Twelve Comma Rules

Which comma rule is being used here? Pets can be rewarding, cuddly, helpful, and sweet.

• Noun of Direct Address

• Introductory Dependent Clause

• Adjective Series

• Appositive

• Noun Series

Which comma rule is used here? Send your request to The Pittsburgh Penguins, 66 Lemieux Way, Pittsburgh, PA 58581.

• Dates and Addresses

• Noun Series

• Clarity

• Nonessential Clause

• Introductory Words

What comma rule is being used here? Dan, what do you think of Pierre's new hat?

• Introductory Dependent Clause

• Parenthetical Expression

• Introductory Word

• Noun of Direct Address

Which comma rule is being used here? "I can't even believe," thought Emma, " that periwinkle can be a favorite color."

• Introductory Words

• Clarity

• Quoting

• Noun of Direct Address

Which comma rule is being used? Because the days were longer, we were able to spend more time after school outside on the patio.

• Introductory Dependent Clause

• Introductory Words

• Quoting

• Dates and Addresses

• Parenthetical Expression

Which comma rule is being used? Basketball fans, a dedicated group, are excited about March Madness.

• Appositive

• Parenthetical Expression

• Dates and Addresses

• Quoting

Which comma rule is being used? March 17, I believe, is St. Patrick's Day.

• Parenthetical Expression

• Adjective Series

• Introductory Words

• Noun of Direct Address

Which comma rule is being used? Sara Teasdale, who was a famous American poet, wrote the poem "Winter Stars".

• Introductory Dependent Clause

• Nonessential Clause

• Clarity

• Noun of Direct Address

Which comma rule is being used here? We love our Pittsburgh sports teams, and we are loyal fans.

• Introductory Dependent Clause

• Regular Series

• Compound Sentence

• Appositive

Which comma rule is being used? The alpaca, rather than the emu, is a fluffier animal.

• Quoting

• Dates and Addresses

• Introductory Words

• Clarity