Comma Rules

1.Use a comma before a conjunction (and, or, but, nor, yet, for, so) that separates two sentences that can stand alone.

• The principal wanted to instill a dress code, but the students protested.
• More and more students are trying out for the soccer team, and it is getting harder to make the team.
• She was late for class because her alarm clock was broken.
• The leaves fell from the trees and made a mess in the yard.
• Mike is burying himself in the sand and won’t be able to get out.

 2. Use a comma after an introductory word or phrase that comes before a main sentence.

• Honestly, no one wants to eat the school lunches.
• In addition to being gentle, the Labradoodle is an obedient breed of dog.
• Since the banning of Ipods was implemented, cheating on tests has dropped by 25% among students.

3. Use commas around words, and phrases in the middle of a sentence when they aren't essential to the meaning of the sentence.

• Mrs. Quinn, an MSU graduate, believed every student deserved an equal opportunity.
• Jennifer, a single girl, went to the dance alone.

4.Use commas between items in a list.

• The frigid, snowy, windy day was typical of Michigan in January.
• Eagles, Pirates, Lions, Mavericks, and Highlanders are mascots in the KLAA.

 5.Use commas to set off geographical names, items in date, and professional titles.

• Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin near Hodgenville, Kentucky.
• Stephanie Glenn, Ph.D., will be the main speaker at the banquet.
• The average temperatures in July 2010 were record high.

Home | HHS Home | District Home | Parent Connect | Student Connect | Teachers and Staff Directory | Student Handbook