COMMAS
Rule 1.
Use commas to separate words and word groups in a series.
Example DMX, Jay-Z and Ja Rule are New York’s hottest rappers.
Rule 2.
Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word and can be used
between them.
Example Mary J Blige is a strong, healthy woman.
Rule 3.
Use a comma when a ly adjective is used with additional adjectives.
Examples Beenie Man is a lonely, old singer.
Rule 4.
Use commas to surround the name or title of a person directly referred to.
Examples Will he, Lil Flip, do the song for him?
Rule 5a.
Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year and after the year.
Example I met my Slim Thug on December 21, 2002, in Houston.
Rule 5b.
If any part of the date is omitted, do not use a comma.
Example We met in December 2002 in Houston.
Rule 6.
Use a comma to separate the city from the state and after the state.
Example I lived in Dallas, Texas, for 15 years.
Rule 7.
Use commas with degrees or titles.
Example William Mack, M.D., knew Walter Romeo, Jr.
Rule 8.
Use commas to mark off expressions that interrupt the meaning of the sentence.
Example He is, as some may have noticed, disappointed in the performance of
the football team this year.
Rule 9.
When starting a sentence with a dependent clause, use a comma after it.
Examples If Ludacris cannot perform during the Kappa, please notify the talent
coordinators immediately.
Rule 10.
If something or someone is sufficiently identified in a sentence, the description
following is not needed.
Example Fabolous, who has a chipped tooth, does not smile much during photo
shoots.
Rule 11.
Use a comma to separate two sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction—
and, or, but, for, nor.
Example DJ Screw was the South’s greatest turntabilist, but Jam Master Jay
was a legend to the entire world.
Rule 12.
Use the comma to separate two sentences if it will help avoid confusion.
Example LA gangs chose the colors red and blue, and black was the first choice
for the gangs in Chicago.
Rule 13.
If a subject is not used before the second verb, do not use a comma.
Example She prepared for days and still made several large mistakes during the
show.
Rule 15.
Use a comma to precede direct quotations.
Examples Fifty-Cent always says, “G-G-G-G-G Unit!”
Rule 16.
Use a comma to divide a statement from a question.
Example The album is in stores now, isn’t it?
Rule 17.
Use a comma to separate contrasting word groups in a sentence.
Example This is my computer, not the school’s.
Rule 18.
Use a comma when beginning sentences with introductory or transitional words
such as yes, thus, hence, moreover and therefore.
Example Therefore, he is believed to have been one of the most successful
recording artists of al time.