Commas Commas Until You Until You

CryCry !!

Blah blah blah

[pause = ,] blah blah blah [pause

= ,] blah blah blah . . .

Blah blah blah

[pause = ,] blah blah blah [pause

= ,] blah blah blah . . .

NoNo handbook says to use commas handbook says to use commas where you where you pausepause while speaking! while speaking!NoNo handbook says to use commas handbook says to use commas where you where you pausepause while speaking! while speaking!

XX

Don’t Don’t hookhook your reader’s eyes with your reader’s eyes with unnecessaryunnecessary commas. When in doubt, commas. When in doubt, leave them out!leave them out!

Don’t Don’t hookhook your reader’s eyes with your reader’s eyes with unnecessaryunnecessary commas. When in doubt, commas. When in doubt, leave them out!leave them out!

O u c h !O u c h !

As carefully as architects plan As carefully as architects plan skyscrapers, you must create skyscrapers, you must create successful sentences by learning successful sentences by learning whenwhen and and wherewhere to place commas. to place commas.

As carefully as architects plan As carefully as architects plan skyscrapers, you must create skyscrapers, you must create successful sentences by learning successful sentences by learning whenwhen and and wherewhere to place commas. to place commas.

Each sentence part Each sentence part that follows willthat follows will ––

depending on its depending on its locationlocation –– connect with connect with

a comma.a comma.

Each sentence part Each sentence part that follows willthat follows will ––

depending on its depending on its locationlocation –– connect with connect with

a comma.a comma.

Prepositional PhrasePrepositional PhrasePrepositional PhrasePrepositional Phrase

• Begins with a Begins with a prepositionpreposition, a word , a word that shows that shows locationlocation in place or in in place or in time. time. Click here for a complete list.

• Might include Might include optional descriptionoptional description..• Ends with a Ends with a nounnoun..

That tasty poodle went over my tongue, down my throat,

andinto my stomach!

That tasty poodle went over my tongue, down my throat,

andinto my stomach!

Read these examples:Read these examples:Read these examples:Read these examples:

Participle PhraseParticiple PhraseParticiple PhraseParticiple Phrase

• Begins with a Begins with a presentpresent or or past past participleparticiple..• A A presentpresent participle always ends in participle always ends in

inging..• A A pastpast participle frequently ends in participle frequently ends in eded..• An An irregular pastirregular past participle takes a participle takes a

variety of formsvariety of forms. . Click here for a complete list.

• Might include Might include modifiermodifier((ss)) to finish to finish the thought.the thought.

Read these examples:Read these examples:Read these examples:Read these examples:

Ground like hamburger,

boiling in swamp water,

seasoned with garlic,

the tasty poodle simmered in a pot!

Ground like hamburger,

boiling in swamp water,

seasoned with garlic,

the tasty poodle simmered in a pot!

Infinitive PhraseInfinitive PhraseInfinitive PhraseInfinitive Phrase

• Begins with an Begins with an infinitiveinfinitive [[to + to + verbverb].].

• Might include Might include modifier(s)modifier(s) to finish to finish the thought.the thought.

• Here are two examples:Here are two examples:

To eat another tasty

poodleor to be

satisfied with just that one . . .

To eat another tasty

poodleor to be

satisfied with just that one . . .

AppositiveAppositiveAppositiveAppositive

• An appositive is a noun phrase that An appositive is a noun phrase that renames another nounrenames another noun..

• An appositive comes either An appositive comes either right right beforebefore or or right afterright after the noun it the noun it describes.describes.

• Check out this example:Check out this example:The poodle, a yappingfur ball,

was not as tasty as the human footI snaggedlast week.

The poodle, a yappingfur ball,

was not as tasty as the human footI snaggedlast week.

Noun of Direct AddressNoun of Direct AddressNoun of Direct AddressNoun of Direct Address

• A A noun of direct addressnoun of direct address is ais a namename

• It indicates It indicates whowho is receiving the is receiving the information.information.

• Removing the noun of direct address Removing the noun of direct address will will notnot change the meaning of the change the meaning of the sentence.sentence.

• Examples: Examples: MarvinMarvin, , Mr. TrumpMr. Trump, , DadDad, , SweetheartSweetheart

Burp

Compare this sentence …Compare this sentence …Compare this sentence …Compare this sentence …

I have already eaten

Marvin.

I have already eaten

Marvin.

B u r p !B u r p !

… … to this sentence.to this sentence.… … to this sentence.to this sentence.

No thank you! I have already

eaten, Marvin.

No thank you! I have already

eaten, Marvin.

AdverbAdverbAdverbAdverb

• Modifies a Modifies a verbverb, , adjectiveadjective, or , or another adverbanother adverb..

• Many adverbs end in Many adverbs end in ly ly ; many ; many others, however, do not.others, however, do not.

• In terms of comma placement, worry In terms of comma placement, worry about those adverbs that act as about those adverbs that act as transitionstransitions between sentences or between sentences or between paragraphs.between paragraphs.

Read these examples:Read these examples:Read these examples:Read these examples:

Unfortunately, poodles give me

indigestion.

Unfortunately, poodles give me

indigestion.

That fact, however, will not keep me from

eating them.

That fact, however, will not keep me from

eating them.

Subordinate ClauseSubordinate ClauseSubordinate ClauseSubordinate Clause

• Begins with a subordinate Begins with a subordinate conjunction, such as conjunction, such as althoughalthough, , becausebecause, , ifif, , whenwhen, , whilewhile, etc., etc.

• Click here for a complete list.• Includes a Includes a subjectsubject and a and a verbverb..• Does Does notnot, however, express a , however, express a

complete thoughtcomplete thought..

