My oldest is apparently learning about the proper way to use commas in school this week. As a result, we have the following list of rules about commas stuck to our refrigerator. I figured it was as good a topic as any for today’s listicle.
To be fair, this list is less about WHY these rules are there and more about examples of what the rules look like in action. Maybe the teacher presented that information in class? Maybe not.
So without further ado, here are twelve rules about commas that you never knew you needed. Because let’s face it, commas save lives. (Ex: Let’s eat Grandma. vs Let’s eat, Grandma.)
12 Rules About Commas:
- Comma Rule #1: Separate Items in a Series
Example: Sally enjoys devouring pizza, breadsticks, and cookies on a Friday night. - Comma Rule #2: Quotations
Example: “I am having a horrible time concentrating on my project,” moaned Travis.
OR
Travis moaned, “I am having a horrible time concentrating on my project.” - Comma Rule #3: Separate Introductory Elements
Example: In conclusion, the twins apologized for their hurtful words through a very sincere letter. - Comma Rule #4: Direct Address
Example: Your project is super inventive, Ashley. I hope you enter it into the contest. - Comma Rule #5: Appositives
Example: The reindeer, also known as Comet, was in a grumpy mood because Donner ate his breakfast. - Comma Rule #6: Tag Questions
Example: Our unit tests begin on Tuesday, don’t they? - Comma Rule #7: City, State
Example: George will visit Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the month of July. - Comma Rule #8: Date, Year
Example: George was born on November 20, 1956. - Comma Rule #9: Interjections
Example: No, I’m not going to be able to go to the game this weekend. - Comma Rule #10: Order of Adjectives
- Example: The shiny, heavy, maroon bowling ball rolled straight down the lane.
- Comma Rule #11: Compound Sentences
Example: The boy fell out of bed full of excitement on his birthday, and he tumbled down the stairs with anticipation. - Comma Rule #12: Complex Sentences
Example: After a stressful day at work, the exhausted mother collapsed into a piping hot bubble bath.
What about you? Are you a comma wielding ninja or do you avoid them like the plague? Or perhaps you’re indifferent about them, and use them whenever the mood strikes?
PS—If you’re looking for more details on these rules (and more), Grammarly has a great post about using commas here.
Like what you’re reading and want to submit your own list? Heck yeah! You can submit one here. Why? Because making lists is fun and sharing is caring.
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