Commas Lesson

Commas Lesson

What is a comma?

A comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause is needed in a sentence.

Commas help to clarify meaning for the reader.

Eight General Comma Rules

1. Use commas to separate items in a list of three or more.

Items in a List

Remember that an “item” may refer to a noun, verb, or adjective phrase. 

Examples: 

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

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

Multiple Choice

The following sentence is punctuated correctly:

I need to make sure I pack extra clothes, hiking shoes and toiletries.

• True

• False

2. Use a comma to separate independent clauses (complete thoughts) when they are joined by FANBOYS.

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

Conjunctions

Note: The comma should come before the conjunction. 

Example:

I want to buy the new jacket, but it is too expensive. 

In this example, there are two independent clauses: 

#1: “I want to buy the new jacket.” (complete thought) 

#2 “It is too expensive.” (complete thought) 

These clauses are separated by a comma before the conjunction “but”. 

Multiple Choice

The following sentence is punctuated correctly:

We can go to the zoo, or we can go to the movie theater.

• True

• False

3. Use a comma to separate a dependent clause (incomplete thought) from an independent clause (complete thought).

Incomplete, Complete (or vice-versa)

Here are some examples of sentences with dependent and independent clauses: 

1) When I get older, I will be able to drive.

→ (Dependent), (Independent). 

2) If you are good, I will buy you a toy.

→ (Dependent), (Independent). 

More examples: 

Without water, the plant will die. 

In five minutes, the building will be closed. 

When I get home, I am going to brush my teeth. 

Multiple Choice

The following sentence is punctuated correctly:

Before we begin, it's important to review a few things.

• True

• False

4. Use a comma(s) to separate any word or phrase from the rest of the sentence that is not essential to the sentence's meaning.

Appositive Phrases (Not Needed)

Not Essential? Needs Commas!

My brother, a 26 year old male, is watching TV. 

Amy Rivers, my best friend, is going to the mall today. 

I am ready for my dad, a hard working man, to come home. 

My mother, on the other hand, does not like chocolate.

Multiple Choice

The following sentence is punctuated correctly:

My favorite class, Technical Writing, is 18 weeks long.

• True

• False

5. Use a comma to separate a quotation from the rest of a sentence.

Quotes and Commas (BFFs)

“We need to buy more sugar,” she said, “before it runs out!” 

“I am tired,” he muttered.

He said, “We need to lower taxes!” 

“Today will be rainy,” the weatherman said with a frown. 

Multiple Choice

The following sentence is punctuated correctly:

"This line is way too long" she said as she turned around.

• True

• False

6. Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of a sentence.

Commas, We Need You.

Hi, how are you? 

John, I would like more water please. 

Sorry, we do not have enough room. 

Well, I hope the problem will be fixed soon.

Unfortunately, we do not have enough time.

Multiple Choice

The following sentence is punctuated correctly:

Wait, you're telling me we have no days off until Spring Break?

• True

• False

7. Use a comma to separate the name of a city from a country or state. 

City, State

I live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 

We are moving to Spokane, Washington.

I visited Florence, Italy last summer.

The hurricanes hit Tulsa, Oklahoma and Destin, Florida. 

Multiple Choice

The following sentence is punctuated correctly:

Norfolk Virginia is where the couple had met.

• True

• False

8. Use a comma to separate the day of the week, the day of the month, and the year.

Commas and Dates

Today is Thursday, April 18, 1943. 

Tomorrow will be Sunday, December 2.

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. 

I will be sixteen on Tuesday, the 6th of July, 1582.

Multiple Choice

The following sentence is punctuated correctly:

Today is Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

• True

• False