Using Comma
1. Comma Use commas to separate three or more items in a series.
1. He is taking biology, English, history, and music.
2. Their options were going to a movie, going to Astroworld, or going to
the ach.
3. Eggs, muffins, toast, and cereal were available for breakfast.
2. Use commas before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
(for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that combines sentences.
1. I didn't return her call last night, for it was too late when I got home.
2. She forgot her homework, and she wasn't prepared for the test.
3. She didn't want to stay very late, nor did she want to walk home alone.
4. He wanted to be on time for work, but he forgot to set
his alarm.
5. They wanted to attend the presentation, yet they hadn't registered.
Practice: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.
1. Your handwriting is sloppy but your punctuation is perfect.
2. The story was very interesting and she read it on one evening.
3. The boys stopped looked and then darted for cover.
4. He read Hamlet Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.
5. Running in place doing sit-ups and lifting weights are healthy activities.
6. Alice wanted to stay home that evening yet she did not feel that she could
refuse the invitation.
7. You can spend the money now or you can put it in the bank.
8. I ate breakfast read the paper and went to work.
9. I have seen his picture in magazines on television and in movies.
10.We went swimming boating and fishing.
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11.The day was overcast yet we went to the beach.
12.She threw the switch but the lights did not work.
13.Jean does not each much lately and she is losing weight.
14.He drove through Illinois Indiana and Kentucky.
15.He ran up the stairs through the door and down the hall
16.The rain continued for an hour so the game was called off.
17.He would not let them fight nor would he allow them to give up.
18.They would have to agree or they would not get anything.
3. Use commas to set off introductory phrases and clauses.
1. Having been told of the test, John wondered when he would study.
2. When I study, I have to have a quiet place with good lighting.
3. If you get anxious, try imagining yourself in a peaceful setting.
Practice: Punctuate the following sentences with commas.
1. Having been told of the test John wondered when he would study.
2. Wading into the cool lake we found relief from the heat.
3. When she noticed the time Marie realized she would be late.
4. As I entered the room I realized that I was late again.
5. In the heat of a summer afternoon our air conditioner stopped.
6. After our game with Central High School our bus broke down.
7. Seeing the oncoming car weaving I slowed down.
8. By the old bridge at the north of town we are meeting for a picnic.
9. If she wishes Gloria can come with us.
10.Before you leave give us your address and telephone number.
11.At the last meeting of the cheerleaders Janie was elected captain.
12.Noticing the dark clouds we thought it would rain.
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13.Since I left you my whole life has changed.
14.Although she loved her job it did not play very much.
4. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the
same noun.
1. The curious, enthusiastic child scurried through the kitchen.
2. The new student was a serious, dedicated scholar.
3. The old, dilapidated building was finally renovated.
5. Use commas to separate aspects of geographical names, dates (except
between the month and day), addresses (except between the street number and
street name), and titles in names.
1. She was born on July 7, 1958, in London, England.
2. Suzi Smith has an office at 101 Main Street, Chicago, Illinois.
6. Use commas to separate the main discourse in a quotation.
1. She insisted, "I will be worried."
2. Steve said, “What do you want me to do?”
Practice: Punctuate the following sentences with commas
1. The instructor gave an unfair difficult examination.
2. The instructor gave a difficult final examination.
3. No you could go to bed early.
4. It was a happy productive prosperous season.
5. Unfortunately I have to stay up all night.
6. A heavy soiled ball sailed over the fence
7. Yes he assigned another essay
8. Steve said “What do you want me to do?”
9. “Anything that you can do will be helpful” John replied.
10.The foolish rude remark embarrassed him.
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EST/SAT PRACTICE
1. Down the street from the college, I attend, the Save-U Laundromat is always
open, and someone is always there.
A. NO CHANGE
B. college, I attend
C. college I attend,
D. college I attend
2. You have to admire the honesty of a company whose slogan is “Just About the
Best.” Glory Foods’ president, and founder Bill Williams, explains the unusual
slogan by admitting that while he knows that his foods can’t be beat the taste of
real home cooking, they do come very close.
A. No CHANGE
B. president, and founder Bill Williams
C. president and founder Bill Williams
D. president and founder, Bill Williams,
3. Then again, you can sometimes get lucky, and a ball you thought was lost, will
inexplicably bounce back into play.
A. NO CHANGE
B. lost will
C. lost, will,
D. lost will,
4. During the early morning hours of October 28, 1965, engineers stationed 630
feet above the ground made careful measurements for the day’s work.
A. NO CHANGE
B. 1965, and engineers
C. 1965. Engineers
D. 1965; engineers
