COMMON COMMA RULES

four rules

• A. Use with the FANBOYS to connect sentences
• B. Use to set off INTRODUCTORY words or phrases or clauses
• C. Use to CONNECT ITEMS in a series
• D. Use to set off info. that is NOT ESSENTIAL

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

Coordinating Conjunctions
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So

The Smiths have been married for fifty years, and they still enjoy walks in Central Park.

The Smiths have been married for fifty years, but they don't always see eye to eye.

B. Use a comma to set off introductory words, phrases, or clauses.

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• Before the ball drops
• Standing in the middle of Times Square
• As I walked on Broadway
• To return to my hotel
• Intimidated by the large crowd
• On the corner of 47th Street
• In the museum

Before the ball drops, Times Square is filled with intoxicated people.

Standing in the middle of Times Square, visitors can get a real sense of the New York state of mind.

As I walked on Broadway, I was reminded of the city's rich culture and history.

To return to my hotel,
I had to catch a cab to 46th Street.

C. Use commas to connect three or more items in a series.

Chinatown is a small, diverse, highly-populated area of New York where visitors can enjoy great shops and even better authentic Chinese cuisine.

D. Use commas to set off
NONESSENTIAL elements.

The Statue of Liberty, the most recognized structure in New York, is glorious at night.

Jay Z, hip-hop mogul and native of Brooklyn, now resides in upscale Tribeca.

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and some things to avoid