{"id":353,"date":"2014-07-25T20:09:58","date_gmt":"2014-07-25T20:09:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/writershandbook\/?post_type=chapter&p=353"},"modified":"2017-01-02T20:01:27","modified_gmt":"2017-01-02T20:01:27","slug":"18-1-using-commas-properly","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-mcc-styleguide\/chapter\/18-1-using-commas-properly\/","title":{"raw":"18.1 Using Commas Properly","rendered":"18.1 Using Commas Properly"},"content":{"raw":" \r\n
\r\n

18.1<\/span> Using Commas Properly<\/h2>\r\n
\r\n

Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n
    \r\n \t
  1. Use introductory, series, and compound-sentence commas correctly.<\/li>\r\n \t
  2. Use commas to isolate words that are not essential to a sentence.<\/li>\r\n \t
  3. Use commas with adjectives, quotations, and details.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\nCommas are to readers as road signs are to drivers. Just as a driver might take a wrong turn if a sign is missing or misplaced, a reader cannot traverse a sentence meaningfully when commas are not properly in place.\r\n
    \r\n

    Using Commas with Introductory Words, Phrases, and Clauses<\/h2>\r\nCommas set introductory words, phrases, and clauses apart from the rest of a sentence. This separation serves to signal a reader to pause and to give words a chance to have meaning without interference from other words.\r\n
    \r\n

    Examples<\/h3>\r\nSingle-word example:<\/strong> Afterward,<\/strong> fans came backstage and surrounded the actors and actresses.\r\n\r\nPhrase example:<\/strong> Without an invitation,<\/strong> fans swarmed backstage in excitement.\r\n\r\nClause example:<\/strong> After the fans began to head to their cars,<\/strong> the actors and actresses took their first break in two hours.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n
    \r\n

    Using Commas in a Series<\/h2>\r\nA series is a list embedded in a sentence with a conjunction, typically the word \u201cand,\u201d between the last two items in the list. Without the commas, a series can be quite confusing.\r\n
    \r\n

    Example<\/h3>\r\nSeries in a sentence without commas:<\/strong> Penny\u2019s costume included a long blue dress a red bonnet black lace-up shoes a heavy gold pendant on a chain and a very-full petticoat.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nWith a little work, a reader can possibly identify the five items that made up Penny\u2019s costume. But the sentence is confusing and requires too much work to read. Inserting commas makes reading this sentence very easy and clear.\r\n
    \r\n

    Example<\/h3>\r\nSeries in a sentence with commas:<\/strong> Penny\u2019s costume included a long blue dress,<\/strong> a red bonnet,<\/strong> black lace-up shoes,<\/strong> a heavy gold pendant on a chain,<\/strong> and a very-full petticoat.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nSome usage experts promote the idea that the comma immediately before the conjunction is optional since it has fallen out of universal use. However, it is still wise to use it to avoid inadvertent confusion.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
    \r\n

    Using Commas in Compound Sentences<\/h2>\r\nWhen a sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction<\/span><\/span> (and<\/em>, but<\/em>, for<\/em>, nor\/or<\/em>, so<\/em>, yet<\/em>), a comma is needed between the two clauses. Remember that an independent clause must have both a subject and a verb and be able to serve as a stand-alone sentence. (See Chapter 15 \"Sentence Building,\" Section 15.1 \"Incorporating Core Sentence Components (Avoiding Fragments)\" for more on sentence components.)\r\n
    \r\n

    Examples<\/h3>\r\nExample of a compound sentence with two independent clauses:<\/strong> Mitch arrived an hour early for the first rehearsal,<\/strong> and he spent the time looking through the costume closets.\r\n\r\nExample of a sentence with two clauses, one of which is not independent:<\/strong> Mitch arrived an hour early for the first rehearsal and spent the time looking through the costume closets.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
    \r\n

