COMMAS RULE !!COMMAS RULE !!

RULE 11F: RULE 11F: Items in a SeriesItems in a Series

Use a comma with 3 or more items Use a comma with 3 or more items (series) joined with “and” or “or”. (series) joined with “and” or “or”. (IS)(IS)

The adults talked, laughed, took photographs, and shared memories.

EXCEPTION! EXCEPTION! NO Comma if…NO Comma if…

Do NOT use a comma if you have a Do NOT use a comma if you have a compound subject, verb or any other compound subject, verb or any other compound part.compound part.

• He went to tennis practice and finished his homework before 9 PM.

RULE 11F: RULE 11F: Adjectives in a SeriesAdjectives in a SeriesUse a comma with two or more adjectives Use a comma with two or more adjectives that are together that are together without any conjunction without any conjunction and only and only if they can be reversed if they can be reversed or or “and” “and” put between them.put between them. (IS) (IS)

The gray, darkening sky caused me to hurry home.

If one of the words modifies another, do not separate them with a comma.Example: I study in our small dining room.Dining room is considered as one part of speech.

RULE 11GRULE 11GCompound SentenceCompound SentenceUse a comma before FANBOYS (Use a comma before FANBOYS (For, For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) when they when they join independent clauses. (CS)join independent clauses. (CS)

Hector pressed the button, and the engine started up.

RULE 11HRULE 11HNonessential ElementsNonessential ElementsUse a comma/commas to set off Use a comma/commas to set off non-essential dependent clauses or non-essential dependent clauses or nonessential participial phrases. nonessential participial phrases. (NEC)(NEC)

Griffins, which are mythological beasts, are seen on many coat of arms.

RULE 11HRULE 11HEssential ElementsEssential ElementsUse NO commas if the clause is Use NO commas if the clause is essential to the meaning of the essential to the meaning of the sentence.sentence.

All of the students who will run in the cross country meet should meet in the lobby.

A clause or phrase that tells which one is essential.Without the clause, the meaning changes.

RULE 11iRULE 11iIntroductory WordsIntroductory WordsUse a comma after an introductory Use a comma after an introductory word. (Intro W)word. (Intro W)

Ah, nothing tastes as good as cold lemonade on a hot day!

RULE 11iRULE 11iIntroductory PhrasesIntroductory PhrasesUse a comma after an introductory Use a comma after an introductory ……

- - participial phrase. (Intro P)participial phrase. (Intro P) - infinitive phrase used as an adverb - infinitive phrase used as an adverb - multiple prepositional phrases - multiple prepositional phrases - long prepositional phrase (4+ words) - long prepositional phrase (4+ words)

11I: 11I: Introductory PhrasesIntroductory Phrases Participial Phrase: Switching on a flashlight, the ranger led the way down the path. Adverb Infinitive Phrase: To get to the park, turn left at the next

corner. Multiple Prepositional Phrases: By the end of the train ride, the children

were exhausted. Long Prepositional Phrase: Inside the green gate, she built a shed.

RULE 11i: RULE 11i: Introductory Adverb ClauseIntroductory Adverb Clause

Use a comma with an introductory Use a comma with an introductory adverb clause. (DC,IC)adverb clause. (DC,IC)

When you see smoke, you know there is a fire.

NO Comma?NO Comma?Do NOT use a comma before a Do NOT use a comma before a regular order adverb clause. regular order adverb clause. (ROAC)(ROAC)

I will call my best friend about my homework after I finish eating dinner. (ROAC)

RULE 11J: RULE 11J: InterruptersInterruptersUse commas to set off nonessential Use commas to set off nonessential appositivesappositives and nonessential and nonessential appositive phrasesappositive phrases. (APP). (APP)

Their new parrot, Mina, is very gentle.

He recited the second stanza of “Childhood” by the poet Margaret Walker.

RULE 11J: RULE 11J: InterruptersInterruptersUse a comma for direct address (DA)Use a comma for direct address (DA)

Mr. Young, would you please explain the definition again?

RULE 11J: RULE 11J: InterruptersInterruptersUse a comma to set off parenthetical Use a comma to set off parenthetical expressions. (Inter W/P)expressions. (Inter W/P)

My essay, according to my English teacher, is the best in the class.

Nevertheless, you must do all of your homework.

RULE 11K: RULE 11K: Conventional SituationsConventional SituationsUse commas with dates and Use commas with dates and addresses. (CONV)addresses. (CONV)

On December 5, 1984, their address became 25 Peralta Road, Oakland, CA 94611.

Please send this letter to Ms. Marybeth Correio, 1255 S.E. 56th Street, Belleview, Wa. 98006.