Commas

I know you think you know all about commas, but I think I'll just remind you of the five basic rules to the comma.

Rule #1:

If you are combining two complete thoughts then you MUST use a conjunction right after a comma. Here are some examples: My mother loves chocolate, so I love chocolate. People always say I’m weird, but my friends say I’m unique.

Rule #2:

Always use a comma after introductory material. Here are some examples: Well, that was fun. Dude, please tell me we won’t be doing that again.

Rule #3:

Use commas to offset interrupters. Here are two examples: My sister, who is younger than me, is very lucky. People, mostly my peers, say I’m smart.

Rule #4:

One should use commas to separate items in a series. Here are two examples: I like to read, eat, and be on time. Sally enjoys talking, singing, and wasting time.

Rule #5:

When using direct quotations one should use the comma to separate who's saying the text and the text its self. Here are some examples: She said, “The world must be round.” “Time,” she answered, “is measured in intervals.”

There you have it; five comma rules in one blog. Remember them and there is quite possibility that your English teacher will think you’re the smartest person in their class.