Comma Rules and Usage Part I

​Comma Rules

By Mrs. Murray

1. Use in a series:

Use a comma to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.

Examples:
She loves ice cream, books, and kittens.
We packed our bags, loaded the car, and hit the road.

Multiple Choice

Which comma usage is correct?

• My favorite flowers are lilies, zinnias, and peonies.

• We need cheese milk and eggs from the store.

• He eats, shoots and leaves.

• He eats shoots and leaves.

2. Before a Coordinating Conjunction When it Joins Two Independent Clauses

Conjunctions: and, but, yet, so, or, nor, for

Examples:
We were out of milk, so I went to the store.
They invited him to the party, but he was sick.

Multiple Select

Which sentences have correct comma usage with a coordinating conjunction?

• She was going to go to basketball practice, but she sprained her ankle during recess.

• He was neither prepared, nor excited to take the Bible test.

• She studied her lines for hours, yet she was still nervous to audition for the play.

• She got the lead part and her sister got a supporting role so they were happy.

However, my mom wasn't at home.
If you are ill, you should see a doctor.
Although, I might be able to come to the party after work.
Still, you should tell your dad about the window.

Examples:

3. After Introductory Words, Phrases, or Clauses that Come Before the Main Clause

Multiple Select

Choose the sentences with correct comma usage with introductory phrases.

• Seriously, cover your mouth when you cough!

• Yuck, that banana is brown!

• Okay, let me get this straight.

• If you can stay, we will bake cookies.

4. To Separate Multiple Coordinate Adjectives that Describe the Same Noun

Examples:

Delaney is a friendly, kind person.
Charleston is a beautiful, modern city.

Multiple Select

Choose the sentences with correct comma usage.

• Mrs. Phillips is an experienced, caring teacher.

• Mr. Whitlock is tall.

• JICS is a Christian, biblically-based, private school.

• Charleston is a city in sunny South Carolina.

5. To Seperate Contrasted Coordinate Elements or to Indicate a Distinct Pause or Shift.

Examples:

My dress is red, not pink.
It is made of steel, not plastic.

Multiple Select

Choose the sentences that have correct comma usage.

• Today, is Tuesday not Wednesday.

• Our special today is library, not art.

• I have school lunch today, instead of bringing my lunch from home.

• First come Thanksgiving, then comes Christmas.

6. To Set Off Words, Phrases, and Clauses that are Not Essential to the Meaning of the Sentence.

Examples:

• My wife, Lily, is a wonderful cook.

• Chocolate, my favorite treat, always makes me feel better.

• My teachers, Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Phillips, have taught together for three years.

• Tom, my husband, went to NC State for college.
  

Multiple Choice

Which sentence shows incorrect or missing correct comma usage?

• My mom Linda lives in North Carolina.

• Miss Anderson, the principal, used to be a teacher in Winston Salem.

• Coach Sawyer, whom I've never met, will be Nathan's coach.

• Ben's dad, Pastor Russ, preaches on Sundays at JICC.

7. To Set Off All Geographical Names, Items in Dates, Addresses, and Titles in Names.

Examples:

• I'm from London, England.

• He was born on December 12, 2012.

• Andy Whitlock, Head of School

• Mrs. Murray, 5th grade Teacher

• 15 Crosscreek Drive, James Island, SC 29412

Multiple Select

Choose all that show correct comma usage.

• James Island Christian School
  15 Crosscreek Dr.
  James Island, SC
  29412

• Mr. Keith DeLorme,

  Dean of Students

• Tuesday, January 27, 2026

• Greenville SC United, States of America