How to Use Commas: Match the rule to the example!

Rule 9: Although commas are often suggested after introductory prepositional phrases to make sentences clearer, a comma must be used when the prepositional phrase contains more than three words.

Example: Across the state, you will see a lot of wildlife.

Rule 1: Use commas to separate three or more items in a series. Do NOT use commas if conjunctions are used between all items.

Example: Allen, Brett, and Leah brought candy, cupcakes, and chips.

Rule 7: Put a comma between city and state. Also, put a comma after the state if there is more sentence.

Example: The fair comes to Cumming, Georgia, every fall.

Rule 3: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS or also called BOYFANS) that joins two sentences.

Example: The sky was bright and clear, but a gloom hung over the stadium.

Rule 2: Use commas to set off nonessential (unnecessary) and interrupting clauses/phrases in a sentence.

Example: This story, in my opinion, is the author's best.

Rule 6: When a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence, use a comma between the dependent and independent clauses. If a subordinating conjunction is in the middle of a sentence, do NOT use a comma.

Example: Because it is a new year, I have to get a new planner.

Rule 7 cont.: The same rule applies for dates, but no comma used if only the month and year are given

Example: Graham was born on Thursday, October 6th, 2016, in Cumming, Georgia.

Rule 5: When speaking directly to others, separate their names from the rest of the sentence.

Example: I don't want you to miss the test review, Jack.

Rule 11: Use commas after transition words and introductory words at the beginning of a sentence. If the transition words appear in the middle of the sentence, put commas on both sides.

Example: On the other hand, I will listen to your side of the story.

Rule 4: Use a comma when people are speaking. Put the comma to the left of your quotation marks.

Example: She said, "Clean up your room."

Rule 12: Do NOT join sentences with a comma, and do NOT separate verbs and prepositional phrases from the rest of the sentence with a comma.

Example: The boy was excited he got a 100, he got a prize. WRONG! Use a semicolon instead.

Rule 8: Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives. These are equal adjectives. Tip--To tell if they are equal, put and between them and switch them. If both work, then put commas between these adjectives.

Example: The wild, hungry tiger paced through the grass.

Rule 10: Use commas to separate contrasting statements, added questions, or places where additional information demands a pause or is an afterthought.

Examples: Football, not baseball, is my favorite sport to watch. You are going to the movie, aren't you?

Rule 5 cont.: Use commas also to separate answers to questions from the rest of the sentence & a degree from the name of the person.

Examples: I don't want you to miss the test review, Jack. Dr. Smith, Ph.D., is the best.