September 24 is National Punctuation Day. There are so many comma rules, I thought I’d pay homage to punctuation by reviewing a few of the rules.
Comma (,).
- Use a comma to separate two complete sentences that make up a compound sentence.
- I am washing the dogs, and I am listening to the radio.
2. Use a comma to separate items in a series whether they are words, phrases, or clauses.
- I like extra cheese, mushrooms, and onions on my pizza.
- I like to play the piano, bake cookies, and knit socks.
3. Use a comma after introductory words, phrases, or clauses.
- Finally, I am going to Nova Scotia.
- After the fair, we are going to dinner.
4. Use a comma to set off interrupters in a sentence.
- I know, however, he is at work.
- The blanket, which I purchased on sale, is beautiful.
5. Use a comma with quotations.
- She said, “I’m starving.”
- Wash the kitchen floor, Susan.
- No, Amanda, he isn’t here yet.
6. Use a comma with contrasting elements.
- She was small, but very mighty.
- It was a snowy day, yet sunny.
7. Use a comma with dates and addresses (sometimes).
- I was born on September 23, 1985, in Clifton, New Jersey, on a Monday afternoon.
- I was born in September 198 in New Jersey on a Monday afternoon.
- He lives at 16 Clover St., Turner, Maine 04282.
This information was originally provided by Arlene Miller, bestselling author of Fifty Shade of Grammar.