    Using Commas to Isolate Nonessential Words within a Sentence<\/h2>\r\nTo create interest and increase clarification, you may want to add words and phrases to basic sentences. These additional pieces often function as add-ons that are not essential to the core meaning of the sentence and do not change the meaning of the sentence. You should separate such words and phrases from the rest of the sentence. Some examples of nonessential words<\/span><\/span> include adjective phrases and clauses, words of direct address, interjections, and appositives.\r\n
    \r\n

    Adjective Phrases and Clauses<\/h2>\r\nSome adjective phrases and clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence and some are not. If they are essential, no comma is needed. If the meaning of the sentence would be intact if the phrase or clause were removed, a comma is needed. You can identify adjective clauses since they often begin with the relative pronouns where<\/em>, when<\/em>, which<\/em>, who<\/em>, whom<\/em>, whose<\/em>, or that<\/em>.\r\n
    \r\n

    Example<\/h3>\r\nComma needed:<\/strong> To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em>,<\/strong> which was Malik\u2019s first play,<\/strong> lasted almost two hours.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nA comma is needed because, even without the adjective phrase, the reader would know that the play lasted for two hours.\r\n
    \r\n

    Example<\/h3>\r\nCommas not needed:<\/strong> Actors who give constant effort can inspire others in the cast to do well.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nA comma is not needed because the phrase \u201cwho give constant efforts\u201d clarifies which actors are being referenced within the sentence. Since the sentence meaning would not be complete without the phrase, no comma is needed.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
    \r\n

    Words of Direct Address<\/h2>\r\nSome sentences name the person being spoken to. A person\u2019s name that is used in this way is called a noun in direct address<\/span><\/span>. Since naming the person does not change the meaning of the sentence, you should separate such a name from the rest of the sentence.\r\n
    \r\n

    Example<\/h3>\r\nYour performance,<\/strong> Penny,<\/strong> was absolutely amazing!\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
    \r\n

    Interjections<\/h2>\r\nSome words interrupt the flow of a sentence but do not actually change the meaning of the sentence. Such words are known as interjections<\/span><\/span> and should be set apart from the rest of the sentence with commas. Aside from \u201cyes\u201d and \u201cno,\u201d most interjections express a sudden emotion.\r\n
      \r\n \t
    • Yes,<\/strong> I am going to the Saturday matinee performance.<\/li>\r\n \t
    • I suppose you will think it is a problem if I don\u2019t arrive until a few minutes before the curtain goes up,<\/strong> huh?<\/li>\r\n \t
    • There is a chance,<\/strong> drat,<\/strong> that I might miss the first few minutes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n

      Appositives<\/h2>\r\nAppositives<\/span><\/span> are nouns or noun phrases that restate an immediately preceding noun or noun phrase.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMalik\u2019s first play,<\/strong> To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em>,<\/strong> had six performances.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMalik only has one \u201cfirst\u201d play, so the title of the play is a restatement of \u201cMalik\u2019s first play.\u201d Since this sentence is complete with all meaning intact even if the words \u201cTo Kill a Mockingbird<\/em>\u201d were removed, the words need to be separated with commas.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMy husband, Kyle, has visited the To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em> museum in Monroeville.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSince \u201cmy husband\u201d identifies a single person, the name \u201cKyle\u201d merely restates his identity and thus adds no new information. Therefore, \u201cKyle\u201d should be set apart with commas.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n

      Using Commas with Coordinate Adjectives<\/h2>\r\nYou should place a comma between coordinate adjectives<\/span><\/span> that are not joined with the word \u201cand.\u201d Coordinate adjectives are double adjectives and can be joined with the word \u201cand,\u201d rearranged, or both and still work fine.\r\n
      \r\n

      Example<\/h3>\r\nSentence with coordinate adjectives:<\/strong> Atticus is a good role for Malik since Malik is a tall,<\/strong> stately guy.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nThis sentence requires commas since Malik could be \u201ca stately, tall guy,\u201d or he could be \u201ctall and stately,\u201d or he could be \u201cstately and tall.\u201d\r\n\r\nDo not use commas between cumulative adjectives. Cumulative adjectives<\/span><\/span> build on each other, modify the next one in line, and do not make sense if rearranged.\r\n
      \r\n

