Commas Why and when do we use them

Commas Why and when do we use them?

Use commas… Rule #1: between 3 or more items in a series. Ex: I enjoy baseball, football, and lacrosse.

Rule #2: between complete thoughts that are separated with a conjunction (FANBOYS word). Ex: I like baseball, but I hate basketball.

• F • A • N • B • O • Y • S = = = = for and nor but or yet so

Rule #3: After introductory material Ex: While I was in the shower, the doorbell rang. Ex: Heartbroken, I laid down to cry.

Rule #4: around words that interrupt the flow of a sentence. Ex: Liz, who is my boss, gave me a raise. Ex: The waiter, however, was very rude.

Challenge: Why does only the second sentence contain a comma? Ex: The man who came to the party with Joy says he was kidnapped by aliens. Ex: Harvey, who came to the party with Joy, says he was kidnapped by aliens.

If the word group is needed for the full meaning of the sentence, it is not an interrupter. Therefore, do not set it off with commas. In the first sentence, we need to know which man is being referred to. This info is not interrupting.

Rule #5: within dates, addresses, and letters. Ex: Please call me on Monday, July 15 th. Ex: I live at 22 Smith Street, Raleigh, N. C. 27605.

Rule #6: for words of direct address and short expression Ex: You, Mr. Gimble, are no gentleman! Ex: Yes, you may use the restroom. Ex: Well, I suppose it’s okay.