GETTING IT WRITE
HSC Middle School English Resource Centre
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