Comma Rules Practice 4

  1. Use a comma before a coordinate conjunction (and, but, or, nor, so, for, yet) in a compound sentence. 

I am not complaining, but I am stating my rather unhappy opinion.

  1. Commas are usually used after introductory words, phrases, and clauses.

When you leave today, remember your umbrella.
From the roof, I could see for miles.
Furthermore, I would like you to mow the lawn.
Yes, Santa Claus, there is no Virginia.

  1. Use commas to set off items in a series of three or more.

Of the letters X, Y, and Z, I prefer Z.

  1. Use commas to set off coordinate adjectives not joined by and.

The tired, ambitious clerk usually worked through lunch and stayed late.

  1. Use commas around words, phrases, and clauses that interrupt the flow of a sentence (and are not essential to the meaning).

I never was, by the way, a hippie.
She was, however, too tired to continue studying.

  1. Use commas to set off contrasted elements, geographical names, and most items in dates.

Cats, but not dogs, own themselves.
Maria was born in Rockledge, Florida, on August 16, 2002, at 10:20 p.m.

Insert commas as needed in the following sentences.  Not all sentences need commas. Write the rule number that justifies your use of the comma.

  1. My family lived in Florence Italy during my high school years.
  2. After hearing her excuse I still did not believe her.
  3. That’s a bathing suit top not a piece of string.
  4. Amelia wore sensible durable clothing.
  5. Chris ran out the door jumped over the fence and raced down the road.
  6. The movie was boring meaningless and confusing.
  7. Maria opened her math book and then began doing problems 1 through 10.
  8. When you write an essay state your thesis clearly.
  9. I will walk on the treadmill or I will walk in the park.
  10. Laura lived in Island Grove Florida before moving to Dalton Georgia.
  11. The explanation such as it was could not be believed by any rational person.
  12. I removed the blackberry pie from the oven and put it on the window sill to cool.
  13. Although there are many different comma rules they can be learned.
  14. I will explain them to you if you wish.
  15. If you will stop nagging I will empty the trash wash the dishes and do the laundry.

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