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8 Basic Comma Rules With Examples

You can take the guess work out of comma placement in English senctences with the 8 basic comma rules with example.

The 8 basic comma rules are: 1) use commas to separate items on a list, 2) to separate certain parts of a date, 3) to separate direct quotations, 4) to separate independent clauses, 5) to set off certain words, 6) to set off participial phrases, 7) after an introductory clause or phrase, and 8) between certain parts of an address.

8 Basic Comma Rules With Examples

Don’t Forget to Take the Quiz At the End of This Lesson!

8 Basic Comma Rules

  1. We use commas to separate items on a list
  2. We use commas to separate certain parts of a date
  3. We use commas to separate direct quotations
  4. We use commas to separate independent clauses
  5. We use commas to set off certain words
  6. We use commas to set off participial phrases
  7. We use commas after an introductory clause or phrase
  8. We use commas between parts of an address
Commas, those little squiggly marks, are like the traffic cops of sentences, waving their wands to signal when you should take a breath or pause.

But oh, the conundrum they cause! People dance around, trying to figure out where on earth these pesky commas belong in a sentence, like they’re playing musical chairs with punctuation. It’s like a never-ending game of “Where’s Waldo?” but with tiny, elusive punctuation marks instead.

Alright, picture this: commas are like puzzle pieces in the grand jigsaw of language. Sure, there’s a bit of wiggle room, but mastering the comma rules is like having a secret decoder ring—it banishes the guesswork and transforms you into a punctuation wizard, confidently slinging commas in all the right places.

Prepare for the wild rollercoaster of comma chaos—brace yourself for eight ninja-level comma rules armed with examples to kickstart your punctuation mastery!

1. We Use Commas to Separate Items on a List

We use the comma to separate THREE OR MORE items on a list; however, these items usually refer to series of nouns, verbs, or adjectives.

Here are some examples of commas separating a series of nouns, verbs, and adjectives.

  • James, Jenny, and family went to McDonalds for breakfast. (a series of nouns)
  • The boys ran, jumped, and hopped during the games. (a series of verbs)
  • The pompous, noisy, and hostile protestors were arrested. (a series of adjectives)
  • Timothy jumped into the water, in his new cloths, and with his new watch on. (a series of phrases)
  • The boys played football, ran races, and entered the obstacle course at the summer camp. (a group of words in a series)
  • The confidence, resilent, and inovative entrepreneur set up his business from scatch. (a series of adjectives)
  • The Baptist church gave food, clothing and furniture to those who were struggling financially. (a series of nouns)
  • The builder said that he had finished the home, that he had taken away all the rubbish, and that he had prepare the home for the new owners. (a series of clause)
  • Jenny received a dress, shoes, and braclet for Christmas. (a series of nouns)
  • The owner of the store talked, laughed, and cried during his final meeting with his workers. (a series of verbs)
NOTE: The last comma in a series of words is known as the Oxford comma. The Oxford comma is considered optional, but not everyone agrees with this. The best approach is that a comma should not be used anywhere unless it is absolutely necessary for clearness.

2. We Use Commas To Separate Certain Parts of a Date

We use a comma to separate a date when writing them in sentences. Also, we use a comma after the date when it is in the middle of a sentence.

Here are some examples of commas separating dates in sentences.

  • David received his license on Monday, September 21, 2008.
  • The building inspector passed the final inspection on Friday, December 31, 2010.
  • On Tuesday, January 21, 2018, our house was destroyed by a tornado.
  • I filled out the form on September 24, 2020, and I mailed it to the tax office on September 25, 2020.
  • Sunday, March 17, 2021, was a significant day in my journey of life.

3. We Use Commas To Separate Direct Quotations

We use a comma to separate a direct quotation from the rest of the sentences.

Here are some examples of commas separating direct quotations in sentences.

  • “It is good to be generous in times of need,” the minister proclaimed!
  • “Stop that car,” the policeman shouted!
  • Dad said, “When I finish work today, I will complete the chicken coop!”
  • The service mechanic stated, “I will find the problem as soon as I look at the car!”
  • The professor asked, “When will you graduate from college?”

