The Basics
[1] In a series
Kevin, Carl, and Jack went out for burgers.
I ran to the car, yanked open the door, and dove inside.
Serial comma: (also known as an Oxford comma), is the comma that precedes the conjunction in a list of three or more items. This comma is a stylistic
choice. Generally, journalists (AP style) do not use it, but everyone else (Chicago style) does.
Dogs, cats, and mice shouldn't be kept in the same cage.
The advantage of the serial comma is the reader's expectations. If a writer uses the serial comma consistently, then readers will notice its absence and
understand the intended meaning.
My favorite foods are hamburgers, fish and chips, and pizza. (If the writer had not previously been using the serial comma, the reader may
initially read the above as "hamburgers, fish, and chips, and pizza.")
[2] Dates
Month day, year, (comma before and after the year)
He was born October 11,1982, in the morning.
Month year (no comma)
In September 2005 she turned ninety.
On Christmas day 2005 I was arrested.
Day month year (no commas)
The police record for 5 October 2005 showed nothing unusual.
[3] Addresses
City, state, (The state is treated as parenthetical)
Melbourne, Florida, is located on the ocean. (Note: it is becoming increasingly acceptable to leave off the comma after the state)
Exception: if the state is in a possessive form, omit the trailing comma.
Melbourne, Florida's climate is mild.
Street address, city, state zip,
555 Fake Street, Faketown, AL 30666, is now where I live.
[4] Degrees or titles used with names (Exception: commas are not used around Jr. or Sr.)
John Davis, M.D., was the attending physician.
Steven Jacobs, CEO or Amertech, called for a board meeting.
Beyond the Basics (Note: There is some intentional overlap between entries. It is beneficial to consider the topics from different angles.)
[5] Direct address (a.k.a. vocatives)
"Robert, when will you arrive."
Time for another talk, Jim.
You don't know what your talking about, jerk.
Come here, James, and pick up your mess.
Sweetie, can you get that for me?
[6] Names and places
Robert, from Claxton, ran for election.
Exception: when the "place" is part of the name
The Kennedys of New York are related to the Jack Kennedy.
[7] Introductory words "yes," "no," etc. (including conjunctive adverbs and adverbs)
Jauntily, I jogged around town.
Already, I had failed.
Yes, I like the car.
No, it's not too red.
Well then, shall we sign the papers?
Oh, what a beautiful day.
Still, I can't believe it.
However, I don't believe him.
Option: the comma can be omitted (for style) after an introductory adverb.
Fearfully he turned the knob to the attic door.
Except: If the adverb or adverbial phrase modifies the whole sentence rather than a specific element of the sentence, a comma is needed.
Sadly, the old woman died the very next day.
Exception: do not use a comma after introductory words that are functioning as adverbs and are immediately followed by the verb they modify.
Why, can't you? Means roughly: "Why do you ask? Can't you take care of it?"
Why can't you? Means roughly: "Why can't you do it?"
The same is true when these words appear at the end of a sentence.
What's to be done, then? "What is to be done, in that case?"
What's to be done then? "What is to be done at that time?"
[8] Introductory phrases or dependant clauses
After the storm, I'll milk the cow.
When I return, I'll eat dinner.
If you are scared, I'll slow down. (But if the Independent clause leads the dependant, no comma is used: I'll slow down if you are scared.)
When I return, I'll turn out the lights.
Running down the road, she suddenly realized that she'd dropped her purse.
Exception: If the introductory phrase is three words or less, the comma may be omitted if the omission does not create confusion.
In June I'll be going to Alaska.
Yesterday I ran to the store.
Exception: if the introductory adverbial or participial phrase immediately precedes the verb it modifies, no comma is used
Out of the dark stepped the man in black.
From behind the tree jumped a stranger.
[9] To set off nonessential elements
The cat, not the dog, made the mess on the floor.
[10] Between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, for, nor, so)
[Independent clause], [Coordinating conjunction] [Independent clause]
I potted the flowers, but I didn't plant the trees.
I chose the car and the boat, and Jerry chose the plane
Be careful: Both clauses must be independent (have a subject/verb and stand alone; otherwise no comma is used.
She ran fast but didn't catch the thief. (No subject after the conjunction. Therefore, no comma.)
