Full Lesson: Comma Rules

To use fewer words

To make writing look more formal

To make sentences clearer and easier to read

To impress readers with punctuation

A clause that is always in the middle of a sentence.

A word that ends a sentence.

A phrase that always starts with 'and'.

A word, phrase, or clause that comes before the main part of the sentence and sets the stage or adds extra information.

Capitalize the introductory element.

Use a period after the introductory element.

Use a comma after the introductory element.

Underline the introductory element.

The rain stopped and the sun came out.

The rain stopped, and the sun came out.

The rain, stopped and the sun came out.

The rain stopped and, the sun came out.

A comma is always needed between clauses.

No comma is needed if the independent clause comes first.

A comma is needed if the dependent clause comes first.

A comma is never used in complex sentences.

A clause that always starts with 'and' or 'but'.

A clause that is necessary for the meaning of the sentence.

A clause that adds extra, but not crucial, detail about a noun.

A clause that cannot be removed from the sentence.

A verb that shows action in a sentence

A noun or noun phrase that renames or describes another noun next to it

An adjective that modifies a noun

A conjunction that connects two clauses