Comma Rules
Comma Rules
Advanced ESL
1) Commas in a COMPOUND SENTENCE: Use a comma BEFORE conjunctions such as and, but, or, nor, so and yet when it combines two complete sentences.
Example: I like to read, and I like to go to the movies.
2) LISTS: Use commas to separate items in a list with more than two items listed. If the words listed are separated by the word and, the comma is OPTIONAL.
*This is true for lists of nouns.
Example: I have 2 birds, 3 fish and 2 cats.
*It is true for verbs.
Example: I watched the gymnast run, jump and tumble.
*It is also true for adjectives.
Example: The huge, hairy, black spider scares me.
*This rule also applies to lists or groups of words, or phrases.
Example: When you get home you need to eat a snack, do your homework, (optional comma) and finish your chores.
3) INTERRUPTERS: A comma is used to set off an expression that interrupts a sentence. This usually means you’ll have to use two commas to surround the part of the sentence that interrupts the main thought. This part is not essential to the structure of the sentence.
Example: My favorite television show, Project Runway, helps me relax.
Sometimes interrupters come at the beginning, middle or the end of the sentence.
Example of interrupter at the end: Some people like to listen to Led Zeppelin, a rock band from the 1970’s.
Example of interrupter at the beginning: The play, The Secret Garden, is playing at the Civic Arts Plaza.
4) INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS: Use a comma AFTER mild expressions such as yes, no, maybe, well, or after a phrase such as In the morning, … or On that page, …(hint-these are always at the beginning of a sentence. These phrases aren’t necessary to have a complete sentence.)
Example: Yes, you may get a puppy.
Example of phrase: After you eat dinner, you may go outside and play.
5) APPOSITIVES (a noun or pronoun that identifies the noun beside it.) Commas are used if an appositive is not necessary.
Example: My school, Simi Valley Adult School, is the best school around. (Simi Valley School was not necessary as it is the only school he/she goes to.)
Example of no commas: My friend Jessica likes to play Xbox at my house. (The appositive Jessica is necessary since the writer may have many friends and so must identify which one, so you do NOT use commas.)
6) In ADDRESSES: Use comas to separate a city and a state.
Example: I live in Thousand Oaks, California.
Also use a comma if you are writing a complete POSTAL ADDRESS but do NOT separate lines traditionally. The comma show where lines should be separated.
Example: Simi Valley Adult School’s address is 1880 Blackstock St., Simi Valley, CA 93065
7) DATES: A comma is ALWAYS placed between the number of the day and the number of the year.
Example: October 13, 2008
8) LETTERS: Use a comma after the SALUTATION (after the name in your greeting) and after your CLOSING (before you sign your name.)
Example of greeting: Dear Mrs. Perkins,
Example of closing: Sincerely,
Mrs. Ackerman
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