Note: Compound Predicates are generally not separated by punctuation unless needed to prevent misreading
Kevin walked slowly along the creek and admired the flitting butterflies.
He stifled the cry that rose to his lips, and lay motionless. (comma needed to prevent misreading)
Note: Some writers will omit the comma if the clauses are short and balanced.
She stumbled but he fell. (Although stylistically acceptable, an English teacher may not approve.)
Note: Although a comma is not technically required before "but" if the following element is not an independent clause, it is acceptable to use
a comma because "but" generally introduces a contrasting element. (see rule 22)
The hotel room was clean, but smelled awful.
[11] Appositives: if the words that follow a noun and describe it are nonrestrictive, set them off with commas
Karen Grant, friend to all animals, is opening a shelter.
Her dog, spot, is very friendly. (If she has only one dog, then "spot" is nonrestrictive.)
Her dog spot is very friendly. ("Spot" is restrictive if she has more than one dog.)
My brother, James, is a hard worker. (I have only one brother)
My brother James is a hard worker. (I have more than one brother, but the one named James is a hard worker.)
Jackie, a freshman, is studying all night.
My brother, wearing a blue shirt, jogged around the block. (Nonrestrictive. My brother happens to be wearing a blue shirt.)
The guy wearing a blue shirt robbed me. (Restrictive. The guy is defined (restricted) by his blue shirt.)
[12] Between coordinate adjectives: adjectives that equally modify the same word.
Test 1:: when the word "and" could be placed between two adjectives and the adjective order can be swapped without modifying the meaning,
separate them with a comma. (Note: the test is not whether or not it sounds awkward, but does it change the meaning.)
Test 2: if each adjective alone could modify the noun and still make sense, separate the adjectives with a comma.
David is a loyal, trustworthy friend. (Test 1: "trustworthy and loyal friend"-- Makes sense.)
Karen is a capable, compassionate teacher. (Test 2: "capable teacher," "compassionate teacher"--Both make sense.)
Spot is a bad, bad dog. (Always separate repeated adjectives with a comma.)
Cumulative (hierarchal) adjectives are not separated by commas.
The dark blue car was sitting in the driveway. ("Dark" modifies "blue," not "car," therefore, they are cumulative and not separated by a comma.)
Compound modifiers are connected with a hyphen, not separated by a comma. See [Hyphen]
Open-mouthed kiss
Ill-tempered dog
Well-kept secret
Yellow-eyed turtle
[13] when an -ly adjective is used with other adjectives
Sarah was a sickly, old woman
I was tired after digging up the deeply buried treasure. Note: Deeply is not an adjective in this sentence; therefore, no comma is used.
The Test: An -ly adjective will stand alone with the noun (e.g. sickly woman). If not (deeply treasure), it's not an adjective.
[14] Quotations: for more detail on the syntax of quotations, click here.
"Run," she screamed.
She screamed, "Run."
"If I come to the party," she said, "I will be wearing the lampshade."
Note: Do not use a comma to separate quotations preceded by "that" or which are embedded in the sentence.
My sister said that "all dogs go to heaven."
I hate the way she says "Sorry" when she doesn't really mean it.
[15] Nonrestrictive phrases, also known as parenthetical phrases, should be set off by commas.
The dog catcher, who was eating donuts at the time, didn't notice them escape.
Exception: If the parenthetical element follows a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses, the comma is not needed.
The cat chased the mouse, but even though it was faster, the clumsy cat couldn't catch the rodent.
Special note: adverbial clauses can present a challenge, but the rules are the same: if the clause is nonrestrictive, set it off with commas.
I had to abandon the car because it was on fire. (No comma. The clause modifies the preceding word in a restrictive way.)
I knew that she had to abandon her car, because her brother told me. (Comma. The clause does not modify "car." It explains how I knew.)
[16] Asides
I was, as you can well imagine, terrified when I saw the bear.
Exception: If the aside follows a coordinating conjunction used to connect two independent clauses, the comma preceding the aside is not needed.
The man fell to the floor, and as you can well imagine, he found himself in considerable pain.
[17] Separate a statement from a question
I shouldn't eat the cake, should I?
[18] To set off phrases that modify something other than the preceding word
David jumped up and down, laughing hysterically.
