Some Comma Rules/Guidelines

1. Use a comma to separate the elements in a series (three or more things), including the last two.

2. Use a comma + a little conjunction (and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so) to connect two independent clauses

3. Use a comma to set off introductory elements

4. Use a comma to set off parenthetical elements (often called appositives)

·       The play “Antigone,” by Sophocles, is awesome!

5. Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (watch out for “and”)

6. Use a comma to set off quoted elements

7. Use commas to set off phrases that express contrast

·       The world will end in fire, not ice.

8. Use a comma to avoid confusion