Comma Rules

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in sentences?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, to set off clauses, and to clarify meaning.

Front

What is a comma splice?

Back

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

You should use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a series?

Back

Use commas to separate three or more items in a series, including before the conjunction (Oxford comma is optional).

Front

How do you use commas in direct address?

Back

Use commas to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in dates?

Back

Use commas to separate the day from the year and after the year when the date is in the middle of a sentence.

Front

When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with non-essential clauses?

Back

Use commas to set off non-essential clauses that provide additional information but are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence.

Front

When should you use a comma in a complex sentence?

Back

Use a comma in a complex sentence when a dependent clause precedes an independent clause.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in addresses?

Back

Use commas to separate elements in an address, including between the street address and city, and between the city and state.