Guide to Commas Guide to Commas Andrew O’LearyAndrew O’Leary

Use commas to separate independent Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of clauses when they are joined by any of

the 7 conjunctions the 7 conjunctions ButBut For For NorNor SoSo Yet Yet

• Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so she took him out to dinner.she took him out to dinner.

Use commas after introductory Use commas after introductory

ClausesClauses PhrasesPhrases Words that come before the main Words that come before the main

clause.clause.• Because he kept barking insistently, we Because he kept barking insistently, we

threw the ball for Smokey.threw the ball for Smokey.

Do not use commas to set off Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentenceessential elements of the sentence

The person checking tickets at the The person checking tickets at the counter asked for a form of counter asked for a form of identification. identification.

Use commas to three or more words, Use commas to three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a seriesphrases, or clauses written in a series

When the snow stops falling, we'll When the snow stops falling, we'll shovel the driveway.shovel the driveway.

Use commas to separate two or more Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the coordinate adjectives that describe the

same noun. same noun. Your cousin has an easy, happy Your cousin has an easy, happy

smile.smile.

Use commas near the end of the sentence Use commas near the end of the sentence to separate contrasted coordinate elements to separate contrasted coordinate elements

or to indicate a distinct pause or shiftor to indicate a distinct pause or shift The chimpanzee seemed reflective, The chimpanzee seemed reflective,

almost human.almost human.

Use commas to set off phrases at the end of Use commas to set off phrases at the end of a sentence that refers back to the beginning a sentence that refers back to the beginning

or middle of a sentenceor middle of a sentence Nancy waved enthusiastically at the

docking ship, laughing joyously. 

Geographic names and dates Geographic names and dates

BirminghamBirmingham,, Alabama, gets its name  Alabama, gets its name from Birminghamfrom Birmingham,, England. England.

July 22, 1959July 22, 1959,, was a momentous day  was a momentous day in his life.in his life.

Use commas to shift between the Use commas to shift between the main discourse and a quotation main discourse and a quotation

John said without emotionJohn said without emotion,, "I'll see  "I'll see you tomorrow."you tomorrow."

"I was able"I was able,," she answered" she answered,, "to  "to complete the assignment."complete the assignment."

In 1848In 1848,, Marx wrote Marx wrote,, "Workers of the  "Workers of the world, unite!"world, unite!"

Use commas necessary to prevent Use commas necessary to prevent possible confusion possible confusion

To GeorgeTo George,, Harrison had been a sort  Harrison had been a sort of idol.of idol.