commas
There are five main uses for the comma:
- In series
- After introductory phrases
- With drop–ins
- As separators of clauses
- With quotations
Let's review each of these uses:
- In series–to separate three or more adjectives
and to separate three or more nouns:
It was a cold, wet, gloomy night.
Bring sandwiches, drinks and fruit for the picnic.
- After introductory phrases–before the rest
of the words that form the basic sentence:
For example, Joe Camel is clearly aimed at attracting younger smokers.
Joe Camel, your days are numbered.
Yes, I'd like to be a doctor.
On the way to school this morning, I stopped for a donut.
- With drop-ins–to insert extra information
within the rest of the sentence:
My house in Louisville, Kentucky, is on top of a hill.
December 7, 1941, is a day that will live in infamy.
Roger, who is usually late, was on time this morning.
My wife, on the other hand, joined the Peace Corps in 1994.
- As separators of clauses–of two independent clauses OR an incomplete
and a complete clause:
She went to IU Southeast, and she learned a lot.
Because she went to IU Southeast, she learned a lot.
- With quotations–to separate quotation from speaker:
The conductor shouted, "It's time for the train to leave."
"It's time for the train to leave," shouted the conductor.
