Comma+Rules

A Quick Reference Guide to the Five Comma Rules

Five basic rules govern the use of commas:

My friends came to my house last night, and we all went to the Fanboys concert.
 * Rule #1: Separate two independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).**


 * Rule #2: Use commas to divide a series of items (i.e. the list of three).**

In the first set, the band played //Conjunction Junction//, //Bringin’ Ideas Together//, and //Both Sides are Equal//.

Please note that the last comma in the series is optional. It is called the Harvard Comma (or in England, the Oxford Comma). If your list runs the risk of being ambiguous because you have conjunctions located within your series, you should include the Harvard comma. If the items in your series contain a variety of coordinating conjunctions, you may opt to use a semicolon to show separation instead. Clarity is the key.


 * Rule #3: Use a comma after an introductory dependent clause.**

After Fanboys played //All My Commas Went to Yale//, the crowd erupted with applause.

//Remember, you do not need a comma if the dependent clause comes after the independent clause//: (The crowd erupted with applause after Fanboys played //All My Commas Went to Yale//).


 * Rule #4: Use commas to set off an appositive phrase or a non-essential clause.**

My favorite band member is Joey Soh, but my friend Aimee, who has questionable taste, thinks Ricky Butt is cuter.

//Because the information about Aimee’s taste in band members is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, the phrase should be set off by commas.//


 * Rule #5: Use commas to separate adjectives of equal weight.**

My lame, stupid brother says that Fanboys is a cheesy boy band, so he listens to the Subordinate Grooves instead.

//Adjectives of equal weight can be separated by a coordinating conjunction instead of a comma without changing the meaning of the sentence.//