Commas ( , )

 

Commas are used to mark a slight pause in a sentence.  They make reading a little easier.  There are many ways that commas are used.  Here are some:

 

1. Use commas between things in a list. 

           

Example: Go to the store and buy milk, butter, sugar, peaches, and ice cream.

 

2. Use commas when you call someone’s name.

 

Example: Why are you laughing, Joseph?

 

3. Use a comma to separate a quotation from the rest of the sentence.

 

Example: “I am worried about her,” said Mrs. Baker.

 

4. Use commas to set off the words yes, no, wow or okay at the start of a sentence.

 

Example: Yes, I will come to the party tonight.

 

5. Use a comma to pause in the middle of a sentence before a conjunction (and, but, so, yet).  Compound sentences contain two complete thoughts separated by a comma.

 

Example:  The woman walked all the way to the store, but it was closed when she got there.

 

6. Place a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence.   A dependent clause has a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone. They always start with a subordinating conjunction such as while, although, if, since, etc.

 

Example: When I watch movies, I like to eat popcorn.

 

7. Use commas to set off an appositive from the rest of the sentence. An appositive is a word or group of words that further explains another word in a sentence. 

 

Example: Mr. Lee, my favourite teacher, gave us extra homework today.

 

8. Put a comma between the names of cities and provinces. 

 

Example: We live in Hamilton, Ontario.

 

9. Put a comma between the day and the year in a date.

 

Example: Bobby was born on September 1, 2013.

 

SOURCE: http://www.timeforkids.com/homework-helper/grammar-wizard/commas