      Example<\/h3>\r\nSentence with cumulative adjectives:<\/strong> Atticus Finch is a dedicated defense attorney.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nThis is a cumulative adjective situation because it would not work to rearrange the adjectives to say \u201cdefense dedicated attorney\u201d or \u201cdedicated and defense attorney.\u201d Therefore, no commas are needed in this example; the adjective \u201cdefense\u201d modifies \u201cattorney\u201d and the adjective \u201cdedicated\u201d modifies \u201cdefense attorney.\u201d\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n

      Using Commas with Dialogue and Direct Quotations<\/h2>\r\nYou should use a comma prior to or just after the quotations in dialogue. Also, use a comma before a direct quotation<\/span><\/span> when preceded by a verb such as declares, says, or writes.\r\n
      \r\n

      Example<\/h3>\r\nComma before dialogue:<\/strong> Jem said,<\/strong> \u201cThere goes the meanest man that ever took a breath of life.\u201d\r\n\r\nComma after dialogue:<\/strong> \u201cThe one thing that doesn\u2019t abide by majority rule is a person\u2019s conscience,<\/strong>\u201d said Atticus Finch.\r\n\r\nNo comma needed before or after a direct quotation that is not preceded by a verb:<\/strong> According to Miss Maudie Atkinson, Atticus \u201ccan make somebody\u2019s will so airtight you can\u2019t break it.\u201d\r\n\r\nNo comma needed before or after an indirect quotation:<\/strong> Atticus told Jem that it was a sin to kill a mockingbird.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n

      Using Commas When Inserting Details into Text<\/h2>\r\nDetails such as dates, addresses, geographic names, company names, letter and e-mail components, titles that go with names, and numbers all require commas when used in text and sometimes when used alone.\r\n
      \r\n

      Dates<\/h2>\r\nWhen a date is written in month\u2013day\u2013year order in isolation, you need to use a comma between the day and year.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDecember 25,<\/strong> 1962\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen a date is written in month\u2013day\u2013year order within a sentence and does not fall at the end of the sentence, you need to use a comma between the day and year and between the year and the rest of the sentence.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nOn December 25,<\/strong> 1962,<\/strong> the movie To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em> opened in theaters.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n

      Addresses<\/h2>\r\nWhen an address is written in mailing format, commas are needed between the city and state.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nOld Courthouse Museum\r\n\r\nCourthouse Square\r\n\r\n31 N. Alabama Ave.\r\n\r\nMonroeville,<\/strong> AL 36460\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen an address is written within running text, commas are needed between the city and state as well as between each of the \u201clines\u201d of the address and between the address and the rest of the sentence if the address does not fall at the end of the sentence.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAnnual performances of To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em> are performed in the Old Courthouse Museum,<\/strong> Courthouse Square,<\/strong> 31 N. Alabama Ave.,<\/strong> Monroeville,<\/strong> AL 36460,<\/strong> near where author Harper Lee grew up.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n

      Geographic Names<\/h2>\r\nUse a comma after each item within a place name when the place name is used in running text, even when it is not part of a complete address.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAtticus Finch lived and worked in the fictitious city of Maycomb,<\/strong> Alabama,<\/strong> which many assume is patterned somewhat after Monroeville,<\/strong> Alabama,<\/strong> where the author grew up.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n

      Company Names<\/h2>\r\nCompany names that include \u201cincorporated\u201d or \u201climited\u201d (or the like) require a comma between the name and \u201cInc.\u201d or \u201cLtd.\u201d only when a comma is placed there as part of the official company name. Check for letterhead or the company\u2019s website for clarification on its preferred usage.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nInvesco Ltd.\r\n<\/span>\r\n\r\nReplacements, Ltd.\r\n<\/span>\r\n\r\nCitigroup, Inc.\r\n<\/span>\r\n\r\nCitizens Inc.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen \u201cincorporated\u201d or \u201climited\u201d is part of a company name within a sentence, a comma is needed between the word and the rest of the sentence only when a comma precedes it.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nCitigroup, Inc., is making some noise in the banking industry lately.\r\n<\/span>\r\n\r\nInvesco Ltd. started out slowly in that sector of the market.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n

