Comma Rules

Comma Rule #1 Commas in a Series

(Separate items in a list)

Comma Rule #1: Commas in a Series (Separate items in a list)

Use commas to separate items in a list of three or more. Remember that an “item” may refer to a noun, verb, or adjective phrase

Comma Rule #1: Commas in a Series (Separate items in a list)

For example:

I need to buy eggs milk lettuce and bread. ❌

I need to buy eggs, milk, lettuce, and bread. ✅

-or-

I need to buy eggs, milk, lettuce and bread. ✅

Multiple Select

Carlos wants to visit Paris Italy Germany and China.

Choose all that apply.

• Carlos wants to visit Paris, Italy, Germany, and China.

• Carlos wants to visit Paris Italy Germany and China.

• Carlos wants to visit Paris, Italy, Germany and China.

• No change.

Comma rule #1: Commas in a series (Separate items in a list)

Sometimes the list is short phrases instead of words.

Comma Rule #1: Commas in a series (phrases)

For example:

I really don't care who you see where you go or what you do. ❌

I really don't care who you see, where you go, or what you do. ✅

Multiple Select

My sister saw me coming hid the candy and then pretended she knew nothing about it.

• My sister saw me, coming hid the candy and then pretended she knew nothing about it.

• My sister saw me coming hid the candy and then pretended she knew nothing about it.

• My sister saw me coming, hid the candy, and then pretended she knew nothing about it.

• My sister saw me coming hid the candy, and then pretended she knew nothing about it.

Comma rule #1: Commas in a Series (Separate items in a list)

The important things to remember about using commas in series are these:

1.      A series includes 3 or more items of the same type (words or groups of words).

2.      The series is connected by and, or, or nor before the last item.

3.      A comma separates items in the series, including the final item preceded by and, or, or nor.