Extra Credit Post

Comma Rules

Rule 1: Use commas in compoun sentences when clauses are separted by a conjunction such as "and," "but," "for," "nor," or "yet."
Ex: She was not a good journalism student. nor was she a good blogger.
Ex: She wasn't pretty, yet she had an excellent singing voice.

Rule 2: Use commas to separate elements in a series.
Ex: She is good at writing, proof-reading, reading and spelling.
Ex: Prof. Spaulding is well-dressed, personable, smart and funny.

Rule 3: Use commas when attributing from quoted material. Use them also in greetings.
Ex: "I think this fundraiser was the best this year," she said.
Ex: "Good morning Mother," the girl said.

Rule 4: Commas follow introductory matter, such as after an introductory clause. Commas also follow two or more introductory prepositional phrases and are used with a phrase that contains a verbal.
Ex: Drifting off to sleep, Lauren smiled.
Ex: In the fall of her junior year, Martha broke her leg.

Rule 5: Commas follow the salutation of a friendly letter and the complimentary close of any letter. A colon follows the salutation of a business letter.
Ex:
Dear Prof. Spaulding,
I hate grammar.
Sincerely,
Lauren Slavin
Ex: Dear President Caret:

Rule 6: Commas follow all items in a date or full address.
Ex: I have lived in Crofton, Maryland, my entire life.
Ex: August 9, 1990, is my birthday.

Rule 7: Commas surround nonessential words or phrases.
Ex: My mother, who is in her fifties, dyes her hair.
Ex: Ruth, my mother, is a nurse.

Rule 8: Commas surround words of direct address.
Ex: I understand, Prof. Spaulding, that you are trying to torture us with all this grammar.
Ex: Lauren, please don't procrastinate.

Rule 9: Commas indicate omitted verbs, usually expressed in another part of the sentence.
Ex: Fire causes damage to building; to family, greater loss
Ex: Student dies from grammar overdose; professor, from grief.