      Letter and E-mail Greetings and Closings<\/h2>\r\nCommas are used to separate letter and e-mail components both in isolation and within running text.\r\n
        \r\n \t
      • Dear Alice,<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
      • Sincerely,<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
      • Hi, Jerry,<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
      • Later,<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
        \r\n

        Titles That Go with Names<\/h2>\r\nUse commas to set off descriptive titles that follow names. However, don\u2019t use a comma before \u201cJr.\u201d or \u201cIII\u201d (or the like) unless you know the person prefers a comma.\r\n
          \r\n \t
        • Atticus Finch,<\/strong> attorney-at-law<\/li>\r\n \t
        • John Hale Finch,<\/strong> MD<\/li>\r\n \t
        • Walter Cunningham Jr.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWithin text, include a comma both before and after the descriptive title to set it off from the whole sentence.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAtticus Finch,<\/strong> attorney-at-law,<\/strong> at your service.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
          \r\n

          Numbers<\/h2>\r\nIn numbers with more than four digits, begin at the right and add a comma after every third digit. In a four-digit number, a comma is omitted in page and line numbers, addresses, and years, and it is optional in other cases. No commas are used in numbers with less than four digits. Numbers are treated exactly the same when used in text.\r\n
            \r\n \t
          • 335,<\/strong>353,<\/strong>235<\/li>\r\n \t
          • 8,<\/strong>302 (as number, comma is optional)<\/li>\r\n \t
          • as year, no comma)<\/li>\r\n \t
          • 38,<\/strong>231<\/li>\r\n \t
          • 200 (no comma)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
            \r\n

            Example<\/h3>\r\nIn an Internet search for \u201creviews of To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em>,\u201d 2,<\/strong>420,<\/strong>000 results surfaced.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
            \r\n

            Using Commas to Avoid Confusion<\/h2>\r\nSometimes you simply have to use a comma to avoid confusion. For example, when a word is removed for effect, a comma can sometimes make up for the missing word.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nTo perform is a skill; to transform,<\/strong> art.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhen two like or nearly like words are placed side by side, a comma can sometimes help clarify the intended meaning.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe whole cast came walking in,<\/strong> in full costume.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSometimes you will need to use a comma so the reader understands how the words are to be grouped to attain the author\u2019s desired meaning. Read the following example without the comma and note the difference.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nFans who can,<\/strong> come each year to see the annual To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em> performance.\r\n\r\n \r\n
            \r\n

            Key Takeaways<\/h3>\r\n
              \r\n \t
            • You must use commas with introductory words, phrases, and clauses; between the words in a series; and between compound sentences.<\/li>\r\n \t
            • You should use commas to separate from the rest of a sentence words that are not essential to the sentence, such as adjective phrases and clauses, words of direct address, interjections, and appositives.<\/li>\r\n \t
            • You should place commas between side-by-side adjectives that independently and interchangeably modify a noun, between quotations and the rest of the sentence, and in a variety of detail-specific situations, such as dates, addresses, geographic names, company names, letter and e-mail greetings and closings, titles that go with names, and numbers.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
              \r\n

              Exercise<\/h3>\r\n
                \r\n \t
              1. Add commas as needed to write each of these sentences correctly.\r\n
                  \r\n \t
                1. If you are right Darcy you and I will have amazing front-row seats.<\/li>\r\n \t
                2. Tonight I am going with Allen Beth Daryl Salome and Tommy.<\/li>\r\n \t
                3. When Malik jumped off the stage I naturally jumped about forty-five thousand feet in the air.<\/li>\r\n \t
                4. I grew up in Stockton Illinois on a farm and my friend grew up in Fort Madison Iowa in town.<\/li>\r\n \t
                5. If you arrive before I do save me a seat.<\/li>\r\n \t
                6. When I called she said \u201cMark Lucster Jr. wants to come with us.\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n ","rendered":"

