Welcome to The Wonderful World of using COMMAS

Welcome to… The Wonderful World of using COMMAS correctly!

“Comma Sense” Rules… You need a piece of loose leaf paper to take some notes.

We can’t do this…

#1 City, State Rule • Use a comma between city and state. example: Jackson, TN

#2 Date Rule • Use commas after parts of a date. Example: Saturday, October 1, 1894

#3 Direct Address Rule • Use a comma to set off a noun in direct address. Example: John, where are you going? Example: What do you like to do for fun, Addison?

#4 Appositive Rule • Use a comma or commas to set off appositives. Example: Dr. Smith, the author of a best-selling book, is our neighbor.

#5 “World Series” Rule • Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series. Example: You can choose pizza, hamburgers, or hot dogs for birthday dinner.

#6 Introductory Word Rule • Use a comma after an introductory word like yes, no, well, okay, maybe, of course, or hmmm. Example: Well, I’ll think about it. Example: Ok, we can go to the park. Example: Yes, you are doing a great job. Example: No, it’s not time to go to lunch yet.

#7 Compound Sentence Rule • Use a comma to separate two complete thoughts joined by and, but, or, nor, for, or yet to create a compound sentence. Example: We went swimming in the lake, and we had a hamburger cookout.

#8 Friendly Letter Rule • Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter and after the closing of any letter. Example: Dear Logan, Example: Your friend, Seth

TIP Avoid using any unnecessary commas!! When in doubt, leave it out.