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Use a comma between two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction.
Memorize the coordinating conjunctions. They are: and, but, for, or, nor, so, and yet.
I have seen that movie star before, yet I cannot remember her name.
Louis and Gerald tried out for the basketball team, and both of them were chosen.
Brett and Lula were married on Friday morning, but they did not leave for Hawaii until Saturday.
Athletes must train hard and watch their diet every day, or they will not be able to compete.
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Use commas to separate items in a series (three or more items).
I went to the bank, did some shopping, and returned home by eleven.
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Use a comma after long introductory words and phrases (a phrase lacks either a subject or a verb; a clause contains both a subject and a verb). Omit the comma if the introduction is brief.
By the end of the second week of school, Ken was counting the weeks until spring break.
At first I thought I’d come too late.
Despite many years of lecturing writing composing and performing, the noted pianist had no intention of retiring.
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Use commas to enclose words that interrupt.
Airline pilots, by the way, are often cautious automobile drivers.
The guests, it seems, are enjoying the party.
Several changes in the enrollment procedure, however, are planned for the spring semester.
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Use commas to set off words in a direct address.
Pat, will you please call Dr. Hodge for me?
How often should Paul take the medicine, Doctor?
Play it again Sam.
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Use commas after introductory subordinate clauses but not preceding a subordinate clause which follows an initial independent clause.
Although Jo Ellen had always known the truth about Harry, she still loved him.
Before you can understand calculus, you must understand algebra.
The thick salmon steak was delicious because Sally knew how to grill it.
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Use commas to set off nonrestrictive modifiers (optional words, phrases, and clauses: nonessential items add details but don’t change the main structure of the sentence).
She auditioned for Judith Jamison, the famous choreographer of the Alvin Ailey company.
Carla, breathless and exhausted, waited after the audition to hear the choreographer’s opinion.
Katie, wearing the red satin dress, twirled into the room.
BUT
The woman wearing the red satin dress twirled into the room. (Here the same phrase is a post-modifier that identifies a particular woman)
Mike, unable to remember the answer, skipped the second question and went on to the third.
Ms. Anderson sang at the Lincoln Memorial before 75,000 people, who had gathered in support of her.
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Use commas to set off direct quotations.
"I never learn anything in that class," he said, "so what’s the point?"
"Well," said his mother, "you haven’t even tried."
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Use commas in dates, geographical names, and addresses.
George will move to Las Vegas, Nevada in January.
His address has been The Stanford Arms Hotel, Apt. 10, 536 W. 18th Avenue, Rittman, Indiana 46267 for the last six years.
John was born on February 12, 1950, in Englewood, New Jersey, according to the records.
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Use commas to set off mild interjections ("oh," "well," "OK," and so on) and with "yes" and "no."