                   <\/p>\n

                  \n

                  18.1<\/span> Using Commas Properly<\/h2>\n
                  \n

                  Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n
                    \n
                  1. Use introductory, series, and compound-sentence commas correctly.<\/li>\n
                  2. Use commas to isolate words that are not essential to a sentence.<\/li>\n
                  3. Use commas with adjectives, quotations, and details.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

                    Commas are to readers as road signs are to drivers. Just as a driver might take a wrong turn if a sign is missing or misplaced, a reader cannot traverse a sentence meaningfully when commas are not properly in place.<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Using Commas with Introductory Words, Phrases, and Clauses<\/h2>\n

                    Commas set introductory words, phrases, and clauses apart from the rest of a sentence. This separation serves to signal a reader to pause and to give words a chance to have meaning without interference from other words.<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Examples<\/h3>\n

                    Single-word example:<\/strong> Afterward,<\/strong> fans came backstage and surrounded the actors and actresses.<\/p>\n

                    Phrase example:<\/strong> Without an invitation,<\/strong> fans swarmed backstage in excitement.<\/p>\n

                    Clause example:<\/strong> After the fans began to head to their cars,<\/strong> the actors and actresses took their first break in two hours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                     <\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Using Commas in a Series<\/h2>\n

                    A series is a list embedded in a sentence with a conjunction, typically the word \u201cand,\u201d between the last two items in the list. Without the commas, a series can be quite confusing.<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Example<\/h3>\n

                    Series in a sentence without commas:<\/strong> Penny\u2019s costume included a long blue dress a red bonnet black lace-up shoes a heavy gold pendant on a chain and a very-full petticoat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                    With a little work, a reader can possibly identify the five items that made up Penny\u2019s costume. But the sentence is confusing and requires too much work to read. Inserting commas makes reading this sentence very easy and clear.<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Example<\/h3>\n

                    Series in a sentence with commas:<\/strong> Penny\u2019s costume included a long blue dress,<\/strong> a red bonnet,<\/strong> black lace-up shoes,<\/strong> a heavy gold pendant on a chain,<\/strong> and a very-full petticoat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                    Some usage experts promote the idea that the comma immediately before the conjunction is optional since it has fallen out of universal use. However, it is still wise to use it to avoid inadvertent confusion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                    \n

                    Using Commas in Compound Sentences<\/h2>\n

                    When a sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction<\/span><\/span> (and<\/em>, but<\/em>, for<\/em>, nor\/or<\/em>, so<\/em>, yet<\/em>), a comma is needed between the two clauses. Remember that an independent clause must have both a subject and a verb and be able to serve as a stand-alone sentence. (See Chapter 15 “Sentence Building,” Section 15.1 “Incorporating Core Sentence Components (Avoiding Fragments)” for more on sentence components.)<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Examples<\/h3>\n

                    Example of a compound sentence with two independent clauses:<\/strong> Mitch arrived an hour early for the first rehearsal,<\/strong> and he spent the time looking through the costume closets.<\/p>\n

                    Example of a sentence with two clauses, one of which is not independent:<\/strong> Mitch arrived an hour early for the first rehearsal and spent the time looking through the costume closets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                    \n

                    Using Commas to Isolate Nonessential Words within a Sentence<\/h2>\n

                    To create interest and increase clarification, you may want to add words and phrases to basic sentences. These additional pieces often function as add-ons that are not essential to the core meaning of the sentence and do not change the meaning of the sentence. You should separate such words and phrases from the rest of the sentence. Some examples of nonessential words<\/span><\/span> include adjective phrases and clauses, words of direct address, interjections, and appositives.<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Adjective Phrases and Clauses<\/h2>\n

