Basic Rules for Using Commas

Seven Basic Rules for Using the Comma

The comma aids the reader in establishing relationships between words and clauses. Think of the comma as a separator, not as a pause.

There many rules for using commas and exceptions to those rules, but here are seven basic rules for using the comma that address the situations that come up most frequently in writing:

1. Put a comma before but, and, or, for, nor, yet, and so when they connect two independent clauses (clauses that can stand alone as a sentence).

Ex.:    I loved the book, but I hated the movie.

2. Put a comma between items in a series.

Ex.: Artists with skills, originality, and determination are often unemployed.

3. Put a comma after an introductory phrase or clause (= comes before subject of sentence).

Ex.:    After dinner, we usually watch television.

4. Put commas around nonessential material or material that interrupts the sentence.

Ex.:    The little cat, curled into a ball on the bed, yawned and went back to sleep.

5. Put commas before and after an interrupter (however, therefore, moreover).

Ex.:    Sheila hit the ball; however, she was thrown out at first base.

6. Put a comma after a verb before a direct quotation.

Ex.:    He asked, “Why are we here?”

7.  Put a comma between adjectives not joined by and.

Ex.:    The hardworking, sleep-deprived student hit the snooze button one more time.

Comma Worksheet

Add commas as necessary to each sentence below.

1.   The documentary film that I saw last night was unusual disturbing and thought provoking.

2.   When I’m at home my cat follows me from room to room purring and waving his tail.

3.   My backpack which I carry with me all over campus has special compartments for pens a cell phone and a laptop computer.

4.   Growing up with a boy’s name my mother got used to getting put in Boys’ P.E. and hearing people say that her parents must have wanted a boy.

5.   Lisa put her hand on her hip and said “Excuse me Mr. Big Shot but what’s your point?”

6.   Chris liked to sit in the Jacuzzi especially after lifting weights or going for a long run.

7.    Fresh blueberries raspberries and boysenberries are great sources of antioxidants; however they can be expensive.

8.   After giving it some thought John and Maria decided against buying the house which was priced well above their budget.

9.   Whether it was chocolate vanilla mint chip or butter pecan Luis loved any kind of ice cream but he couldn’t stand frozen yogurt.

10.        Jason our upstairs neighbor has a lot of annoying habits such as playing music in the middle of the night and blocking the driveway with his car.