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Commas Made Simple

Three comma rules will cover most of the commas you need for professional
sentences.

Rule 1
You may use a comma whenever a word or phrase appears before the main subject and
verb of a sentence.
Because my grandmother has a swimming pool, I have always enjoyed
swimming.

If an extra idea appears at the back of the sentence, do not use a comma:
I have always enjoyed swimming because my grandmother has a swimming
pool. NO COMMA
Study these examples, noting which sentences have commas and which do not:
Although I enjoy swimming, I never learned how to water-ski.
I never learned how to water-ski although I enjoy swimming. NO COMMA
When I approached the house, I saw an elderly man peering out the window.
I saw an elderly man peering out the window when I approached the house.
NO COMMA
For your information, this parking lot is for physicians only.
This handy rule covers subordinate clauses (word groups beginning with subordinate
conjunctions such as if, when, because, although) as well as prepositional phrases (word
groups beginning with prepositions such as of, in, by, for, with, to).

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Rule 2
Use a comma with a coordinate conjunction (a FANBOYS word) when theres a sentence
in front and in back. And and but are the most important coordinate conjunctions. Study
these examples:
I enjoyed the movie, and I want to see it again.
I enjoyed the movie and want to see it again. NO COMMA
The storm raged but didnt spoil our fun. NO COMMA
The storm raged, but it didnt spoil our fun.
FANBOYS words: For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So

Note: These seven words are the

only words you can use to join two
sentences with a comma.

Rule 3
Use two commas with a Superman sentence.
Bart Simpson, who often makes rude remarks to his parents, is not a good role
model for children.
Superman, disguised as Clark Kent, fights a never ending battle for the
American way.

Other Tips:
-Never use a comma directly after a subordinate or coordinate conjunction. Study the
examples above to see where commas are placed.
-The seven coordinate conjunctions (FANBOYS words) are the only words that can be
used with a comma to join two sentences. Use periods with other words:
Bill washed his car. Then he waxed it.
The job Im interested in pays well. Therefore, I expect a lot of competition.

copyright 2007 by Jean Reynolds

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