The Comma Rules!

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The Comma Rules!
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Rule 1

• Use commas to separate items in a series.
• (The comma separating the second last and last
  items in the series is optional.)

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Rule 1 Examples

• Today we have Language Arts, Science, French and
  Phys. Ed.
• I play hockey, basketball, baseball, and soccer.

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Rule 2

• Use a comma to separate clauses when they are
  joined by coordinating conjunctions
• for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
• FANBOYS

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Rule 2 Examples

• I enjoy running, and I will run in the marathon
  in May.
• Steven has a great singing voice, yet he will not
  sing in public.
• Jeremy studied in the coffee house for his
  chemistry quiz, but he was distracted by the
  noise.

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Rule 3

• Use a comma to separate independent clauses from
  introductory words (subordinating conjunctions).

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Rule 3 Examples

• However, not everyone agreed that the movie was
  good.
• When I think back, there are a few things I would
  have done differently.

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Rule 3 Examples

• Before we begin, Jenna has an announcement to
  make.
• True, I had not thought about it that way before.

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Rule 4

1. Use commas to separate any word or expression
   that is not essential to the sentences meaning
   from the rest of the sentence.

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Rule 4 Examples

• Ms. Gray, our school nurse, spoke to us about
  nutrition.
• Strawberry ice cream, my personal favorite, is on
  sale this week.

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Rule 4 Examples

• My cat Mittens, she has white paws, will be 10
  years old next month.
• Mr. Brown, my soccer coach, says I am good with
  my feet.