How To Use Commas Correctly

Generally, a comma is used to signal a short pause in reading but not every breath; just because you naturally take a breath in a certain spot, does not necessarily mean a comma is needed. When in doubt, do not use a comma.

Use a comma to separate numbers, addresses, and dates.

$2, 346, 43

Iroquois Street East, Moose Jaw, SK

Monday, January 13, 2020

Use a comma to separate items or adjectives (describing words) in a list, but be careful when considering whether or not to use the Oxford comma, the last comma in a list, because it can affect the meaning.

Use a comma to separate two complete sentences that are separated by a conjunction or gluing, but never use it to separate two complete sentences without a conjunction!

Use a comma to separate two complete sentences that are separated by a conjunction or gluing, but never use it to separate two complete sentences without a conjunction!

Use a comma in dialogue to separate the speaker and what they said.

The comma said, “I constantly feel out of place.”

“I constantly feel out of place,” said the comma.

Use commas around a nonessential clarifying phrase.

Mrs. Parsons, a huge Disney World fan, teaches the grades 12s English.

Use a comma for a subordinate clause (a group of words that depend on the rest of the sentence to make sense) that begins a sentence.

Because they were engaged in Mrs. Parsons’ comma lesson, the grade 12s became comma experts.

Use a comma after a greeting and closing in a letter.

Dear Grade 12s,

Please use commas correctly.

Love,

Mrs. Parsons

Use a comma when addressing someone.

Use a comma for an introductory words or phrases (i.e. Firstly, However, Generally, Fortunately, After dinner, When in Rome, etc.)

Finally, we have completed our lesson on commas.