COMMAS

five rules

• #1 use with one of the FANBOYS.
• #2 use to set off INTRODUCTORY words
• #3 use BETWEEN ADJECTIVES that describe a noun
• #4 use to set off info. that is NOT ESSENTIAL
• #5 use to set off a DIRECT ADDRESS

#1 Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) to connect two separate sentences.

Coordinating Conjunctions
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So

Example


Ellen hosted the Oscars, and she took a selfie with some friends.

Example

The road was dangerous, but Sophia still met her classmate at Starbuck's.

Example

Belinda got tired of waiting for Sophie, so she ordered a cafe latte to go.

Example



You can get with this, or you can get with that.

#2 Use a comma to set off introductory words.

Example

For some reason, the coach decided to leave the struggling quarterback in the game.

Example

By the end of the third quarter, most of the fans had left the stadium.

Example

Before the game was over, Niners fans had already thrown in the towel.

Example


In case you didn't hear, the Giants beat the Niners, 42 - 3.

#3 Use commas to set off a direct address

FIVE RULES

#4 Use commas BETWEEN ADJECTIVES that describe a noun

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