Comma Rules

Here are the rules for the four basic commas:

1. THE INTRODUCER - after introductory phrases and clauses.

2. THE COORDINATOR - between independent clauses joined by and, but, or,
nor, yet, so, still, or for.
3. THE INSERTER - a pair of commas around any inserted word or remark.
4. THE LINKER - when adding words, phrases, or clauses.

1. THE INTRODUCER. A comma after every introductory word or phrase

makes your writing clearer, more alive with the breath and pause of
meaning.

Indeed, the idea failed.

After the first letter, she wrote again.
In the autumn of the same year, he went to Paris.

2. THE COORDINATOR. Use a comma between independent clauses

(sentences) joined by coordinating conjunctions. (See #2 above.) You’ll
often see the comma omitted when your two clauses (complete sentences)
are short.

He hunted and she fished.

But nothing is wrong with —
He hunted, and she fished.
The comma, in fact, shows the slight pause you make when you say it.
Always put a comma before the coordinator when joining independent
clauses.

3. THE INSERTER. Put a pair of commas around every inserted word, phrase,
or clause.

Abilene, Kansas, looks promising for corn crops.

When he packs his bags, however, he goes.
I wish, John, you would go to the market.
John, though, decided to go fishing.
Other Uses
But, if we want to have a party, we must be good.
 Dates:
4. THE LINKER. This is the usual use of commas, linkingJanuary 26, 2017
on additional
phrases and afterthoughts.  For direct
quotations:
They went home, having overstayed their welcome.
Bill said, “She’s nice.”
The book is too long, overloaded with examples.
 Abbreviations after
names:
Did you invite John
Paul, Jr.?
Hey, that’s Arnie Pitts,
The linking comma also links three or more items in a series.

John likes to hunt, to fish, and to hike.

I hate eggplant, okra, and peas.
I raked leaves, dead grass, and weeds.