Punctuation Rules: Commas - When and How to Use Them

Contributed by:
Ivan
An introductory lesson on commas, the second-most important form of punctuation, is only preceded by the full stop.
Use a comma to separate independent clauses.
Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
Use a comma between all items in a series.
Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
Use a comma to set off appositives.
Use a comma to indicate a direct address.
Use commas to set off direct quotations.
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Punctuation:
Commas
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Today we will learn about commas!
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There are many instances that
require a comma, but we will
focus on the most important and
look at some examples!
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When to use commas:
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1.separate items in a 2. Dates 3. Locations
series
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When to use commas:
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4. Compound sentences 5. Introductory Words 6. Set off a quotation
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1. Separate a series of items with commas!
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When listing more than 2 things in a sentence use
commas in between the things you are listing!
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1. Separate a series of items with commas!
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Today we will go to the beach, mall, and park!
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1. Separate a series of items with commas!
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My hobbies include baseball, basketball, and hockey.
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1. Separate a series of items with commas!
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Some odd numbers include 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13.
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No comma with just 2 things!
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John gave his brother and Sister a ride to the park!
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2. Separate day and year in date!
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Use a comma to separate the day and year! This avoids
confusion when discussing a specific date!
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2. Separate day and year in date!
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The declaration of independence was signed on July 4, 1776.
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2. Separate day and year in date!
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The American civil war ended on April 9, 1865.
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2. Separate day and year in date!
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My birthday is on August 2, 1993.
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3. Separate two parts of a location
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use a comma to separate town names, cities, states,
and countries.
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3. Separate two parts of a location
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One day I would like to go to paris, france.
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3. Separate two parts of a location
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Los angeles, california is one of the largest cities in the united
states.
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3. Separate two parts of a location
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One city that is well-known for its history is St. Petersburg, Russia.
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4. Compound Sentences
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Compound Sentences are sentences that are composed of 2 independent
clauses (sentences that can stand alone) and combined with a
coordinating conjunction.
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4. Compound Sentences
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I feel very sick today, so I will not go to school.
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4. Compound Sentences
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It was raining, yet they continued to play football.
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4. Compound Sentences
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The car was old, but it runs very smoothly.
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4. Compound Sentences
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5. Introductory Words
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Use a comma to set off introductory words and
phrases.
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5. Introductory Words
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Not wanting to disturb him, she tiptoed to the dresser.
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5. Introductory Words
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Hopefully, I will be on time for the appointment.
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5. Introductory Words
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Eventually, We will get there.
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6. Set off a quotation with a comma
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If you write something someone has said you would
need a comma and quotations marks.
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6. Set off a quotation
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Ned yelled, "a cub is climbing that tree!"
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6. Set off a quotation
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Smith stated, "the book was thought provoking."
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6. Set off a quotation
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Mrs. Jones whispered, “Good night.”
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Now you know when to use
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commas!
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