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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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Nonessential phrase

Vernon my cousin was born in Australia.

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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.

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Beginning a new school year Zelda felt somewhat nervous.

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Participial phrase

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

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Two or more prepositional phrases

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

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Adverb clause

Rule 6: Use commas in certain conventional situations.

Bobby Smith123 Smart St.St. Louis MO 63125

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Santa Claus1 Reindeer LaneToytown North Pole 00000

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In Addresses

Continued:Salutations and ClosingsDear Santa

LoveBobby

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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.

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The End