Use #1: Combine two strong clauses joined with a coordinating conjunction.
Example: School is still in session for another nine weeks, so we’ll try to make use of it.

Use #2: Separate items in a series.
Example: We are going water skiing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Use #3: Set off introductory phrases or clauses.
Example: To be sure she wasn’t late, Mary left extra time for traffic.

Use #4: Set off one or more words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.
Example: Justin, who lives down the street from me, is going to be at the party also.

Use #5: Separate two or more adjectives that modify the same noun, if you can substitute the word and for the comma.
Example: She is a friendly, intelligent girl.

Use #6: Separate two clauses if a dependent marker is used to start the sentence.
Example: If you want to get good grades, you need to do your homework.

Use #7: Set off direct quotes.
Example: Kevin said, “I’m so pleased to know you!”

Use #8: Set off introductory words.
Example: In conclusion, the 2016 Olympics should be held in Chicago.

Use #9: Set off years in full dates, titles in names, and regions.
Example: January 2nd, 1996, Bill Clinton, President of the U.S.A., paid a visit to Chicago, Illinois.

Use #10: Set off names in direct address.
Example: Would you please close the door, Lupe?

Comma Misuses: Don’t Use Commas Like this!

Separating the subject and the predicate.
Example: Getting to school, can be difficult.
Separating a verb and its object.
Example: Timothy is reading, the newspaper.
Putting a comma in a compound subject or predicate with 2 items.
Example: Tim, and Steve went to the store, and ate hotdogs.
Use one comma to set off an interrupter:
Example: Alice, the girl from my math class is going to the dance.

comma-uses-handout Download

Comma Uses – Practice

Directions: Read the paragraphs and add any needed commas.

My Friend’s Visit

Jenny my best friend from summer camp is coming for a visit this weekend. Although she is from a big city with a lot of exciting things to do I am sure she will enjoy visiting our farm. She will enjoy swimming in our pond riding horses and picking berries for pies. My brother is afraid she will get bored on our farm but I think she will love it here. With all of the things Mom and I have planned she won’t have time to be bored. I’m afraid she will however be very tired each night. Maybe this visit will be so much fun she will want to come back again next summer. (9 missing commas)

Amazing Ice Cream

If you want to know where to buy the most amazing ice cream in the state of Texas I can tell you. Amy’s ice cream owned by my cousin has the creamiest most flavorful ice cream in the South. She offers some really exotic flavors like stinky fruit swirl and chocolate covered grasshopper delight, but she also offers normal flavors like chocolate vanilla strawberry etc. This variety is what makes her shop so popular. If you are ever in Houston you need to be sure and stop in for a taste. She is located at 298 Wesson Avenue Houston Texas. You won’t be disappointed. ( 11 missing commas)