Comma Rules
1. Use a comma to show a pause after certain words or phrases at
the beginning of a sentence.
A. Prepositional Phrases. Use a comma after a prepositional
phrase of four or more words at the beginning of a sentence.
EX: At the town’s only hardware store a crowd gathers
every Saturday morning.
In case of fire dial 911.
B. Yes, No, and Interjections. Use a comma to separate yes, no,
and interjections, such as oh and well, from the rest of the
sentence.
EX: Yes you did a good job.
Well I can’t really guess what my present is.
C. Confusing Sentence parts. Use a comma to separate
sentence parts that might be confusing if read together.
EX: Two minutes before the game had begun.
2. Commas to Separate Sentence Parts Pencil
A. Use a comma before a coordinating Test
conjunction that joins the simple
sentences in a compound sentence. (and, but, or)
EX: The underbrush was parched and smoke rose from
numerous fires.
The laundry is done and put away.
B. Use commas to set off certain words or phrases within a
sentence.
a. Direct Address. Use a comma or a pair of commas to
separate words of direct address from the rest of the
sentence. The words of direct address name the person
or persons spoken to.
EX: Let’s eat Grandma.
Listen carefully everybody.
I wish Ryan that you …..would write more
clearly.
The correct answer I suppose would be no.
b. Abbreviated Title or Degree. Use a comma or a pair of
commas to set off an abbreviated title or a degree
following a name.
EX: We attended a lecture by Emma Hennessey Ph.D.
Alex Theim Jr. seems to have grown another inch over
night!
c. Dates or Addresses. Use commas before and after the
year when it is used with the month and the day. Use
commas before and after the name of a state, province, or
country, when it is used with the name of a city.
EX: My cousin was born on August 20 2000 on the
way… to the hospital.
Paris France is my favorite place to visit.
My address is 4872 Cedar Run Rd. Cass City
Michigan.
My address is Barbara Graff 4872 Cedar Run Road
Cass City Michigan.
My address is 4872 Cedar Run Road Cass City
Michigan 48726.
Today is Monday February 24 2020 and I’m working.
In June of 2018 five of us went to DC.
His office at 125 Appletree Lane is closed for the
season.
She traveled from Cass City Michigan to Vassar
Michigan in one day.
d. Use a comma after the salutation and the closing of a
friendly letter.
EX: Dear Aunt Norma Yours Truly
3. When putting down a date:
a. If there is a date – Month day, year
Ex: November 3rd 2020
b. If this date appears anywhere in a sentence, be sure to put
a comma after the year. EX: On June 7 2020 many
students will go to Cedar Point.
c. On Friday June 7 2020 many students will go to Cedar
Point.
d. If there is no certain day, do not put a comma between
the month and year (or after the year if the sentence
continues) Ex: November 2020
e. No Comma: In March of 2020 we will go to ….
4. When listing, the rules vary:
a. If you only have two items, do not use a comma.
b. If you have three or more items…you must! Ex: Jacob
Josh Eli and Gordon must go to… the office.
c. If listing like this: The sky was dark and brooding and
scary.
d. I like traveling to Caro Vassar and Bad Axe Michigan.