Read these examples:Read these examples:Read these examples:Read these examples:

If you ever fall off a boat . . .

If you ever fall off a boat . . .

While I am swimming nearby . . .

While I am swimming nearby . . .

Speaker TagSpeaker TagSpeaker TagSpeaker Tag

• Introduces a Introduces a direct quotationdirect quotation..• Includes a Includes a subjectsubject and and verbverb..• Check out this example:Check out this example:

Then my doctor said, “Poodles are

bad for your health!”

Then my doctor said, “Poodles are

bad for your health!”

Comma Tip 1Comma Tip 1Comma Tip 1Comma Tip 1

• All All introductory elementsintroductory elements require require a comma when they are connected to a comma when they are connected to a a main clause main clause that follows.that follows.

• The pattern looks like this:The pattern looks like this:

Introductory Introductory elementelement

Introductory Introductory elementelement + + ,, + +

main main clause.clause.main main

clause.clause.

1.1.    Because she is short Francine Because she is short Francine loves to go food shopping with loves to go food shopping with Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling down the aisles Francine asks down the aisles Francine asks Rachel to grab packages of Rachel to grab packages of imported crackers and boxes of imported crackers and boxes of high-fiber cereal, items that are high-fiber cereal, items that are always too high to reach.always too high to reach.

1.1.    Because she is short Francine Because she is short Francine loves to go food shopping with loves to go food shopping with Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling down the aisles Francine asks down the aisles Francine asks Rachel to grab packages of Rachel to grab packages of imported crackers and boxes of imported crackers and boxes of high-fiber cereal, items that are high-fiber cereal, items that are always too high to reach.always too high to reach.

1.1.    Because she is shortBecause she is short,, Francine Francine loves to go food shopping with loves to go food shopping with Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling down the aisles Francine asks down the aisles Francine asks Rachel to grab packages of Rachel to grab packages of imported crackers and boxes of imported crackers and boxes of high-fiber cereal, items that are high-fiber cereal, items that are always too high to reach.always too high to reach.

1.1.    Because she is shortBecause she is short,, Francine Francine loves to go food shopping with loves to go food shopping with Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling down the aisles Francine asks down the aisles Francine asks Rachel to grab packages of Rachel to grab packages of imported crackers and boxes of imported crackers and boxes of high-fiber cereal, items that are high-fiber cereal, items that are always too high to reach.always too high to reach.

1.1.    Because she is shortBecause she is short,, Francine Francine loves to go food shopping with loves to go food shopping with Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling down the aislesdown the aisles,, Francine asks Francine asks Rachel to grab packages of Rachel to grab packages of imported crackers and boxes of imported crackers and boxes of high-fiber cereal, items that are high-fiber cereal, items that are always too high to reach.always too high to reach.

1.1.    Because she is shortBecause she is short,, Francine Francine loves to go food shopping with loves to go food shopping with Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling Rachel, a tall friend. Strolling down the aislesdown the aisles,, Francine asks Francine asks Rachel to grab packages of Rachel to grab packages of imported crackers and boxes of imported crackers and boxes of high-fiber cereal, items that are high-fiber cereal, items that are always too high to reach.always too high to reach.

22..      On top of the computer monitor On top of the computer monitor in the bedroom a collection of in the bedroom a collection of stuffed unicorns supervises the stuffed unicorns supervises the work Lori completes at the work Lori completes at the keyboard below.keyboard below.

22..      On top of the computer monitor On top of the computer monitor in the bedroom a collection of in the bedroom a collection of stuffed unicorns supervises the stuffed unicorns supervises the work Lori completes at the work Lori completes at the keyboard below.keyboard below.

22..      On top of the computer monitor On top of the computer monitor in the bedroomin the bedroom,, a collection of a collection of stuffed unicorns supervises the stuffed unicorns supervises the work Lori completes at the work Lori completes at the keyboard below.keyboard below.

22..      On top of the computer monitor On top of the computer monitor in the bedroomin the bedroom,, a collection of a collection of stuffed unicorns supervises the stuffed unicorns supervises the work Lori completes at the work Lori completes at the keyboard below.keyboard below.

3.3.    Akram has a problem hitting the Akram has a problem hitting the snooze button on his alarm over snooze button on his alarm over and over. To get to his first class and over. To get to his first class on time Akram frequently eats on time Akram frequently eats a donut in the car, getting a donut in the car, getting crumbs all over the seat of his crumbs all over the seat of his new vehicle.new vehicle.

3.3.    Akram has a problem hitting the Akram has a problem hitting the snooze button on his alarm over snooze button on his alarm over and over. To get to his first class and over. To get to his first class on time Akram frequently eats on time Akram frequently eats a donut in the car, getting a donut in the car, getting crumbs all over the seat of his crumbs all over the seat of his new vehicle.new vehicle.

3.3.    Akram has a problem hitting the Akram has a problem hitting the snooze button on his alarm over snooze button on his alarm over and over. To get to his first class and over. To get to his first class on timeon time,, Akram frequently eats Akram frequently eats a donut in the car, getting a donut in the car, getting crumbs all over the seat of his crumbs all over the seat of his new vehicle.new vehicle.

3.3.    Akram has a problem hitting the Akram has a problem hitting the snooze button on his alarm over snooze button on his alarm over and over. To get to his first class and over. To get to his first class on timeon time,, Akram frequently eats Akram frequently eats a donut in the car, getting a donut in the car, getting crumbs all over the seat of his crumbs all over the seat of his new vehicle.new vehicle.

4.4.    Pablo walked all the way across Pablo walked all the way across campus before he noticed the campus before he noticed the lightness of his book bag. lightness of his book bag. Suddenly he realized that his Suddenly he realized that his heavy chemistry text was on the heavy chemistry text was on the

backseat of his car.backseat of his car.

