English 9 / Unit 9: Grammar and Usage
9.4 Comma Rules
Notes
Commas show pauses and separate parts of a sentence.
- Before a FANBOYS joining two independent clauses: "I ran, but I missed the bus."
- In a series of three or more: "eggs, milk, and bread" (the last comma is the Oxford comma, used in MLA).
- After an introductory word, phrase or dependent clause: "After lunch, we left."
- Around nonessential information (appositives or clauses): "My aunt, a pilot, flew to Peru."
- With direct address: "Sam, come here."
- In dates and addresses: "On May 4, 2025, in Austin, Texas, ..."
- Do not put a comma between a subject and its verb.
Practice
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Use a comma after an introductory dependent clause.
Which sentence correctly punctuates the nonessential information?
Nonessential clauses are set off by a pair of commas.
Which sentence uses a comma incorrectly?
Never separate a subject from its verb with a comma.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 9 test.