Use commas to separate aspects of geographical names, dates (except between the month
and day), addresses (except between the street number and street name), and titles in
names.
She was born on July 7, 1958, in London, England.
Suzi Smith, MD., has an office at 101 Main Street, Chicago, Illinois.
Please deliver this to David Jones, Ph.D., 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas.
North Harris College Writing Center
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Use commas to separate the main discourse in a quotation.
"Don't stay gone long," she insisted, "or I will be worried."
"By the time you get back," he explained, "we will have left."
She stomped her feet and yelled, "Why can't I go?"
Use commas to separate sharply contrasted elements.
He went to school, not home.
She bought a skirt, not pants.
They saw Jane, not Mike.
Use commas to prevent possible confusion or misreading.
Above, the stars showed more brightly than ever.
To Anne, Beth had been a true friend and mentor.
With them, he never felt like he belonged.
Comma Usage Practice
Place commas where appropriate in the following sentences. Some of the sentences are correct.
If no commas are needed, mark the sentence "correct".
1. The grocery store
,
which is on Main Street
,
is just two blocks from my house.
2. We took food
,
bug spray
,
and a blanket to the picnic.
3. My classes meet on Monday
,
Wednesday
,
and Friday of each week.
4. Without warning
,
the storm worsened and the electricity failed.
5. In the winter
,
I like to sit by the fireplace and drink hot chocolate.
6. He yelled
,
"I don't want to go!"
7. Silk
,
cotton
,
and rayon are popular clothing fabrics.
8. He said he could hear the children who were laughing in the park.
correct
9. The twins were born on January 4
,
1980
,
in Helsinki Finland.
10. In the summer
,
we have a two week vacation and go swimming as often as we can.
11. Finally
,
when the rain stopped
,
we were able to leave.
12. "Please hold
,
" the secretary said
,
"while I transfer you to Ms. Adams."
13. She said she was with Jane
,
not John.
14. Above
,
the clouds looked like white cotton balls.
15. The dog will come home when he is tired and hungry.
correct
16. January 4
,
1939 is his birthday
,
and he wanted to celebrate in Paris
,
France.
17. The committee wanted to meet again
,
and the manager thought it was a good idea.
18. "When we enter the library
,
" the teacher cautioned
,
"you must speak in very quiet voices."
19. I knew he wouldn't be available to speak on the phone
,
so I e-mailed him.
20. "Make sure you help clean up
,
" Mother reminded us
,
"so that you will be invited back."
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