1. There are many rules
for using commas.
You have already
learned five of them.
Module 6
Commas: Four More Rules

2. Use a comma…
• Example
• Some people like to travel, and others prefer to stay home.
1. Before coordinating conjunctions in a
compound sentence.
• Example
• From my window, I have a beautiful view.
2. After prepositional phrases at the beginning
of a sentence.
• Example
• After you take the pizza out of the oven, cut it into eight
pieces.
3. In a complex sentence when a dependent
adverb clause comes before an independent
clause.

3. Use a comma…
• Examples
• First, take the pizza out of the box.
• After that, fold the paper.
4. After listing-order and time-order signals
(EXCEPT then).
• Examples:
• Every morning I get up early, run a mile, take a shower, eat
breakfast, and feed my pets.
• One dog, one cat, two goldfish, a bird, and four humans live at
our house.
5. To separate items in a series. A series is three
or more things. These may be words or phrases
(groups of words).

4. Now, read about four more rules

5. 6. Use a comma…
 To separate thousands, millions, billions, etc.
NOTICE the difference from Spanish.
Examples:
 This university has 23,250 students.
 He earned more than $120,000 in profits last year.
 He expects to sell at least $10,000 copies of his
book.

6. BUT DO NOT USE A COMMA
 In a number that expresses a year or an address.
 To separate dollars from cents.
 In whole numbers use decimals (Use a period, not a comma)
Correct  Incorrect 
 In the year 2013
 2935 Main Street
 $59.95
(Fifty nine dollars and ninety-five
cents)
X In the year 2,013
X 2,935 Main Street
X $59,95

7. 7. Use a comma…
 To separate the parts of dates (days and
months) and after years in the middle of
sentences.
Examples:
 The third millennium started on January 1,
2001.
 We are going to Disney World on June 15, 2013.
 He was born on Tuesday, November 3, 1999.

8. 8. Use a comma…
 To separate parts of a U.S. address
• EXCEPT between the state and zip code when the
address is in a sentence.
Examples:
 The address of the White House is 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20500.
 I live in 2427 Maple Street, Ashburn, Virginia, VA
24207

9. 9. Use a comma…
 After the greeting in friendly letters.
Examples:
 Dear Mom,
 Dear Joan,
And after the closing in friendly and business letters.
 Love,
 Very truly yours,
 Sincerely,
Information taken from: Hogue, A. (2008). First
steps in academic writing. Longman: N.Y.