4.4.    Pablo walked all the way across Pablo walked all the way across campus before he noticed the campus before he noticed the lightness of his book bag. lightness of his book bag. Suddenly he realized that his Suddenly he realized that his heavy chemistry text was on the heavy chemistry text was on the

backseat of his car.backseat of his car.

4.4.    Pablo walked all the way across Pablo walked all the way across campus before he noticed the campus before he noticed the lightness of his book bag. lightness of his book bag. SuddenlySuddenly,, he realized that his he realized that his heavy chemistry text was on the heavy chemistry text was on the

backseat of his car.backseat of his car.

4.4.    Pablo walked all the way across Pablo walked all the way across campus before he noticed the campus before he noticed the lightness of his book bag. lightness of his book bag. SuddenlySuddenly,, he realized that his he realized that his heavy chemistry text was on the heavy chemistry text was on the

backseat of his car.backseat of his car.

5.5.    In English class no one wantsIn English class no one wantsto sit next to Eli because he is to sit next to Eli because he is always smacking his gum always smacking his gum loudly. Moreover he nervously loudly. Moreover he nervously swings his leg, kicking people in swings his leg, kicking people in the thighs, shins, and ankles.the thighs, shins, and ankles.

5.5.    In English class no one wantsIn English class no one wantsto sit next to Eli because he is to sit next to Eli because he is always smacking his gum always smacking his gum loudly. Moreover he nervously loudly. Moreover he nervously swings his leg, kicking people in swings his leg, kicking people in the thighs, shins, and ankles.the thighs, shins, and ankles.

5.5.    In English classIn English class,, no one wants no one wants to sit next to Eli because he is to sit next to Eli because he is always smacking his gum always smacking his gum loudly. Moreover he nervously loudly. Moreover he nervously swings his leg, kicking people in swings his leg, kicking people in the thighs, shins, and ankles.the thighs, shins, and ankles.

5.5.    In English classIn English class,, no one wants no one wants to sit next to Eli because he is to sit next to Eli because he is always smacking his gum always smacking his gum loudly. Moreover he nervously loudly. Moreover he nervously swings his leg, kicking people in swings his leg, kicking people in the thighs, shins, and ankles.the thighs, shins, and ankles.

5.5.    In English classIn English class,, no one wants no one wants to sit next to Eli because he is to sit next to Eli because he is always smacking his gum always smacking his gum loudly. Moreoverloudly. Moreover,, he nervously he nervously swings his leg, kicking people in swings his leg, kicking people in the thighs, shins, and ankles.the thighs, shins, and ankles.

5.5.    In English classIn English class,, no one wants no one wants to sit next to Eli because he is to sit next to Eli because he is always smacking his gum always smacking his gum loudly. Moreoverloudly. Moreover,, he nervously he nervously swings his leg, kicking people in swings his leg, kicking people in the thighs, shins, and ankles.the thighs, shins, and ankles.

Only one more Only one more sentence part to sentence part to

learn!learn!

Only one more Only one more sentence part to sentence part to

learn!learn!

Nonessential ClauseNonessential ClauseNonessential ClauseNonessential Clause

• Begins with Begins with whowho, , whoeverwhoever, , whomwhom, , whomeverwhomever, , wherewhere, , whereverwherever, , whichwhich, or , or whicheverwhichever..

• Contains a Contains a subjectsubject and a and a verbverb..

• Check out this example:Check out this example:

I can still eat poodle dinners, which I really enjoy, in moderation.

I can still eat poodle dinners, which I really enjoy, in moderation.

Comma Tip 2Comma Tip 2Comma Tip 2Comma Tip 2

First part of the sentenceFirst part of the sentenceFirst part of the sentenceFirst part of the sentence ++ ,, ++

interrupter interrupter interrupter interrupter rest of the sentence.rest of the sentence.rest of the sentence.rest of the sentence.+ + ,, + +

• All All interrupters interrupters require a comma in require a comma in front and behind when they break the front and behind when they break the flow of a flow of a complete sentencecomplete sentence..

• The pattern looks like this:The pattern looks like this:

11.. George used George used War and PeaceWar and Peace a heavy, thick, intimidating a heavy, thick, intimidating book to smash the cockroaches book to smash the cockroaches he found crawling on the walls he found crawling on the walls of his college dorm room.of his college dorm room.

11.. George used George used War and PeaceWar and Peace a heavy, thick, intimidating a heavy, thick, intimidating book to smash the cockroaches book to smash the cockroaches he found crawling on the walls he found crawling on the walls of his college dorm room.of his college dorm room.

11.. George used George used War and PeaceWar and Peace,, a heavy, thick, intimidating a heavy, thick, intimidating book to smash the cockroaches book to smash the cockroaches he found crawling on the walls he found crawling on the walls of his college dorm room.of his college dorm room.

11.. George used George used War and PeaceWar and Peace,, a heavy, thick, intimidating a heavy, thick, intimidating book to smash the cockroaches book to smash the cockroaches he found crawling on the walls he found crawling on the walls of his college dorm room.of his college dorm room.

11.. George used George used War and PeaceWar and Peace,, a heavy, thick, intimidating a heavy, thick, intimidating bookbook,, to smash the cockroaches to smash the cockroaches he found crawling on the walls he found crawling on the walls of his college dorm room.of his college dorm room.

11.. George used George used War and PeaceWar and Peace,, a heavy, thick, intimidating a heavy, thick, intimidating bookbook,, to smash the cockroaches to smash the cockroaches he found crawling on the walls he found crawling on the walls of his college dorm room.of his college dorm room.

