Comma Usage [Intro | Basic Usage | Dialogue Usage | Special Usage]

Comma usage is one form of punctuation that people question regularly, and sometimes become confused over.  However, as with most punctuation and grammar issues, if we understand the basic functions then the more difficult questions are less confusing.  This is an online handout covering how to use commas in basic terms, dialogue, and special applications.

Table of Contents

• Basic Usage

• Dialogue Usage

• Special Usage

Basic Usage:  Commas
Commas are most commonly used as separators for words in a list, calendar dates, and abbreviations. Commas are also commonly used in three different functions.  First, conjunctions; second, transitions; and third, introductory phrases.  Conjunctions are certain words separating two independent clauses and are designated with the acronym, FANBOYS.  Transitions are words indicating a change of thought without a loss of flow in writing to the reader.  Introductory phrases also indicate a change of thought, but the change is toward a new idea.

Using Commas with Quotations
Direct quotations are preceded with words introducing it or followed by words attributing the speaker.  Both of these instances require the use of commas before the double quotation marks as an introduction, or before the speaker is identified in an attribution.  Commas are always inside quotation marks.

Special Usage
Special usage of commas include using them with nonrestrictive clauses, participial phrases, appositives, and conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)..

Comma Usage [Intro | Basic Usage | Dialogue Usage | Special Usage]
by Bobby Kuechenmeister
Originally done as a term project for Dr. Haakenson's English 125:  Grammar and Usage course.
first posted May 4, 2003
last updated October 23, 2005