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When to Use a Comma

WHEN TO USE A COMMA (,)?

 

Comma (,) Rules:

  1. Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence.

    Examples:

    • As the day came to an end, the farmers set off to rest.
    • Last Sunday, we had an exciting family outing.
    • When John was in the first grade, he made a birthday card for his mom.

2. Place a comma after each item in a series of at least three items. Between words in a series. “notice that a comma does not follow the last word in a series.

Examples:

  • My grandmother prepared three kinds of salad: pasta, fruit, and vegetable.
  • Clara, Jane, and Lacee are my best friends.
  • I love swimming, dancing, and singing.
  • The tents came in all different sizes, colors, and shapes.

3. Use a comma to separate town, city, and province in an address.

Example:

  • No. 1 Cole Street

Montgomery, New York City

New York, U.S.A

4. Use a comma after a direct address in a sentence. To indicate direct address.

Examples:

  • Is that you, Steve?
  • Nicholas, finish your work.
  • This is my sister, Anna.

5. Use a comma to set off the words Yes and No.

Examples:

    • Yes, thank you.
    • No, I don’t think so.

6. Place a comma between the day and the year in a date.

Examples:

  • I was born on October 23, 1981.
  • January 25, 1963

7. Place comma after the salutation and the complimentary closing of a letter.

Examples:

  • Dear Helen,
  • Sincerely,
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