2.2. Take this soup bone Joe and Take this soup bone Joe and give it to the puppy before he give it to the puppy before he starts chewing on our shoes.starts chewing on our shoes.

2.2. Take this soup bone Joe and Take this soup bone Joe and give it to the puppy before he give it to the puppy before he starts chewing on our shoes.starts chewing on our shoes.

2.2. Take this soup boneTake this soup bone,, Joe and Joe and give it to the puppy before he give it to the puppy before he starts chewing on our shoes.starts chewing on our shoes.

2.2. Take this soup boneTake this soup bone,, Joe and Joe and give it to the puppy before he give it to the puppy before he starts chewing on our shoes.starts chewing on our shoes.

2.2. Take this soup boneTake this soup bone,, Joe Joe,, and and give it to the puppy before he give it to the puppy before he starts chewing on our shoes.starts chewing on our shoes.

2.2. Take this soup boneTake this soup bone,, Joe Joe,, and and give it to the puppy before he give it to the puppy before he starts chewing on our shoes.starts chewing on our shoes.

3.3. “When you get hungry” my “When you get hungry” my mother announced “I want you mother announced “I want you to try a bowl of this squid to try a bowl of this squid eyeball stew.”eyeball stew.”

3.3. “When you get hungry” my “When you get hungry” my mother announced “I want you mother announced “I want you to try a bowl of this squid to try a bowl of this squid eyeball stew.”eyeball stew.”

3.3. “When you get hungry“When you get hungry,,” my ” my mother announced “I want you mother announced “I want you to try a bowl of this squid to try a bowl of this squid eyeball stew.”eyeball stew.”

3.3. “When you get hungry“When you get hungry,,” my ” my mother announced “I want you mother announced “I want you to try a bowl of this squid to try a bowl of this squid eyeball stew.”eyeball stew.”

3.3. “When you get hungry“When you get hungry,,” my ” my mother announcedmother announced,, “I want you “I want you to try a bowl of this squid to try a bowl of this squid eyeball stew.”eyeball stew.”

3.3. “When you get hungry“When you get hungry,,” my ” my mother announcedmother announced,, “I want you “I want you to try a bowl of this squid to try a bowl of this squid eyeball stew.”eyeball stew.”

4.4.    Prof. Finklestein who assigns Prof. Finklestein who assigns more papers than he has time more papers than he has time to grade keeps student essays to grade keeps student essays half a semester before returning half a semester before returning them.them.

4.4.    Prof. Finklestein who assigns Prof. Finklestein who assigns more papers than he has time more papers than he has time to grade keeps student essays to grade keeps student essays half a semester before returning half a semester before returning them.them.

4.4.    Prof. FinklesteinProf. Finklestein,, who assigns who assigns more papers than he has time more papers than he has time to grade keeps student essays to grade keeps student essays half a semester before returning half a semester before returning them.them.

4.4.    Prof. FinklesteinProf. Finklestein,, who assigns who assigns more papers than he has time more papers than he has time to grade keeps student essays to grade keeps student essays half a semester before returning half a semester before returning them.them.

4.4.    Prof. FinklesteinProf. Finklestein,, who assigns who assigns more papers than he has time more papers than he has time to gradeto grade,, keeps student essays keeps student essays half a semester before returning half a semester before returning them.them.

4.4.    Prof. FinklesteinProf. Finklestein,, who assigns who assigns more papers than he has time more papers than he has time to gradeto grade,, keeps student essays keeps student essays half a semester before returning half a semester before returning them.them.

5.5.    January the month Julie usually January the month Julie usually dreads because of its cold, dark dreads because of its cold, dark mornings was unusually warm mornings was unusually warm this past year.this past year.

5.5.    January the month Julie usually January the month Julie usually dreads because of its cold, dark dreads because of its cold, dark mornings was unusually warm mornings was unusually warm this past year.this past year.

5.5.    JanuaryJanuary,, the month Julie usually the month Julie usually dreads because of its cold, dark dreads because of its cold, dark mornings was unusually warm mornings was unusually warm this past year.this past year.

5.5.    JanuaryJanuary,, the month Julie usually the month Julie usually dreads because of its cold, dark dreads because of its cold, dark mornings was unusually warm mornings was unusually warm this past year.this past year.

5.5.    JanuaryJanuary,, the month Julie usually the month Julie usually dreads because of its cold, dark dreads because of its cold, dark mornings mornings,, was unusually warm was unusually warm this past year.this past year.

5.5.    JanuaryJanuary,, the month Julie usually the month Julie usually dreads because of its cold, dark dreads because of its cold, dark mornings mornings,, was unusually warm was unusually warm this past year.this past year.

Comma Tip 3Comma Tip 3Comma Tip 3Comma Tip 3

Main Main clauseclauseMain Main

clauseclause + + ,, + +concluding concluding

element.element.concluding concluding

element.element.

• All All concluding elements concluding elements require a require a comma when they are connected at comma when they are connected at the end of a the end of a main clausemain clause..

• The pattern looks like this:The pattern looks like this:

11.. Jennifer tolerated the family Jennifer tolerated the family reunion slapping mosquitoes reunion slapping mosquitoes with a paper plate and drinking with a paper plate and drinking iced tea to combat the heat. iced tea to combat the heat.

11.. Jennifer tolerated the family Jennifer tolerated the family reunion slapping mosquitoes reunion slapping mosquitoes with a paper plate and drinking with a paper plate and drinking iced tea to combat the heat. iced tea to combat the heat.

11.. Jennifer tolerated the family Jennifer tolerated the family reunionreunion,, slapping mosquitoes slapping mosquitoes with a paper plate and drinking with a paper plate and drinking iced tea to combat the heat. iced tea to combat the heat.