[19] Interrupting words or phrases such as therefore, however, thus, likewise, etc.
I was, therefore, angry at her.
I didn't understand, however, that the mistake was mine.
I was, of course, disgusted by his behavior.
Caution: be sure the interrupter isn't a conjunctive adverb connection two independent clauses.
Exception: If the interrupting word follows a coordinating conjunction used to connect two independent clauses, don't put a comma between the conjunction
and the interrupting words.
The campers tent collapsed in the rain storm, and of course, they all were soaked. (Notice: see rule 10 for an explanation of the comma before "and."
I didn't like school very much, but frankly, it was better than my alternatives.
[20] After words that introduce a series (as opposed to a colon to introduce a series)
You should bring supplies with you to school, e.g., pencils, erasers, and paper.
Optional construction: You should bring supplies with you to school; e.g., pencils, erasers, and paper.
[21] Elliptical constructions: a comma is often used as a stand in for an omitted word or words.
My freshman year I missed three classes; sophomore year, two; and junior year, four. (the comma replaces "I missed.")
Exception: the comma may be omitted if the elliptical construction is clear without it.
Jack is good at sales, Jane at marketing, and Jim at production. (Notice: without the internal commas, semicolons are not needed.)
[22] To separate contrasted elements or indicate a pause or shift in thought
The car was beautiful, but sounded like hell.
I would like to go to the store, too.
She crashed my car, not yours.
She was tired, not lazy.
The dog's eyes seemed thoughtful, almost human.
The young girl seemed naive, even gullible.
You were there last night, weren't you?
Stylistic Usage
[23] Short sentences can be strung together for stylistic effect.
I came, I saw, I conquered.
He stumbled, he fell.
Sally jumped, Jane scream, and Jim ducked.
Syntax
No spaces before, one space after
No comma before an opening parenthesis. The aside takes the place of the comma in the sentence.
Usage Key
Misuse
[1] Comma splice: combining two independent clauses with a comma
<Wrong> Heather loves to fly, she goes up every chance she gets.
Should be: Heather loves to fly. She goes up every chance she gets.
Let's Talk Style
Let's see how the pros use it
[1] In a series
Kevin, Carl, and Jack went out for burgers.
I ran to the car, yanked open the door, and dove inside.
Serial comma: (also known as an Oxford comma), is the comma that precedes the conjunction in a list of three or more items. This comma is a stylistic
choice. Generally, journalists (AP style) do not use it, but everyone else (Chicago style) does.
Dogs, cats, and mice shouldn't be kept in the same cage.
The advantage of the serial comma is the reader's expectations. If a writer uses the serial comma consistently, then readers will notice its absence and
understand the intended meaning.
My favorite foods are hamburgers, fish and chips, and pizza. (If the writer had not previously been using the serial comma, the reader may
initially read the above as "hamburgers, fish, and chips, and pizza.")
[2] Dates
Month day, year, (comma before and after the year)
He was born October 11,1982, in the morning.
Month year (no comma)
In September 2005 she turned ninety.
On Christmas day 2005 I was arrested.
Day month year (no commas)
The police record for 5 October 2005 showed nothing unusual.
[3] Addresses
City, state, (The state is treated as parenthetical)
Melbourne, Florida, is located on the ocean. (Note: it is becoming increasingly acceptable to leave off the comma after the state)
Exception: if the state is in a possessive form, omit the trailing comma.
Melbourne, Florida's climate is mild.
Street address, city, state zip,
555 Fake Street, Faketown, AL 30666, is now where I live.
[4] Degrees or titles used with names (Exception: commas are not used around Jr. or Sr.)
John Davis, M.D., was the attending physician.
Steven Jacobs, CEO or Amertech, called for a board meeting.
Beyond the Basics (Note: There is some intentional overlap between entries. It is beneficial to consider the topics from different angles.)
[5] Direct address (a.k.a. vocatives)
"Robert, when will you arrive."
Time for another talk, Jim.
You don't know what your talking about, jerk.
Come here, James, and pick up your mess.
Sweetie, can you get that for me?
[6] Names and places
Robert, from Claxton, ran for election.
Exception: when the "place" is part of the name
The Kennedys of New York are related to the Jack Kennedy.
[7] Introductory words "yes," "no," etc. (including conjunctive adverbs and adverbs)
Jauntily, I jogged around town.
