To separate two contiguous clauses with a conjunction. Tom went to the store, and he bought

milk.

To separate two contiguous clauses with a comma and no conjunction Tom went to the store, he bought milk.

To separate two contiguous clauses without a conjunction. Tom went to the store; he bought milk.

To indicate an introductory word, phrase or clause. First, she went to school. After eating dinner, Passion went to go

read a book. Since Passion did not have a book, she

went for a walk. I believe that if she wanted to read, she

could have found something.

To indicate nonessential or nonrestrictive phrases. Rachel, who broke her leg, had to stay in

bed for a week. Her mother, Jane, went to the store for

her.

To separate items in a list or series. He bought milk, eggs, and butter. She went to the school, the store and

her job.

To separate two adjectives. He rode the old, red bicycle.▪ He rode the old and red bicycle.

To indicate dialogue John said, “hello.”