11.. Jennifer tolerated the family Jennifer tolerated the family reunionreunion,, slapping mosquitoes slapping mosquitoes with a paper plate and drinking with a paper plate and drinking iced tea to combat the heat. iced tea to combat the heat.

22.. In a panic, Tony searched the In a panic, Tony searched the interior of his car. He hoped to interior of his car. He hoped to find his biology lab work under find his biology lab work under the front seat or among the the front seat or among the clutter in the trunk. clutter in the trunk.

22.. In a panic, Tony searched the In a panic, Tony searched the interior of his car. He hoped to interior of his car. He hoped to find his biology lab work under find his biology lab work under the front seat or among the the front seat or among the clutter in the trunk. clutter in the trunk.

No concluding No concluding element = no element = no

comma!comma!

33. . At Tito’s Taco Palace, James At Tito’s Taco Palace, James tried to keep pace with tried to keep pace with Theodore who can eat a burrito Theodore who can eat a burrito in thirty seconds flat. in thirty seconds flat.

33. . At Tito’s Taco Palace, James At Tito’s Taco Palace, James tried to keep pace with tried to keep pace with Theodore who can eat a burrito Theodore who can eat a burrito in thirty seconds flat. in thirty seconds flat.

33. . At Tito’s Taco Palace, James At Tito’s Taco Palace, James tried to keep pace with tried to keep pace with TheodoreTheodore,, who can eat a burrito who can eat a burrito in thirty seconds flat. in thirty seconds flat.

33. . At Tito’s Taco Palace, James At Tito’s Taco Palace, James tried to keep pace with tried to keep pace with TheodoreTheodore,, who can eat a burrito who can eat a burrito in thirty seconds flat. in thirty seconds flat.

44.. “Don’t bother to ask Mom” “Don’t bother to ask Mom” warned Sue. “She never warned Sue. “She never extends curfew especially if extends curfew especially if you tell her that you will be out you tell her that you will be out with a guy.”with a guy.”

44.. “Don’t bother to ask Mom” “Don’t bother to ask Mom” warned Sue. “She never warned Sue. “She never extends curfew especially if extends curfew especially if you tell her that you will be out you tell her that you will be out with a guy.”with a guy.”

44.. “Don’t bother to ask Mom“Don’t bother to ask Mom,,” ” warned Sue. “She never warned Sue. “She never extends curfew especially if extends curfew especially if you tell her that you will be out you tell her that you will be out with a guy.”with a guy.”

44.. “Don’t bother to ask Mom“Don’t bother to ask Mom,,” ” warned Sue. “She never warned Sue. “She never extends curfew especially if extends curfew especially if you tell her that you will be out you tell her that you will be out with a guy.”with a guy.”

44.. “Don’t bother to ask Mom“Don’t bother to ask Mom,,” ” warned Sue. “She never warned Sue. “She never extends curfewextends curfew,, especially if especially if you tell her that you will be out you tell her that you will be out with a guy.”with a guy.”

44.. “Don’t bother to ask Mom“Don’t bother to ask Mom,,” ” warned Sue. “She never warned Sue. “She never extends curfewextends curfew,, especially if especially if you tell her that you will be out you tell her that you will be out with a guy.”with a guy.”

55.. At the West Oaks Mall food At the West Oaks Mall food court, Aisha winked at Rodney court, Aisha winked at Rodney a cute young man in a tight T-a cute young man in a tight T-shirt.shirt.

55.. At the West Oaks Mall food At the West Oaks Mall food court, Aisha winked at Rodney court, Aisha winked at Rodney a cute young man in a tight T-a cute young man in a tight T-shirt.shirt.

55.. At the West Oaks Mall food At the West Oaks Mall food court, Aisha winked at Rodneycourt, Aisha winked at Rodney,, a cute young man in a tight T-a cute young man in a tight T-shirt.shirt.

55.. At the West Oaks Mall food At the West Oaks Mall food court, Aisha winked at Rodneycourt, Aisha winked at Rodney,, a cute young man in a tight T-a cute young man in a tight T-shirt.shirt.

Comma Tip 4Comma Tip 4Comma Tip 4Comma Tip 4

Complete sentence Complete sentence Complete sentence Complete sentence + + ,, + + andand

complete sentence.complete sentence.complete sentence.complete sentence.

itemitemitemitem + + ØØ + + andand + + itemitemitemitem

itemitemitemitem itemitemitemitem itemitemitemitem+ + ,, + + andand +++ + ,, + +

Follow these rules when you use commas Follow these rules when you use commas with with andand..

11.. Tony wanted to order a pizza Tony wanted to order a pizza from the Pizza Hutch and some from the Pizza Hutch and some shrimp fried rice from Wei-Wei's shrimp fried rice from Wei-Wei's Cantonese Kitchen. Cantonese Kitchen.

11.. Tony wanted to order a pizza Tony wanted to order a pizza from the Pizza Hutch and some from the Pizza Hutch and some shrimp fried rice from Wei-Wei's shrimp fried rice from Wei-Wei's Cantonese Kitchen. Cantonese Kitchen.

item + item + andand + item = + item =

no comma!no comma!

22.. Debbie rushed to get the report Debbie rushed to get the report typed and Martha frantically typed and Martha frantically answered the phones. answered the phones.

22.. Debbie rushed to get the report Debbie rushed to get the report typed and Martha frantically typed and Martha frantically answered the phones. answered the phones.

22.. Debbie rushed to get the report Debbie rushed to get the report typedtyped,, and Martha frantically and Martha frantically answered the phones. answered the phones.

22.. Debbie rushed to get the report Debbie rushed to get the report typedtyped,, and Martha frantically and Martha frantically answered the phones. answered the phones.