4. We use commas to separate independent clauses

We use a comma when we connect two independent clauses together with a coordinating conjunction, such as: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

NOTE: The best way to remember these coordinating conjunctions is by the acronym, FANBOYS.
Fanboys

Here are several examples of commas separating independent clauses.

  • David fixed the tractor this morning, for the tractor had a leaking radiator. (connecting with for)
  • James loves to play football, and he practices every afternoon. (connecting with and)
  • Elizabeth doesn’t like to study, nor does she take notes in class. (connecting with nor)
  • Jenny finished her work early, but she still stayed late at the office. (connecting with but)
  • Timothy can come to the party, or he can stay at home and relax. (connecting with or)
  • Lee refuses to eat lettuce, nor will he touch spinach. (connecting with nor)
  • Peter studied diligently for the exam, yet he didn’t do so well. (connecting with yet)
  • The weather was good, so we decided to go for a walk in the park. (connecting with so)
  • We arrived early for the football game, and we were able to find good seats. (connecting with and)
  • John woke up late this morning, so he had to rush to work. (connecting with so)

5. We use commas to set off certain words

We use a comma to set off certain words, such as: nouns of direct address, words in apposition, and word like “yes,” “no,” “hey,” and “well.”

Here are several examples of commas setting off certain words.

  • Timothy, sit down before you do something you regret. (noun of direct address)
  • Mr Alex Johnston, our school principal, has been given an award for best principal in our region. (in apposition)
  • Yes, we are all guilty of gossipping about Mrs. Wilson. (a certain word)
  • No, you cannot ride your bike to school today. (a certain word)
  • Luke, are you ready for the test? (noun of direct address)
  • Hey, stop using that foul language! (a certain word)
  • Well, it’s to your advantage to take the offer by Mr Pleasant for the sale of your property. (a certain word)
  • We all dislike Samuel, the biggest liar in class. (in apposition)
  • Yes, I will wait by the phone for mother’s call. (a certain word)
  • People, don’t be deceived by the smooth talking salesman! (noun of direct address)

6. We use commas to set off participial phrases

Participial phrases take two forms – present participle (ending in -ing) and past participle (ending in -ed).

Here are some examples of commas setting off participial phrases.

  • Defeated by the opposition, the coach gave an inspiration speech to his players.
  • Speaking to the crowd, the entrepreneur outlined his processes to make money online.
  • The crowd, yelling at the top of their voices, persuaded the police to let the innocent man go free.
  • Destroyed by the fire, the homeowners began the process of cleaning up the devastation.
  • Crying uncontrolably, the bystanders assisted the mother who had lost her child in the accident.
  • Standing in the middle of the road, the policeman stop the traffic and diverted it around the accident.
  • Summing up the situation, the thief surrendered to the authorities.
  • He did the best he could, hoping to receive an award.
  • The protestors, acting voilently, have been arrested by the authorities.
  • David and Jenny are travelling the world, living their dream.

7. We use commas after an introductory clause or phrase

We use a comma after introductory clauses (dependent clause, which is not a complete thought) and phrases.

Here are several examples of commas used after introductory clauses and phrases.

  • In the cool of the afternoon, I usually go for a walk. (introductory phrase)
  • During the funeral service, someone’s phone rang loudly. (introductory phrase)
  • Since I started exercising regularly, I feel much better. (introductory clause)
  • Because of the traffic congestion, we arrived at the concert late. (introductory clause)
  • Before we start the project, let’s check the plans again. (introductory phrase)
  • In retrospect, I should have been more cautious. (introductory phrase)
  • While I was waiting for the phone call, I was distracted by the commotion outside. (introductory clause)
  • Because he was given preference, he was able to beat the competition. (introductory clause)
  • At the crack of dawn, the large peacooks started chirping. (introductory phrase)
  • In the midst of chaos, I found peace in God. (introductory phrase)

8. We use commas between parts of an address

Here are some examples of commas between parts of addresses.

  • I was born in Foretville, Pennsylvania.
  • Miami, Florida, is the place to be this holiday season.
  • Many of my books have been published in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  • My brother lives in Anaheim, California.
  • We are going to Phoenix, Arizona, for my sister’s wedding.