Already, I had failed.
Yes, I like the car.
No, it's not too red.
Well then, shall we sign the papers?
Oh, what a beautiful day.
Still, I can't believe it.
However, I don't believe him.
Option: the comma can be omitted (for style) after an introductory adverb.
Fearfully he turned the knob to the attic door.
Except: If the adverb or adverbial phrase modifies the whole sentence rather than a specific element of the sentence, a comma is needed.
Sadly, the old woman died the very next day.
Exception: do not use a comma after introductory words that are functioning as adverbs and are immediately followed by the verb they modify.
Why, can't you? Means roughly: "Why do you ask? Can't you take care of it?"
Why can't you? Means roughly: "Why can't you do it?"
The same is true when these words appear at the end of a sentence.
What's to be done, then? "What is to be done, in that case?"
What's to be done then? "What is to be done at that time?"
[8] Introductory phrases or dependant clauses
After the storm, I'll milk the cow.
When I return, I'll eat dinner.
If you are scared, I'll slow down. (But if the Independent clause leads the dependant, no comma is used: I'll slow down if you are scared.)
When I return, I'll turn out the lights.
Running down the road, she suddenly realized that she'd dropped her purse.
Exception: If the introductory phrase is three words or less, the comma may be omitted if the omission does not create confusion.
In June I'll be going to Alaska.
Yesterday I ran to the store.
Exception: if the introductory adverbial or participial phrase immediately precedes the verb it modifies, no comma is used
Out of the dark stepped the man in black.
From behind the tree jumped a stranger.
[9] To set off nonessential elements
The cat, not the dog, made the mess on the floor.
[10] Between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, for, nor, so)
[Independent clause], [Coordinating conjunction] [Independent clause]
I potted the flowers, but I didn't plant the trees.
I chose the car and the boat, and Jerry chose the plane
Be careful: Both clauses must be independent (have a subject/verb and stand alone; otherwise no comma is used.
She ran fast but didn't catch the thief. (No subject after the conjunction. Therefore, no comma.)
Note: Compound Predicates are generally not separated by punctuation unless needed to prevent misreading
Kevin walked slowly along the creek and admired the flitting butterflies.
He stifled the cry that rose to his lips, and lay motionless. (comma needed to prevent misreading)
Note: Some writers will omit the comma if the clauses are short and balanced.
She stumbled but he fell. (Although stylistically acceptable, an English teacher may not approve.)
Note: Although a comma is not technically required before "but" if the following element is not an independent clause, it is acceptable to use
a comma because "but" generally introduces a contrasting element. (see rule 22)
The hotel room was clean, but smelled awful.
[11] Appositives: if the words that follow a noun and describe it are nonrestrictive, set them off with commas
Karen Grant, friend to all animals, is opening a shelter.
Her dog, spot, is very friendly. (If she has only one dog, then "spot" is nonrestrictive.)
Her dog spot is very friendly. ("Spot" is restrictive if she has more than one dog.)
My brother, James, is a hard worker. (I have only one brother)
My brother James is a hard worker. (I have more than one brother, but the one named James is a hard worker.)
Jackie, a freshman, is studying all night.
My brother, wearing a blue shirt, jogged around the block. (Nonrestrictive. My brother happens to be wearing a blue shirt.)
The guy wearing a blue shirt robbed me. (Restrictive. The guy is defined (restricted) by his blue shirt.)
[12] Between coordinate adjectives: adjectives that equally modify the same word.
Test 1:: when the word "and" could be placed between two adjectives and the adjective order can be swapped without modifying the meaning,
separate them with a comma. (Note: the test is not whether or not it sounds awkward, but does it change the meaning.)
Test 2: if each adjective alone could modify the noun and still make sense, separate the adjectives with a comma.
David is a loyal, trustworthy friend. (Test 1: "trustworthy and loyal friend"-- Makes sense.)
Karen is a capable, compassionate teacher. (Test 2: "capable teacher," "compassionate teacher"--Both make sense.)
Spot is a bad, bad dog. (Always separate repeated adjectives with a comma.)
Cumulative (hierarchal) adjectives are not separated by commas.
The dark blue car was sitting in the driveway. ("Dark" modifies "blue," not "car," therefore, they are cumulative and not separated by a comma.)