33.. I don't know when to leave my I don't know when to leave my credit card at home and when to credit card at home and when to say no to a cheeseburger with say no to a cheeseburger with fries.fries.

33.. I don't know when to leave my I don't know when to leave my credit card at home and when to credit card at home and when to say no to a cheeseburger with say no to a cheeseburger with fries.fries.

item + item + andand + item = no + item = no

comma!comma!

44.. When Mike took his truck toWhen Mike took his truck tothe dealership, the mechanics the dealership, the mechanics wanted to put in a new wanted to put in a new starter, replace his shocks starter, replace his shocks and overhaul the transmission. and overhaul the transmission.

44.. When Mike took his truck toWhen Mike took his truck tothe dealership, the mechanics the dealership, the mechanics wanted to put in a new wanted to put in a new starter, replace his shocks starter, replace his shocks and overhaul the transmission. and overhaul the transmission.

44.. When Mike took his truck toWhen Mike took his truck tothe dealership, the mechanics the dealership, the mechanics wanted to put in a new wanted to put in a new starter, replace his shocksstarter, replace his shocks,, and overhaul the transmission. and overhaul the transmission.

44.. When Mike took his truck toWhen Mike took his truck tothe dealership, the mechanics the dealership, the mechanics wanted to put in a new wanted to put in a new starter, replace his shocksstarter, replace his shocks,, and overhaul the transmission. and overhaul the transmission.

55.. Because George snores to Because George snores to wake the dead and because wake the dead and because Fuzzball, the dog, barks at the Fuzzball, the dog, barks at the slightest sound, Alice never gets slightest sound, Alice never gets a good night's sleep.a good night's sleep.

55.. Because George snores to Because George snores to wake the dead and because wake the dead and because Fuzzball, the dog, barks at the Fuzzball, the dog, barks at the slightest sound, Alice never gets slightest sound, Alice never gets a good night's sleep.a good night's sleep.

item + item + andand + item = + item =

no comma!no comma!

Comma Tip 5Comma Tip 5Comma Tip 5Comma Tip 5

The studentThe studentThe studentThe student + + øø + + essential clauseessential clauseessential clauseessential clause

+ + øø + + ran to his class.ran to his class.ran to his class.ran to his class.

RobertRobertRobertRobert + + ,, + + nonessential clausenonessential clausenonessential clausenonessential clause

+ + ,, + + ran to his class.ran to his class.ran to his class.ran to his class.

Follow these rules when you use commas Follow these rules when you use commas with with nonessential clausesnonessential clauses..

11.. People who know their People who know their grammar rules shouldn't grammar rules shouldn't always correct those of always correct those of us who don't.us who don't.

11.. People who know their People who know their grammar rules shouldn't grammar rules shouldn't always correct those of always correct those of us who don't.us who don't.

Essential Essential clause = no clause = no

commas!commas!

22.. My brother James who My brother James who cannot please Dad has cannot please Dad has decided to move to decided to move to Michigan.Michigan.

22.. My brother James who My brother James who cannot please Dad has cannot please Dad has decided to move to decided to move to Michigan.Michigan.

22.. My brother JamesMy brother James,, who who cannot please Dad has cannot please Dad has decided to move to decided to move to Michigan.Michigan.

22.. My brother JamesMy brother James,, who who cannot please Dad has cannot please Dad has decided to move to decided to move to Michigan.Michigan.

22.. My brother JamesMy brother James,, who who cannot please Dadcannot please Dad,, has has decided to move to decided to move to Michigan.Michigan.

22.. My brother JamesMy brother James,, who who cannot please Dadcannot please Dad,, has has decided to move to decided to move to Michigan.Michigan.

33.. The basketball players The basketball players whom I admire the most whom I admire the most play for teams other than play for teams other than the Orlando Magic.the Orlando Magic.

33.. The basketball players The basketball players whom I admire the most whom I admire the most play for teams other than play for teams other than the Orlando Magic.the Orlando Magic.

Essential Essential clause = no clause = no

commas!commas!

44.. The movie The movie AliensAliens which which I have seen twenty-seven I have seen twenty-seven times contains too much times contains too much violence for my nephews violence for my nephews to watch.to watch.

44.. The movie The movie AliensAliens which which I have seen twenty-seven I have seen twenty-seven times contains too much times contains too much violence for my nephews violence for my nephews to watch.to watch.

44.. The movie The movie AliensAliens,, which which I have seen twenty-seven I have seen twenty-seven times contains too much times contains too much violence for my nephews violence for my nephews to watch.to watch.

44.. The movie The movie AliensAliens,, which which I have seen twenty-seven I have seen twenty-seven times contains too much times contains too much violence for my nephews violence for my nephews to watch.to watch.

44.. The movie The movie AliensAliens,, which which I have seen twenty-seven I have seen twenty-seven timestimes,, contains too much contains too much violence for my nephews violence for my nephews to watch.to watch.

44.. The movie The movie AliensAliens,, which which I have seen twenty-seven I have seen twenty-seven timestimes,, contains too much contains too much violence for my nephews violence for my nephews to watch.to watch.

55.. We watched a crazy kid We watched a crazy kid on a skateboard weave on a skateboard weave through the heavy traffic through the heavy traffic on Orange Avenue. The on Orange Avenue. The kid who had no fear of kid who had no fear of death or litigation leapeddeath or litigation leapeda curb and crashed into a a curb and crashed into a lawyer walking along the lawyer walking along the sidewalk.sidewalk.

55.. We watched a crazy kid We watched a crazy kid on a skateboard weave on a skateboard weave through the heavy traffic through the heavy traffic on Orange Avenue. The on Orange Avenue. The kid who had no fear of kid who had no fear of death or litigation leapeddeath or litigation leapeda curb and crashed into a a curb and crashed into a lawyer walking along the lawyer walking along the sidewalk.sidewalk.

