Comma Rules
Rule 1: Use commas to separate three or more items in a series.
Satsuma tangerines, raspberries, mangoes, and nectarines are among my favorite fruits.
Rule 2: Use commas to show a pause after an introductory word and to set off names used in direct address.
Yes, my new puppy is doing well in her puppy kindergarten class.
Sean, will you please take Úna and Jamie for a walk?
Rule 3: Use a comma after two or more introductory prepositional phrases, when the prepositional phrase is very long, or when a comma is needed to make the meaning clear. (A comma is not needed for a single short prepositional phrase)
In the winter of 2009, I experienced one of the best adventures of my life.
Rule 4: Use a comma after an introductory participle and an introductory participial phrase.
Numbed by the frigid waters, I struggled to stay upright while canyoneering the Rio Blanco in Patagonia.
Rule 5: Use commas to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.
Reading, as you can tell, is one of my greatest enjoyments.
Rule 6: Use a comma after conjunctive adverbs such as however, moreover, furthermore, nevertheless, and therefore.
My son lives eleven hours away; therefore, we only get to see him on his college breaks.
Rule 7: Use commas to set off an appositive if it is not essential to the meaning of a sentence.
Darryl Sutter, the coach of the Los Angeles Kings, said that Anze Kopitar is the greatest center he has ever coached.
Rule 8: Use a comma before and, or, or but when it joins main clauses.
Cooking can be fun, and it is one of the best ways to ensure your family will eat a healthy meal.
Cooking more complicated recipes often requires planning, or you may find you don’t have the necessary ingredients on hand.
Cooking a big meal can be time consuming, but it is rewarding when you see people enjoying the meal.
Rule 9: Use a comma after an introductory adverb clause. Adverb clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions such as after, although, as, because, before, considering (that), if, in order that, since, so that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, wherever, whether, or while.
When there is a lack of rain, the hillsides of Southern California become too dry.
In most cases, do not use a comma with an adverb clause that comes at the end of a sentence.
The hillsides of Southern California become too dry when there is a lack of rain.
Rule 10: Use a comma or a pair of commas to set off an adjective clause that is not essential to the meaning of a sentence. This means that the clause merely gives additional information. Adjective clauses often begin with the relative pronouns who, whom, whose, which or that.
Chinchillas, which are prized for their softness, are skinned for their fur.
Do not use a comma or a pair of commas to set off an essential clause from the rest of the sentence. An adjective clause is essential when it is necessary to the meaning of a sentence.
One animal that is skinned for the softness of its fur is a chinchilla.
Rule 11: Use commas before andafter the year when it is used with both the month and day. If only the month and the year are given, do not use a comma.
Theatre Banshee’s inaugural production opened onApril 6, 1995, and it was an immediate success thanks to a stellar review in The Los Angeles Times.
In March 2015 we presented a remount of our Civil War play to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Confederate surrender.
Rule 12: Use a comma before and after the name of a state or a country when it is used with the name of a city. Do not use a comma after the state if it is used with the ZIP code.
I would love to visit New Orleans, Louisiana, to taste all of the splendid culinary delights.
Cacao Mexicatessen is located at 1576 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041.
Rule 13: Use a comma or pair of commas to set off an abbreviated title or degree or a degree following a person’s name.
Stanley van den Noort, M.D., was a treasured star in the neurology world.
The fantastic and funny obstetrician who delivered my son was Richard Frieder, M. D.
Rule14: Use a comma or commas to set off too when too means “also”.
I love the Boston Celtics, too.
I, too, would like to go to Boston Gardens with you.
Rule 15: Use a comma or commas to set off a direct quotation.
Chris Martin of Coldplay sings, “Just because I’m losing doesn’t mean I’ve lost.”
“Pop music,” says Bono, “often tells you everything is OK. While rock music tells you that it’s not OK, but you can change it.”
Rule 16: Use a comma after the salutation of a friendly letter and after the salutation and closing of both a friendly letter and a business letter.
Dear Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson,
I find your views on cosmology and its relevance to the world we live in to be both enlightening andinspirational.
Sincerely,
Aidan Branney
Rule 17: Use a comma for clarity in reading a sentence.
Instead of five, four players man the ice in a penalty kill.