Asked by: Sarah Bodenstein

Rule: Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. A comma tells readers that the introductory clause or phrase has come to a close and that the main part of the sentence is about to begin. When Evan was ready to iron, his cat tripped on the cord.

What are the 4 rules for commas?

Separate it with commas using commas these four basic rules number one separating fanboys clauses number two separating listeners in a sentence rule number three separating lists in a sentence.

What are the 10 rules of commas?

10 Comma Rules to Make Your Writing Flawless

• Rule 1: Comma Before FANBOYS.
• Rule 2: Comma after Dependent Clauses.
• Rule 3: After an Introductory Word or Phrase.
• Rule 4: Before Follow-up Elements.
• Rule 5: Between Items in a Series.
• Rule 6: Nonessential Interrupting Phrases and Words.
• Rule 7: With Dates and Places.

What are the 5 Rules of commas?

Five Comma Rules

• Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. …
• Use commas before and after a parenthetical phrase or clause. …
• Use a comma to separate two independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor or, so, yet) …
• Use a comma to separate items in a series.

What are the 12 rules for commas?

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• Use a comma to separate items in a list (but beware of the serial comma). …
• Use a comma to join independent clauses. …
• Use a comma to join a dependent clause and an independent clause. …
• Use a comma following an introductory word group. …
• Use a comma to interrupt a sentence or to provide additional information.

What are the examples of comma?

2. Examples of Comma Use

• The pet store has cats, dogs, hamsters, fish, and turtles. Listing things.
• I really wanted cereal this morning, but I didn’t have any milk. Connecting clauses.
• Well, if you really want pancakes, I guess I can make them. Creating pauses.

Can you have 3 commas in a sentence?

If you have sentences like, “Bob walked, to, the store, slowly” then yes, there are too many commas. But a sentence that contains a list could legitimately have many commas. Like, “He found a bottle, three coins, two keys, a small metal box, a pack of matches, some scraps of paper, and a patridge in a pear tree.”

What are the 3 comma rules?

Since I made such a stink about it, let’s start with this rule:

• Use a comma between items in a series or list.
• Use a comma between two independent clauses separated by a conjunction.
• Use a comma between two adjectives preceding a noun.
• Your Mission.

What are the 6 comma rules?

Six Comma Rules

• Put a comma before for, and, not, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS), when they connect two. …
• Put a comma after an introductory expression that doesn’t flow smoothly into the. …
• Put a comma between items in a series. …
• Put commas around an expression that interrupts the flow of the sentence (such as.

Do I need a comma in this sentence?

Common Comma Uses



The following are the different circumstances that require a comma be used. Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction that links two independent clauses. Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence. Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence.

Can you put 2 commas in a sentence?

You can use two commas for three items, or if you’re like me you obsess over the Oxford Comma. That’s the little comma that can be arguable both necessary and unnecessary, and is after the last item listed in the series. I think it’s crucial. Example: Growing up I had goats, chickens, turkeys, and geese.

Do you put a comma after okay?

Especially when it's linked by one of these words of four. And nor but or yet or so okay second example where you would use a comma is when you have a list of three or more items.

How many commas do you need for 3 words?

Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional.

How many commas should be used in a sentence?

1 Answer. There’s no set limit, but it has to make sense, and their use can affect the meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to put a comma before and?

It is grammatically correct to use a comma before “and” (and other coordinating conjunctions such as “but”, “or”, “nor”) only when it splits two independent clauses (i.e. if you remove the “and” you will be left with two complete sentences), or if you’re using it as an Oxford comma.

Where do you not use commas?

Plain Writing Tips – Comma or No Comma?

1. Do not use a comma between the subject and verb of a sentence. …
2. Do not use a comma when the subject has two verbs. …
3. Use a comma at the end of a date. …
4. Use a comma after place names using states or counties. …
5. Use a comma before “and” when listing a series.

Do you put a comma between city and country?

Unless a place name is at the end of a sentence and followed by sentence-ending punctuation, whenever you list a city and a state or a city and a country, place commas around the state or the country.

Do you put a comma after a name?

The comma rule depicted here is simple: use a comma with the name of a person you are directly addressing. If the name comes first, it is followed by a comma: Children, please stop jumping on the beds.

Is there a comma between month and year?

If only the month and year are used, do not use commas. Do not use the word “of” between the month and the year. Use: We met in December 2011 (not December of 2011). Appositives and phrases introduced by a comma must always be closed by a comma (or period at the end of a sentence).