A List of the 8 Basic Comma Rules

Below is a brief overview of the 8 basic comma rules with examples!

NUMBER COMMA RULES EXAMPLES
1 Separate List Items They gave food, clothing, and furniture to charity.
2 Separate Parts of Date September 11, 2001, is a day to remember.
3 Separate Direct Quotations The policeman shouted, “Stop or I will shoot!”
4 Separate Indendent Clauses He was very clever, but he lacked wisdom.
5 Set Off Certain Words Yes, we all made the same mistake.
6 Set Off Participial Phrases Speaking to the crowd, he summons great respect.
7 After Introductory Clause or Phrase In the end, he stood strong for his beliefs.
8 Between Parts of Address My brother lives in Anaheim, California.

FANBOYS OVERVIEW

The acronym FANBOYS is an easy way to remember the coordinating conjunction used to join two independent clauses together.

COORDINATING CONJUNCTION PURPOSE EXAMPLES
For For is used instead of because. Luke did not go to school, for he was not well.
And And connects two related clauses. David went fishing today, and he caught several fish.
Nor Nor makes the sentence negative. Rachel doesn’t like to study, nor does she take notes in class.
But But shows contrast He was very clever, but he lacked wisdom.
Or Or shows choice between two ideas. Peter can go to the game, or he can stay home and relax.
Yet Yet shows contrast David likes Florida, yet he cannot afford a house there.
So So is used to show results. Sally like the warmer weather, so she is moving to Florida.

Take A Short Quiz

13
What are the 8 Basic Comma Rules With Examples?

8 Basic Comma Rules

1 / 10

Which best defines the Oxford Comma Style?

2 / 10

Which sentence is correct?

3 / 10

Which is the best option?

4 / 10

Which sentence uses the comma correctly?

5 / 10

Is it important to be consistent when using the Oxford comma preference?

6 / 10

Which sentence is correct to separate direct quotations?

7 / 10

Which sentence has the correct commas between the parts of an address?

8 / 10

Which sentence uses the comma correctly?

9 / 10

Which is not a rule for commas?

10 / 10

Which sentence has the correct commas for dates?

Your score is

Frequently Asked Questions!

Here are some FAQ relating to comma usage and placement.

1. Why do we use commas?

Commas help separate parts of a sentence. When you see commas in writing, it’s a sign to take a little pause and read slowly. This helps to make what you’re reading easier to grasp.

Also, they separate different parts of a sentence to make it simpler to understand. See examples below!

For example:

  • INCORRECT: I find inspiration in cooking, my family and my dog.
  • CORRECT: I find inspiration in cooking, my family, and my dog.
  • INCORRECT: I want to thank my parents, Rachel and God.
  • CORRECT: I want to thank my parents, Rachel, and God.
  • INCORRECT: Let’s eat Grandma.
  • CORRECT: Let’s eat, Grandma.

2. What is the Oxford Comma?

In a sentence that lists three or more items, the Oxford comma is the comma just before the last item and the word ‘and’. It is also called a serial comma, a series comma, or a Harvard comma. Some experts in American English say you can choose whether to use the Oxford comma or not.

Using the Oxford comma is necessary sometimes to clarify the meaning of a sentence as seen in the examples below!

For Example:

  • INCORRECT: I admire my parents, Mother Teresa and God.
  • CORRECT: I admire my parents, Mother Teresa, and God.
  • INCORRECT: He sent gifts to his sons, Rachel and Rebekah.
  • CORRECT: He sent gifts to his sons, Rachel, and Rebekah.
  • INCORRECT: I invited my friends, Sally and Luke to my party.
  • CORRECT: I invited my friends, (as well as) Sally, and Luke to my party.

3. Should we use a comma with quotation marks?

It is grammatically incorrect to end sentences with a comma. However, there is an exception when quoting someone in a sentence.

Also, if a quotation ends with an exclamation or question mark, it does not need a comma.

For Example:

  • INCORRECT: “We are going to be late for supper.” said James.
  • CORRECT: “We are going to be late for supper,” said James.
  • CORRECT: “We are going to be early for the game!” said Luke.
  • CORRECT: “Are we going to be early for the game?” said Luke.

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