how to use a comma rule 1: use commas to separate items in a series. the car racedscreechedand...

How to Use a Comma

Rule 1: Use commas to separate items in a series.

The car raced screeched and crashed., ,

There were fingerprints at the top on the sides and on the bottom.

,,

Rule 2: Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives that come before a noun.

Jupiter is a large , strange planet.

Mario played a powerful brilliant game of volleyball.

,

Rule 3: Use a comma before and, but, for, or, nor, so, and

yet when they join independent clauses in a compound sentence.

Jill offered to get tickets, and I accepted.

Tommy was excited to trick or treat but he didn’t get much candy.

,

Rule 4: Use commas to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence.

The couple dancing to the music did not hear the doorbell.

,

,

Nonessential phrase

Vernon my cousin was born in Australia.

, ,

Appositive

Molly please answer the door.,

Direct address

Bob on the contrary prefers soccer to basketball., ,

Parenthetical

Rule 5: Use a comma after certain introductory elements.

Yes you may borrow my bicycle.

Use a comma after yes, no, or mild exclamations like why or well at the beginning of a sentence.

,

Beginning a new school year Zelda felt somewhat nervous.

,

Participial phrase

At the bottom of the hill you will see the baseball field.

,

Two or more prepositional phrases

After I finish my homework I will go to the park.

,

Adverb clause

Rule 6: Use commas in certain conventional situations.

Bobby Smith123 Smart St.St. Louis MO 63125

,

Santa Claus1 Reindeer LaneToytown North Pole 00000

,

In Addresses

Continued:Salutations and ClosingsDear Santa

LoveBobby

,

,

I know I haven’t always been a good boy lately but I’ve been trying. Tony my little brother has been much worse. Anyway for Christmas I would like a train a bike and a new improved stereo if that wouldn’t be too much trouble. Well I’ve got to go. Thanks.

,,

,,

, , ,,

,

The End