Compound modifiers are connected with a hyphen, not separated by a comma. See [Hyphen]
Open-mouthed kiss
Ill-tempered dog
Well-kept secret
Yellow-eyed turtle
[13] when an -ly adjective is used with other adjectives
Sarah was a sickly, old woman
I was tired after digging up the deeply buried treasure. Note: Deeply is not an adjective in this sentence; therefore, no comma is used.
The Test: An -ly adjective will stand alone with the noun (e.g. sickly woman). If not (deeply treasure), it's not an adjective.
[14] Quotations: for more detail on the syntax of quotations, click here.
"Run," she screamed.
She screamed, "Run."
"If I come to the party," she said, "I will be wearing the lampshade."
Note: Do not use a comma to separate quotations preceded by "that" or which are embedded in the sentence.
My sister said that "all dogs go to heaven."
I hate the way she says "Sorry" when she doesn't really mean it.
[15] Nonrestrictive phrases, also known as parenthetical phrases, should be set off by commas.
The dog catcher, who was eating donuts at the time, didn't notice them escape.
Exception: If the parenthetical element follows a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses, the comma is not needed.
The cat chased the mouse, but even though it was faster, the clumsy cat couldn't catch the rodent.
Special note: adverbial clauses can present a challenge, but the rules are the same: if the clause is nonrestrictive, set it off with commas.
I had to abandon the car because it was on fire. (No comma. The clause modifies the preceding word in a restrictive way.)
I knew that she had to abandon her car, because her brother told me. (Comma. The clause does not modify "car." It explains how I knew.)
[16] Asides
I was, as you can well imagine, terrified when I saw the bear.
Exception: If the aside follows a coordinating conjunction used to connect two independent clauses, the comma preceding the aside is not needed.
The man fell to the floor, and as you can well imagine, he found himself in considerable pain.
[17] Separate a statement from a question
I shouldn't eat the cake, should I?
[18] To set off phrases that modify something other than the preceding word
David jumped up and down, laughing hysterically.
[19] Interrupting words or phrases such as therefore, however, thus, likewise, etc.
I was, therefore, angry at her.
I didn't understand, however, that the mistake was mine.
I was, of course, disgusted by his behavior.
Caution: be sure the interrupter isn't a conjunctive adverb connection two independent clauses.
Exception: If the interrupting word follows a coordinating conjunction used to connect two independent clauses, don't put a comma between the conjunction
and the interrupting words.
The campers tent collapsed in the rain storm, and of course, they all were soaked. (Notice: see rule 10 for an explanation of the comma before "and."
I didn't like school very much, but frankly, it was better than my alternatives.
[20] After words that introduce a series (as opposed to a colon to introduce a series)
You should bring supplies with you to school, e.g., pencils, erasers, and paper.
Optional construction: You should bring supplies with you to school; e.g., pencils, erasers, and paper.
[21] Elliptical constructions: a comma is often used as a stand in for an omitted word or words.
My freshman year I missed three classes; sophomore year, two; and junior year, four. (the comma replaces "I missed.")
Exception: the comma may be omitted if the elliptical construction is clear without it.
Jack is good at sales, Jane at marketing, and Jim at production. (Notice: without the internal commas, semicolons are not needed.)
[22] To separate contrasted elements or indicate a pause or shift in thought
The car was beautiful, but sounded like hell.
I would like to go to the store, too.
She crashed my car, not yours.
She was tired, not lazy.
The dog's eyes seemed thoughtful, almost human.
The young girl seemed naive, even gullible.
You were there last night, weren't you?
Stylistic Usage
[23] Short sentences can be strung together for stylistic effect.
I came, I saw, I conquered.
He stumbled, he fell.
Sally jumped, Jane scream, and Jim ducked.
Syntax
No spaces before, one space after
No comma before an opening parenthesis. The aside takes the place of the comma in the sentence.
Usage Key
Misuse
[1] Comma splice: combining two independent clauses with a comma
<Wrong> Heather loves to fly, she goes up every chance she gets.
Should be: Heather loves to fly. She goes up every chance she gets.
Let's Talk Style
Let's see how the pros use it
| Comma (,) |
www.PunctuationMadeSimple.com
