Writing Comma Guide

Items in a series

Generally use commas to separate the items in a sequence. Do NOT place a comma before or after a sequence.

Adjectives in a series

Use commas to separate adjectives in a sequence of 2 or more without any conjunctions. Do NOT use a comma before the last adjective if it is truly part of a multi-word noun.

Dates and addresses

Use commas to set off every item after the first in dates and addresses. When 2 items are joined by a preposition

Main clauses

Use a comma before a "typical" conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins 2 main clauses.

Appositive

The restatement of a noun as another noun form and is set off by commas along with its descriptive modifiers.

Direct address

Words used as a direct call are set off by commas.

Direct quotation

Set off by commas if it does not blend with the sentence's grammar. Little punctuation goes to the LEFT of quotation marks.

Parenthetical expression

Set off by commas because they add non-essential information when essential to the sentence

Introductory word

Followed by a comma at the beginning of a main clause.

Non-restrictive clause

Set off by commas because it gives supplemental (non-essential) information about a noun or pronoun

Non-restrictive participial phrase

Set off by commas; it begins with a participle (-ing)

Introductory Prepositional Phrases

Put a comma after a group of words starting with a preposition that appears at the very beginning of a sentence to set the stage, providing background detail about when, where, or how the main action happens.

Introductory participial phrase

Put a comma after a group of words starting with a participle that is placed at the beginning of a sentence to describe the main subject that leads into a main clause.

Introductory infinitive phrase

Put a comma after an a group of words starting with "to" plus a base verb (infinitive) that appears at the beginning of a sentence to explain why or how an action occurs and leads into a main clause.

Introductory adverb clause

Put a comma after a clause with a subject-verb construct (the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must match its subject in number and person) that leads into a main clause.