55.. We watched a crazy kid We watched a crazy kid on a skateboard weave on a skateboard weave through the heavy traffic through the heavy traffic on Orange Avenue. The on Orange Avenue. The kidkid,, who had no fear of who had no fear of death or litigation leapeddeath or litigation leapeda curb and crashed into a a curb and crashed into a lawyer walking along the lawyer walking along the sidewalk.sidewalk.

55.. We watched a crazy kid We watched a crazy kid on a skateboard weave on a skateboard weave through the heavy traffic through the heavy traffic on Orange Avenue. The on Orange Avenue. The kidkid,, who had no fear of who had no fear of death or litigation leapeddeath or litigation leapeda curb and crashed into a a curb and crashed into a lawyer walking along the lawyer walking along the sidewalk.sidewalk.

55.. We watched a crazy kid We watched a crazy kid on a skateboard weave on a skateboard weave through the heavy traffic through the heavy traffic on Orange Avenue. The on Orange Avenue. The kidkid,, who had no fear of who had no fear of death or litigationdeath or litigation,, leaped leapeda curb and crashed into a a curb and crashed into a lawyer walking along the lawyer walking along the sidewalk.sidewalk.

55.. We watched a crazy kid We watched a crazy kid on a skateboard weave on a skateboard weave through the heavy traffic through the heavy traffic on Orange Avenue. The on Orange Avenue. The kidkid,, who had no fear of who had no fear of death or litigationdeath or litigation,, leaped leapeda curb and crashed into a a curb and crashed into a lawyer walking along the lawyer walking along the sidewalk.sidewalk.

Comma Tip 6Comma Tip 6Comma Tip 6Comma Tip 6

coordinate coordinate adjectiveadjective

coordinate coordinate adjectiveadjective + + ,, + +

coordinate coordinate adjectiveadjective

coordinate coordinate adjectiveadjective

noncoordinate noncoordinate adjectiveadjective

noncoordinate noncoordinate adjectiveadjective + + øø + +

noncoordinate noncoordinate adjectiveadjective

noncoordinate noncoordinate adjectiveadjective

Follow these rules when you use commas Follow these rules when you use commas with with a series of adjectivesa series of adjectives..

11.. Two cluttered computer Two cluttered computer tables and an unmade tables and an unmade sagging bed fill Antonio’s sagging bed fill Antonio’s small bedroom.small bedroom.

11.. Two cluttered computer Two cluttered computer tables and an unmade tables and an unmade sagging bed fill Antonio’s sagging bed fill Antonio’s small bedroom.small bedroom.

11.. Two cluttered computer Two cluttered computer tables and an unmadetables and an unmade,, sagging bed fill Antonio’s sagging bed fill Antonio’s small bedroom.small bedroom.

11.. Two cluttered computer Two cluttered computer tables and an unmadetables and an unmade,, sagging bed fill Antonio’s sagging bed fill Antonio’s small bedroom.small bedroom.

22.. The cute soft frisky ferret The cute soft frisky ferret will bite your fingers if you will bite your fingers if you try to pick him up.try to pick him up.

22.. The cute soft frisky ferret The cute soft frisky ferret will bite your fingers if you will bite your fingers if you try to pick him up.try to pick him up.

22.. The cuteThe cute,, soft frisky ferret soft frisky ferret will bite your fingers if you will bite your fingers if you try to pick him up.try to pick him up.

22.. The cuteThe cute,, soft frisky ferret soft frisky ferret will bite your fingers if you will bite your fingers if you try to pick him up.try to pick him up.

22.. The cuteThe cute,, soft soft,, frisky frisky ferret will bite your fingers ferret will bite your fingers if you try to pick him up.if you try to pick him up.

22.. The cuteThe cute,, soft soft,, frisky frisky ferret will bite your fingers ferret will bite your fingers if you try to pick him up.if you try to pick him up.

33.. Michael's faded ragged Michael's faded ragged New York Jets jacket New York Jets jacket was an inappropriate was an inappropriate choice of clothing for his choice of clothing for his second interview at the second interview at the bank.bank.

33.. Michael's faded ragged Michael's faded ragged New York Jets jacket New York Jets jacket was an inappropriate was an inappropriate choice of clothing for his choice of clothing for his second interview at the second interview at the bank.bank.

33.. Michael's fadedMichael's faded,, ragged ragged New York Jets jacket New York Jets jacket was an inappropriate was an inappropriate choice of clothing for his choice of clothing for his second interview at the second interview at the bank.bank.

33.. Michael's fadedMichael's faded,, ragged ragged New York Jets jacket New York Jets jacket was an inappropriate was an inappropriate choice of clothing for his choice of clothing for his second interview at the second interview at the bank.bank.

44.. The hot spicy appetizing The hot spicy appetizing bowl of squid eyeball bowl of squid eyeball stew steamed on the stew steamed on the clean shiny kitchen clean shiny kitchen counter.counter.

44.. The hot spicy appetizing The hot spicy appetizing bowl of squid eyeball bowl of squid eyeball stew steamed on the stew steamed on the clean shiny kitchen clean shiny kitchen counter.counter.

44.. The hotThe hot,, spicy appetizing spicy appetizing bowl of squid eyeball bowl of squid eyeball stew steamed on the stew steamed on the clean shiny kitchen clean shiny kitchen counter.counter.

44.. The hotThe hot,, spicy appetizing spicy appetizing bowl of squid eyeball bowl of squid eyeball stew steamed on the stew steamed on the clean shiny kitchen clean shiny kitchen counter.counter.

