examples of Rule #1
You need a glove, a ball, and a bat to play baseball.
I went to the post office, bought groceries, and took my car to
the repair shop.
I wrote the proposal, Sara Jung typed it, and Mike Smith
presented it.
DO NOT use a comma if you join the series with and.
You need a glove and a ball and a bat to play baseball.
DO NOT use a comma before an ampersand (&) in an organization
name, unless the comma is used by the organization.
John works for Smith, Jones & Wade.
BETWEEN PARTS OF A SENTENCE
Rule #2:
Use a comma before one of the conjunctions in the acronym F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.
(for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) if the conjunction joins two complete,
independent statements. (Each statement has a subject and a verb.)
Examples of Rule #2:
She plans to work all summer, and she will save the money she makes.
DO NOT use a comma unless both of the statements are
complete and independent.
She plans to work all summer and save the money she makes.
DO NOT use a comma to separate two complete statements
with a F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. conjunction if the sentence has an
introductory word or phrase that applies to both statements.
Please take out the garbage and empty the dishwasher.
BETWEEN TWO WORDS
Rule #3:
Use a comma between two adjectives ONLY if you can reverse the
adjectives and the sentence still makes sense. DO NOT use a comma
if the adjectives cannot be reversed.
Examples of Rule #3:
The talkative, noisy group was asked to leave the restaurant.
I went to a tough high school.
Rule #4:
Use a comma to separate two identical verbs next to
each other in a sentence.
Examples of Rule #4:
Whatever happens, happens.
Rule #5:
Use a comma to separate words repeated for emphasis.
Examples of Rule #5:
This project took a long, long time to complete.
BEFORE AND AFTER NONESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Rule #6:
Use a comma before and after words or phrases that are not
essential to the main idea of the sentence. If you place a comma
before and after a phrase, you should be able to remove the
phrase, and the sentence will still make sense.
Examples of Rule #6:
Needless to say, I am going to be late.
Most people, on the other hand, will attend the reception.
The magazine, issued in July 1998, sold more copies than any
other magazine in history.
Rule #7:
Use a comma to set off words that are not essential and that
interrupt the natural flow of a sentence. Examples of such words
are listed below. These words may be used at the beginning,
in the middle, or at the end of a sentence.
Examples of Rule #7:
accordingly in the meantime no doubt
after all in other words by the way
also nevertheless consequently
as a result as a rule for example
in fact on the other hand furthermore
perhaps indeed therefore
however on the contrary finally
of course without a doubt unfortunately
Beginning: I have always disliked mowing the lawn. However,
because my dad ’s back was injured, I wanted to help by doing
his yard work.
Middle: The woman was a natural, no doubt, and confidently
sang the song for the audience.
End: Everyone thought Tom was injured from the accident.
He said he felt just fine, under the circumstances.
DO NOT use a comma when the word or phrase is necessary
to understand the meaning of a sentence. The word or
phrase will usually answer the question when? where? why?
how? or which one(s)?
The store located in the mall is having a sale. (where? in the mall)
Employees who are on time will be rewarded. (which ones? those who are on time)
AFTER INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION
Rule #8:
Use a comma after introductory information placed before
the subject of a sentence. Some punctuation guides state
you can omit the comma if the statement is short. We suggest
you use a comma for clarity.
Examples of Rule #8:
In our company, rules must be followed.
Oh, you are not going to the party?
When I finished the first book, I began to read another one.
To make this pie, you need fresh cream.
As agreed, we will bill you monthly for our services.
Rule #9:
If introductory information is followed by two complete, independent
statements, use a comma only after the introductory information.
Examples of Rule #9:
If you have your sales receipt, you can return the shoes or you
can exchange them for a different pair.
WITH A DIRECT ADDRESS
Rule #10:
Use a comma when you address a person or group
of people directly.
Examples of Rule #10:
Kathy, where are you going?
Please excuse yourselves, parents, so we can talk with the children.
WHEN RENAMING A NOUN
Rule #11:
Use a comma before and after a phrase that explains or renames
a noun immediately before the phrase. DO NOT use a comma
when the phrase is necessary to identify the noun.
Examples of Rule #11:
My boss, Mr. Ruby, recommended I take this class.
Will your brother Brian be at the party? (which brother? Brian)
WITH CONTRASTING OR LIMITING STATEMENTS
Rule #12:
Use a comma to separate contrasting or limiting statements.
(You can identify these statements by words such as not, never,
but, seldom, and yet.)
Examples of Rule #12:
She wants to obtain a higher-paying job, not cut back her spending.
The tickets are discounted, but only for students and seniors.
SHOW OMITTED WORDS
Rule #13:
Use a comma to signify omitted words when the context is understood.
Examples of Rule #13:
I need two tickets; four, if you can get them.
IN QUOTATIONS
Rule #14:
Use a comma before and after a quotation. DO NOT use a
comma when the quotation completes a sentence or is
woven into a sentence.
Examples of Rule #14:
He said, “I cannot make it on time.”
“It does not matter,” he replied, “if you go or not.”
He wanted to remind us that “time was valuable.”
BEFORE AND AFTER TITLES
Rule #15:
Use a comma to set off degrees or titles after a name.
Examples of Rule #15:
Steve Norton, D.D.S., spoke at graduation.
IN DATES AND ADDRESSES
Rule #16:
Use a comma after the weekday, calendar date, and year when
the full date is within a sentence. DO NOT use a comma if you
use only the month and year.
Examples of Rule #16:
On Friday, January 2, 1998, we went on vacation.
The weather in June 1997 was unusually warm.
Rule #17:
Use a comma to separate parts of an address written
in sentence form and to separate a city and a state.
Examples of Rule #17:
She lives at 5 West Drive, Portland, Oregon 99999.
Please make sure the package arrives in Sacramento, California.
WITH NUMBERS
Rule #18:
Use a comma to separate independent numbers used in a sentence.
DO NOT use a comma when a measurement is a single unit. DO NOT
use a comma to separate a number that describes another number.
Examples of Rule #18:
I spent $200, $100 of which I used for supplies.
She is 5 feet 6 inches tall.
I need two $100 tires.
AFTER SALUTATIONS AND COMPLIMENTARY CLOSES IN LETTERS
Rule #19:
Use a comma after the salutation in personal letters and
after the complimentary close in all letters.
Examples of Rule #19:
Dear Mom, Sincerely, Respectfully yours,
FOR CLARITY
Rule #20:
Use a comma when one is needed to prevent misunderstanding.
Examples of Rule #20:
According to the police, department stores must close at 9 p.m.
And there you have it. Now I'm sure a few of you are out there right now wondering "Why in the hell did he just post a gigantic set of rules for using commas?"
If you're a horrible writer like me, then you'll love to have a quick reference for these sort of things. This is also an example of the many pieces of random text I read while working at the University of Phoenix. Being a UOP employee gives me access to the largest online library resource system in the world.
To make a long story short: I was very, very bored.
