The
Four Comma Rules
Commas...
-
come before coordinating conjunctions when they link independent
clauses.
Example: Sarah was studying for the Evolution
exam, and Emily was writing a response paper for her seminar.
Exception: When clauses are
short, the comma can be omitted before and, but, or or, but
not before for, nor, so, or yet.
Example: Gather your
evidence and support your ideas.
-
follow introductory adverb clauses and, usually, introductory
phrases.
Example: When you take out the trash, watch
out for the raccoons.
From the bedroom window, she watched the commotion in the street
below.
Having finished the dishes, he plopped down on the couch
to watch TV.
-
separate items in a series.
Example: The meeting was long, unproductive, and
confrontational. (words)
Don’t forget to feed the dog, pack the lunches, turn off the lights,
and lock the doors.
(phrases)
The best Thanksgiving dinner was when my sister-in-law made the stuffing,
my aunt baked apple pie, and my father grilled the turkey. (clauses)
She dove into the deep, dark, still water. (coordinate adjectives)
-
set off nonrestrictive and other parenthetical elements.
Example: The dress, though brand new, was already torn
along the seam. He rushed through the door, which was unlocked and standing
open.
The Kalamazoo College Academic Resource Center (12/98)
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