                    Some adjective phrases and clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence and some are not. If they are essential, no comma is needed. If the meaning of the sentence would be intact if the phrase or clause were removed, a comma is needed. You can identify adjective clauses since they often begin with the relative pronouns where<\/em>, when<\/em>, which<\/em>, who<\/em>, whom<\/em>, whose<\/em>, or that<\/em>.<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Example<\/h3>\n

                    Comma needed:<\/strong> To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em>,<\/strong> which was Malik\u2019s first play,<\/strong> lasted almost two hours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                    A comma is needed because, even without the adjective phrase, the reader would know that the play lasted for two hours.<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Example<\/h3>\n

                    Commas not needed:<\/strong> Actors who give constant effort can inspire others in the cast to do well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                    A comma is not needed because the phrase \u201cwho give constant efforts\u201d clarifies which actors are being referenced within the sentence. Since the sentence meaning would not be complete without the phrase, no comma is needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                    \n

                    Words of Direct Address<\/h2>\n

                    Some sentences name the person being spoken to. A person\u2019s name that is used in this way is called a noun in direct address<\/span><\/span>. Since naming the person does not change the meaning of the sentence, you should separate such a name from the rest of the sentence.<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Example<\/h3>\n

                    Your performance,<\/strong> Penny,<\/strong> was absolutely amazing!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                    \n

                    Interjections<\/h2>\n

                    Some words interrupt the flow of a sentence but do not actually change the meaning of the sentence. Such words are known as interjections<\/span><\/span> and should be set apart from the rest of the sentence with commas. Aside from \u201cyes\u201d and \u201cno,\u201d most interjections express a sudden emotion.<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Yes,<\/strong> I am going to the Saturday matinee performance.<\/li>\n
                    • I suppose you will think it is a problem if I don\u2019t arrive until a few minutes before the curtain goes up,<\/strong> huh?<\/li>\n
                    • There is a chance,<\/strong> drat,<\/strong> that I might miss the first few minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
                      \n

                      Appositives<\/h2>\n

                      Appositives<\/span><\/span> are nouns or noun phrases that restate an immediately preceding noun or noun phrase.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      Malik\u2019s first play,<\/strong> To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em>,<\/strong> had six performances.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      Malik only has one \u201cfirst\u201d play, so the title of the play is a restatement of \u201cMalik\u2019s first play.\u201d Since this sentence is complete with all meaning intact even if the words \u201cTo Kill a Mockingbird<\/em>\u201d were removed, the words need to be separated with commas.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      My husband, Kyle, has visited the To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em> museum in Monroeville.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      Since \u201cmy husband\u201d identifies a single person, the name \u201cKyle\u201d merely restates his identity and thus adds no new information. Therefore, \u201cKyle\u201d should be set apart with commas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                      \n

                      Using Commas with Coordinate Adjectives<\/h2>\n

                      You should place a comma between coordinate adjectives<\/span><\/span> that are not joined with the word \u201cand.\u201d Coordinate adjectives are double adjectives and can be joined with the word \u201cand,\u201d rearranged, or both and still work fine.<\/p>\n

                      \n

                      Example<\/h3>\n

                      Sentence with coordinate adjectives:<\/strong> Atticus is a good role for Malik since Malik is a tall,<\/strong> stately guy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      This sentence requires commas since Malik could be \u201ca stately, tall guy,\u201d or he could be \u201ctall and stately,\u201d or he could be \u201cstately and tall.\u201d<\/p>\n

                      Do not use commas between cumulative adjectives. Cumulative adjectives<\/span><\/span> build on each other, modify the next one in line, and do not make sense if rearranged.<\/p>\n

                      \n

                      Example<\/h3>\n

                      Sentence with cumulative adjectives:<\/strong> Atticus Finch is a dedicated defense attorney.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      This is a cumulative adjective situation because it would not work to rearrange the adjectives to say \u201cdefense dedicated attorney\u201d or \u201cdedicated and defense attorney.\u201d Therefore, no commas are needed in this example; the adjective \u201cdefense\u201d modifies \u201cattorney\u201d and the adjective \u201cdedicated\u201d modifies \u201cdefense attorney.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      \n

