Compound sentences Words in a List Dependent Clauses

A compound sentence Use commas to separate A dependent clause has a

contains two complete three or more words in a subject and a verb but
thoughts. Place a comma list. cannot stand alone. Place
before the word and or a comma after a
but in a compound dependent clause that
sentence. Nicole’s favourite sports begins a sentence.
are handball, tennis, and
running.
Michael wrote a letter, When I go running, I
and Suzy read a book. always wear my pulse
watch.
Introductory Words

Place a comma after

introductory words, such
Appositive
as yes and well. Direct Address
An appositive is a word
Use a comma to separate
or group of words that Yes, I think it is a good from the rest of the
explains another word in idea. sentence the name of a
a sentence. Use commas
person the sentence
to set off an appositive
addresses directly.
from the rest of the
sentence. Cities and States
Jake, is this your
Mr. Grey, my neighbour, Place a comma between
camera?
lost his wife two years the names of cities and
ago. states.

I live in Palm Springs,

California.

Dates

Place a comma between

the day and the year in a
date.

My birthday is July 22,

1980.