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Why are commas important?
Items in a series
Independent clauses
Introductory elements
Interrupters
Conventional uses of commas
Review A
Review B
Using Commas
Why are commas important?
Problem: Unnecessary commas
My friend, Jessica, said she would feed my cat, and my dog while I’m away, but now, she tells me, she will be too busy.
Commas can help make the meaning of sentences clearer. In general, commas help separate or set apart elements in a sentence.
Too many commas can clutter the sentence and may confuse readers.
Why are commas important?
Problem: Missing commas
The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann Jerry Lee Derrick Martha and Julie.
Missing commas may also confuse readers.
Is this Ruth or Ruth Ann?
Is this Jerry or Jerry Lee?
Without commas, it is unclear how many friends are invited.
, , , ,
Why are commas important?
Commas make the meaning of this sentence clear by separating the names in the list.
The friends I have invited are Ruth Ann, Jerry Lee, Derrick, Martha, and Julie.
Ruth Ann Jerry Lee Derrick Martha Julie
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Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Words in a series
Phrases in a series
All my cousins, aunts, and uncles came to our family reunion.
The children played in the yard, at the playground, and by the pond.
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Clauses in a series
Those who had flown to the reunion, who had driven many miles, or who had even taken time off from their jobs were glad that they had made the effort to be there.
Items in a series
Use commas to separate items in a series.
Short independent clauses
The engine roared, the wheels spun, and a cloud of dust swirled behind the sports car.
Two or more adjectives preceding a noun
Are you going to that hot, crowded, noisy mall?
On Your Own
Items in a series
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. The loud annoying alarm woke us just before dawn.
2. Robert Browning says that youth is good that middle age is better and that old age is best.
3. Dr. Charles Drew worked as a surgeon developed new ways of storing blood and was the first director of the Red Cross blood bank program.
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Independent clauses
Use a comma before and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet when it joins independent clauses.
Hector pressed the button, and the engine started.
She would never argue, nor would she complain to anyone.
Are you going to the football game, or do you have other plans for Saturday?
Answers
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. It is important to know first aid for an accident can happen at almost any time.
2. More than eighty thousand people in the United States die in accidents each year and many millions are injured.
3. Emergency exits were clearly marked so people were able to evacuate quickly when the alarm sounded.
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Independent clauses
Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Hey, that’s an unusual pet you’re walking.
Yes, it’s my pet iguana.
Mild exclamations such as well, oh, or hey
Introductory words such as yes and no
Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Switching on the flashlight, the ranger led the way to the caves.
Introductory participial phrases
At home and at school, I enjoy reading different books.
Two or more introductory prepositional phrases or one long one.
By the time I get home from school, I am ready for a snack.
Introductory elements
Use a comma to set off certain introductory elements.
Introductory adverb clauses
After he sang, the audience applauded.
Introductory elements
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. Built ten years ago the bridge needs some repairs.
2. Why that yellow paint is really bright, isn’t it?
3. After one day at summer camp the boys knew that they would have a good time.
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Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Eileen Murray, who is at the top of her class, wants to go to medical school.
Nonessential clauses or phrases
Nonessential clause
Tim Ricardo, hoping to make the swim team, practiced every day.
Nonessential phrase
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Their parrot, Mina, is very gentle.
Nonessential appositives and appositive phrases
Nonessential appositive
Elizabeth Peña, my favorite actress, stars in the movie I rented.
Nonessential appositive phrase
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Linda, please read the poem aloud.
Direct address
I like the image of the birds in flight, Mr. Ryan.
Your comment, Bernie, is interesting.
Parenthetical expressions
Interrupters
Use commas to set off elements that interrupt the sentence.
Of course, I am glad that he called me about the extra movie tickets.
She is, in fact, a dentist.
You should try out for quarterback, in my opinion.
Interrupters
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. My dad’s classic car a 1955 Mustang won first place in the car show.
2. That sculpture in my opinion is the most beautiful one in the exhibit.
3. Are you competing in the track meet Joyce?
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Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations, such as dates, addresses, salutations and closings in letters, and certain titles and names.
After Friday, November 23, 2012, address all orders to Emeryville, CA 94608.
Separate items in dates and addresses
Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Dear Mr. Arpajian,
After the salutation of a personal letter
After the closing of any letter
My dear Anna,
Sincerely, Yours very truly,
Conventional uses of commas
Use commas in certain conventional situations.
Please welcome Allen Davis, Sr.
Abbreviations, such as Jr., Sr., or M.D. when they follow persons’ names.
Carol Ferrara, M.D., is our family doctor.
Conventional uses of commas
On Your Own
Add commas where needed in the following sentences.
1. Please address the envelope to Ms. Marybeth Correio 1255 S.E. 56th Street Bellevue WA 98006.
2. I glanced quickly at the end of the letter, which read, “Very sincerely yours Alice Ems Ph.D.”
3. On April 6 2014 the company will celebrate its twentieth anniversary.
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Review A
Identify whether the following items are missing commas (M) or are correct as is (C). For items missing commas, add the comma where needed.
_____ 1. During the festival, businesses on Main Street will be open late.
_____ 2. Brittany Adam Christine and Leo are just four of the graduates who decorated their caps.
_____ 3. Joseph who works as a lifeguard in the summer has already taken the first-aid class.
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Review B
[End of Section]
Add commas where necessary in the following sentences.
1. My twin sister can run faster jump higher and do more push-ups than I can.
2. Lance Martin was born June 21 2004 in Austin Texas.
3. When Professor Marcus went to China last year he visited many historic landmarks.
4. She and many of her friends attended Earth Day a festival devoted to ecology.
5. Biking accidents are common wherever cars and bicycles use the same road so many communities have provided bicycle lanes.
The End
