Below are some basic rules for common comma usage. This is a "user friendly" version of some rules, so don't quote them on a college level English exam. They are written to be quick, helpful references, so view them as such.
RULE #1: Use a comma to separate introductory words/phrases from the rest of the sentence.
Examples:
Well, I had no idea that was your pineapple.
In the future, please ask before borrowing my toothbrush.
After swooping gracefully, the falcon flew away with Mrs. Laird's poodle.
Near the end of the third grade, Janet discovered that her baby brother was actually a Finnish spy.
RULE #2: Use a comma to separate two complete thoughts that are joined together in one sentence (with a conjunction, of course.)
Examples:
The cake is on the counter, and it is not for you.
William is the tallest boy at school, but he is not interested in playing basketball.
Kentucky is known for its great college basketball programs, and it is the birthplace of Billy Ray Cyrus.
RULE #3: Use a comma when giving additional information in a sentence.
Examples:
Mr. Veenker, our city's mayor, was featured in today's newspaper.
Our class visited Frankfort, the state's capitol, for our yearly field trip.
RULE #4: Use a comma when listing a series of three or more things.
Examples:
Tammy found a quarter, a paper clip, and half an Oreo under the chair's cushion.
Please bring a hat, sunglasses, and sun block on tomorrow's visit to the zoo.
RULE #5: Use a comma between two adjective that don't have "and" between them.
Examples:
Gina found a small, brown puppy in the old barn.
The hungry moose stalked the hikers along the steep, narrow trail.
RULE #6: Use commas with dates and places.
Examples:
On March 20th, 1768, George Washington was cut from the Miami Heat, ending his brief NBA career.
The Turners moved to Boise, Idaho, after Mr. Turner received a promotion.
RULE #7: Use a comma when making a direct address in a sentence.
Victor, where did you buy that snazzy sweater?
Come here, Harold, and hold this patient down.
Let's eat, Grandma.
It isn't a foolproof method of deciding where to use commas, but it is usually a safe bet to read a sentence aloud. If you pause briefly in the sentence in one or two places, it's a good bet that commas are supposed to be there.
Obviously, there are more rules when it comes to commas, but this is an accessible list of common comma issues put together for your quick reference. For some more in-depth comma help, look HERE.
RULE #1: Use a comma to separate introductory words/phrases from the rest of the sentence.
Examples:
Well, I had no idea that was your pineapple.
In the future, please ask before borrowing my toothbrush.
After swooping gracefully, the falcon flew away with Mrs. Laird's poodle.
Near the end of the third grade, Janet discovered that her baby brother was actually a Finnish spy.
RULE #2: Use a comma to separate two complete thoughts that are joined together in one sentence (with a conjunction, of course.)
Examples:
The cake is on the counter, and it is not for you.
William is the tallest boy at school, but he is not interested in playing basketball.
Kentucky is known for its great college basketball programs, and it is the birthplace of Billy Ray Cyrus.
RULE #3: Use a comma when giving additional information in a sentence.
Examples:
Mr. Veenker, our city's mayor, was featured in today's newspaper.
Our class visited Frankfort, the state's capitol, for our yearly field trip.
RULE #4: Use a comma when listing a series of three or more things.
Examples:
Tammy found a quarter, a paper clip, and half an Oreo under the chair's cushion.
Please bring a hat, sunglasses, and sun block on tomorrow's visit to the zoo.
RULE #5: Use a comma between two adjective that don't have "and" between them.
Examples:
Gina found a small, brown puppy in the old barn.
The hungry moose stalked the hikers along the steep, narrow trail.
RULE #6: Use commas with dates and places.
Examples:
On March 20th, 1768, George Washington was cut from the Miami Heat, ending his brief NBA career.
The Turners moved to Boise, Idaho, after Mr. Turner received a promotion.
RULE #7: Use a comma when making a direct address in a sentence.
Victor, where did you buy that snazzy sweater?
Come here, Harold, and hold this patient down.
Let's eat, Grandma.
It isn't a foolproof method of deciding where to use commas, but it is usually a safe bet to read a sentence aloud. If you pause briefly in the sentence in one or two places, it's a good bet that commas are supposed to be there.
Obviously, there are more rules when it comes to commas, but this is an accessible list of common comma issues put together for your quick reference. For some more in-depth comma help, look HERE.