Comma Rules

Comma Rules

Comma Rule 1 Coordinating Conjunctions

Use a comma to separate independent clauses joined together with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)

Example: Bob wanted to watch a movie, so he turned on Netflix.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is written correctly?

• I am preparing for a zombie invasion and I am building a strong zombie fort around my home.

• I am preparing for a zombie invasion and, I am building a strong zombie fort around my home.

• I am preparing for a zombie invasion, and I am building a strong zombie fort around my home.

• I am preparing for a zombie, invasion and I am building a strong zombie fort around my home.

Comma Rule 2: Commas in a series

• Use a comma to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a list.

  
  

  
  

• Example: Bob likes to watch action, fantasy, and sci-fi films.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is written correctly?

• The colors in the flag are red, white, and blue.

• The colors in the flag are red, white and blue.

• The colors in the flag are red white and blue.

• The colors in the flag are red white, and blue.

Rule 3: Commas and Adjectives

• Use a comma when you have more than one adjective modifying a noun.

• an adjective modifies/changes a noun. It describes a noun.

• You put a comma in consecutive adjectives where the meaning remains the same.

• Example: The musty, hot stench went in his nose as Bob

• In the above sentence, I can say: The hot, musty stench went to his nose. Both examples are correct.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence needs a comma?

• This cold December wind chills me to the bone.

• I love my purple dinosaur!

• Mr. Buckwalter always helps old ladies.

• Mr. Buckwalter would like a warm tasty doughnut this morning.

Rule 4 Commas: Extra Information

• Use a comma around interrupters or extra information  that is not essential to the sentence

• Example: Bob, a 30-year-old man, was unsure of how to do his own laundry.

• Extra info=Extra Commas

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is written correctly?

• The report, which we filed on Friday was incomplete.

• The report which we filed on Friday, was incomplete.

• The report which we filed on Friday was incomplete.

• The report, which we filed on Friday, was incomplete.