                      Using Commas with Dialogue and Direct Quotations<\/h2>\n

                      You should use a comma prior to or just after the quotations in dialogue. Also, use a comma before a direct quotation<\/span><\/span> when preceded by a verb such as declares, says, or writes.<\/p>\n

                      \n

                      Example<\/h3>\n

                      Comma before dialogue:<\/strong> Jem said,<\/strong> \u201cThere goes the meanest man that ever took a breath of life.\u201d<\/p>\n

                      Comma after dialogue:<\/strong> \u201cThe one thing that doesn\u2019t abide by majority rule is a person\u2019s conscience,<\/strong>\u201d said Atticus Finch.<\/p>\n

                      No comma needed before or after a direct quotation that is not preceded by a verb:<\/strong> According to Miss Maudie Atkinson, Atticus \u201ccan make somebody\u2019s will so airtight you can\u2019t break it.\u201d<\/p>\n

                      No comma needed before or after an indirect quotation:<\/strong> Atticus told Jem that it was a sin to kill a mockingbird.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                      \n

                      Using Commas When Inserting Details into Text<\/h2>\n

                      Details such as dates, addresses, geographic names, company names, letter and e-mail components, titles that go with names, and numbers all require commas when used in text and sometimes when used alone.<\/p>\n

                      \n

                      Dates<\/h2>\n

                      When a date is written in month\u2013day\u2013year order in isolation, you need to use a comma between the day and year.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      December 25,<\/strong> 1962<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      When a date is written in month\u2013day\u2013year order within a sentence and does not fall at the end of the sentence, you need to use a comma between the day and year and between the year and the rest of the sentence.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      On December 25,<\/strong> 1962,<\/strong> the movie To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em> opened in theaters.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      \n

                      Addresses<\/h2>\n

                      When an address is written in mailing format, commas are needed between the city and state.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      Old Courthouse Museum<\/p>\n

                      Courthouse Square<\/p>\n

                      31 N. Alabama Ave.<\/p>\n

                      Monroeville,<\/strong> AL 36460<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      When an address is written within running text, commas are needed between the city and state as well as between each of the \u201clines\u201d of the address and between the address and the rest of the sentence if the address does not fall at the end of the sentence.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      Annual performances of To Kill a Mockingbird<\/em> are performed in the Old Courthouse Museum,<\/strong> Courthouse Square,<\/strong> 31 N. Alabama Ave.,<\/strong> Monroeville,<\/strong> AL 36460,<\/strong> near where author Harper Lee grew up.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      \n

                      Geographic Names<\/h2>\n

                      Use a comma after each item within a place name when the place name is used in running text, even when it is not part of a complete address.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      Atticus Finch lived and worked in the fictitious city of Maycomb,<\/strong> Alabama,<\/strong> which many assume is patterned somewhat after Monroeville,<\/strong> Alabama,<\/strong> where the author grew up.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      \n

                      Company Names<\/h2>\n

                      Company names that include \u201cincorporated\u201d or \u201climited\u201d (or the like) require a comma between the name and \u201cInc.\u201d or \u201cLtd.\u201d only when a comma is placed there as part of the official company name. Check for letterhead or the company\u2019s website for clarification on its preferred usage.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      Invesco Ltd.
                      \n<\/span><\/p>\n

                      Replacements, Ltd.
                      \n<\/span><\/p>\n

                      Citigroup, Inc.
                      \n<\/span><\/p>\n

                      Citizens Inc.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      When \u201cincorporated\u201d or \u201climited\u201d is part of a company name within a sentence, a comma is needed between the word and the rest of the sentence only when a comma precedes it.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      Citigroup, Inc., is making some noise in the banking industry lately.
                      \n<\/span><\/p>\n

                      Invesco Ltd. started out slowly in that sector of the market.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      \n

                      Letter and E-mail Greetings and Closings<\/h2>\n

                      Commas are used to separate letter and e-mail components both in isolation and within running text.<\/p>\n