44.. The hotThe hot,, spicy spicy,, appetizing appetizing bowl of squid eyeball bowl of squid eyeball stew steamed on the stew steamed on the clean shiny kitchen clean shiny kitchen counter.counter.

44.. The hotThe hot,, spicy spicy,, appetizing appetizing bowl of squid eyeball bowl of squid eyeball stew steamed on the stew steamed on the clean shiny kitchen clean shiny kitchen counter.counter.

44.. The hotThe hot,, spicy spicy,, appetizing appetizing bowl of squid eyeball bowl of squid eyeball stew steamed on the stew steamed on the cleanclean,, shiny kitchen shiny kitchen counter.counter.

44.. The hotThe hot,, spicy spicy,, appetizing appetizing bowl of squid eyeball bowl of squid eyeball stew steamed on the stew steamed on the cleanclean,, shiny kitchen shiny kitchen counter.counter.

55.. A strange smell A strange smell emanated from Barbara's emanated from Barbara's blue disorganized book blue disorganized book bag, which lay on the bag, which lay on the floor beside her desk.floor beside her desk.

55.. A strange smell A strange smell emanated from Barbara's emanated from Barbara's blue disorganized book blue disorganized book bag, which lay on the bag, which lay on the floor beside her desk.floor beside her desk.

55.. A strange smell A strange smell emanated from Barbara's emanated from Barbara's blueblue,, disorganized book disorganized book bag, which lay on the bag, which lay on the floor beside her desk.floor beside her desk.

55.. A strange smell A strange smell emanated from Barbara's emanated from Barbara's blueblue,, disorganized book disorganized book bag, which lay on the bag, which lay on the floor beside her desk.floor beside her desk.

Comma Tip 7Comma Tip 7Comma Tip 7Comma Tip 7

Complete sentenceComplete sentenceComplete sentenceComplete sentence + + ,, + + soso ++

complete sentence.complete sentence.complete sentence.complete sentence.

Complete sentenceComplete sentenceComplete sentenceComplete sentence + + øø + + so thatso that ++

subordinate clause.subordinate clause.subordinate clause.subordinate clause.

Follow these rules with Follow these rules with soso and and so thatso that or or soso [[thatthat implied].implied].

11.. Robbie bought a small Robbie bought a small microwave for his first microwave for his first apartment so he could apartment so he could cook popcorn and cook popcorn and macaroni and cheese, the macaroni and cheese, the only meals he could only meals he could afford.afford.

11.. Robbie bought a small Robbie bought a small microwave for his first microwave for his first apartment so he could apartment so he could cook popcorn and cook popcorn and macaroni and cheese, the macaroni and cheese, the only meals he could only meals he could afford.afford.

Implied Implied thatthat after after soso = no = no

comma!comma!

22.. Sylvia wore flat shoes on Sylvia wore flat shoes on her date with Tony so she her date with Tony so she wouldn’t intimidate this wouldn’t intimidate this short young man with her short young man with her height.height.

22.. Sylvia wore flat shoes on Sylvia wore flat shoes on her date with Tony so she her date with Tony so she wouldn’t intimidate this wouldn’t intimidate this short young man with her short young man with her height.height.

Implied Implied thatthat after after soso = no = no

comma!comma!

33.. Yuko bought a small Yuko bought a small aquarium and some aquarium and some goldfish so her apartment goldfish so her apartment wouldn’t feel so lonely.wouldn’t feel so lonely.

33.. Yuko bought a small Yuko bought a small aquarium and some aquarium and some goldfish so her apartment goldfish so her apartment wouldn’t feel so lonely.wouldn’t feel so lonely.

Implied Implied thatthat after after soso = no = no

comma!comma!

44.. Patrick always carries an Patrick always carries an English handbook with English handbook with him, even to basketball him, even to basketball games so that he can games so that he can check other people’s check other people’s grammar wherever he grammar wherever he goes.goes.

44.. Patrick always carries an Patrick always carries an English handbook with English handbook with him, even to basketball him, even to basketball games so that he can games so that he can check other people’s check other people’s grammar wherever he grammar wherever he goes.goes.

44.. Patrick always carries an Patrick always carries an English handbook with English handbook with him, even to basketball him, even to basketball gamesgames,, so that he can so that he can check other people’s check other people’s grammar wherever he grammar wherever he goes.goes.

44.. Patrick always carries an Patrick always carries an English handbook with English handbook with him, even to basketball him, even to basketball gamesgames,, so that he can so that he can check other people’s check other people’s grammar wherever he grammar wherever he goes.goes. The comma is for The comma is for

the the interrupterinterrupter, , not the not the so thatso that..

The comma is for The comma is for the the interrupterinterrupter, , not the not the so thatso that..

55.. Rachel neglected to Rachel neglected to make her car payment make her car payment three months in a row so three months in a row so she must hide her car in she must hide her car in friends’ garages in an friends’ garages in an attempt to foil the repo attempt to foil the repo man.man.

55.. Rachel neglected to Rachel neglected to make her car payment make her car payment three months in a row so three months in a row so she must hide her car in she must hide her car in friends’ garages in an friends’ garages in an attempt to foil the repo attempt to foil the repo man.man.

55.. Rachel neglected to Rachel neglected to make her car payment make her car payment three months in a rowthree months in a row,, so so she must hide her car in she must hide her car in friends’ garages in an friends’ garages in an attempt to foil the repo attempt to foil the repo man.man.

55.. Rachel neglected to Rachel neglected to make her car payment make her car payment three months in a rowthree months in a row,, so so she must hide her car in she must hide her car in friends’ garages in an friends’ garages in an attempt to foil the repo attempt to foil the repo man.man.

The END.The END.The END.The END.