1. Use a comma to
separate items in a series. A series is three or more related
words, phrases, or clauses.
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Ex:
He aimed, focused, and took the picture. |
2. Use a comma between two or more adjectives that come before a
noun. Do not use a comma if the adjectives express a
single idea. To decide whether to use a comma, try reading the
adjectives with the word "and," or reverse the adjectives. If
the sentence sounds awkward, do not use a comma.
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Ex:
Leon photographed the dilapidated, rusty jalopy. |
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Ex:
Leon uses an expensive Japanese camera. (use the test
above) |
3. Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction in a compound
sentence.
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Ex:
We wanted a picture of the sunrise, but it rained that
day. |
4. Use a comma after words, phrases and clauses that come at the
beginning of a sentence.
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Words:
Oh, I need a sharper pencil. |
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Phrases: During the long meeting, he fell asleep. |
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Clauses: After the session ended, I spoke to Hal. |
5. Use a comma to separate interrupters, nouns of direct address,
and unnecessary appositives in a sentence.
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Interrupters (words that break up a sentence and add
emphasis:
You know, of course, the purpose of this meeting. |
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Noun of
Direct Address (name of a person or persons spoken to
directly):
Come into my office, James, for a few minutes. |
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Appositive (adds information about the noun that directly
precedes it) - Use a comma ONLY if it is NOT necessary
to identify the noun.
Ex: The president, Harold White, will
present the award.
Ex: The documentary "Space Exploration" won an
award. |
6. Use a comma to separate month and day from a year. Use a
comma to separate year from the rest of the sentence. Do NOT
use commas to separate month and year.
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Ex:
July 4, 1776 |
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Ex:
January 12, 1987, is the date of the banquet. |
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Ex:
Haley's comet appeared last during April 1986. |
7. Use a comma to separate city and state. If the address is
within a sentence, use a comma after the state as well. Do NOT
use a comma between the state and zip code.
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Ex:
Does Chicago, Illinois, have the world's largest building? |
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Ex:
Denise lives at 10 Palm Court, Lima, OH 45807. |
8. Use a comma after the greeting in a friendly letter and after the
closing in ALL letters.
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Ex:
Dear John, |
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Ex:
Sincerely yours, |
9. Use a comma to separate a quotation from the rest of the
sentence. Place commas and periods inside quotation marks.
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Ex:
"Please open your books now," said Mr. Smith. |
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Ex:
"Here," Kim replied, "is Tasmania." |
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