Majority of Stylebooks
Commas are used to separate items in a series or list.
Most stylebooks use the serial comma or the Oxford comma—the placement of a comma before a conjunction like “and."
David is a poet, a writer, and a scholar.
David is a poet, a writer, and a scholar.
Lincoln said that we had a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
In the '60s, hair was long, music was mellow, and life was simple.
In AP style, the serial comma or Oxford comma is rarely used (see #1). Exceptions: If a concluding conjunction includes a conjunction, a serial comma or Oxford comma is used (see #2). If there is the possibility of confusion, a comma is used (see #3). If there is a complex series of phrases, use of a comma is suggested (see 4).
Commas set off nonrestrictive clauses—nonessential added information-- introduced by which, that, or who (whom, whose):
Jennifer’s book, which was left in the cafeteria, was found on Monday.
Commas set off nonrestrictive appositives—nonessential added information that restates that which precedes it.
Bob’s brother, David, is an intelligent person.
In AP style, the serial comma or Oxford comma is rarely used (see #1). Exceptions: If a concluding conjunction includes a conjunction, a serial comma or Oxford comma is used (see #2). If there is the possibility of confusion, a comma is used (see #3). If there is a complex series of phrases, use of a comma is suggested (see 4).
- David is a poet, a writer and a scholar.
- David enjoys eating broccoli, bacon, and ham and eggs.
- The team consulted the staff, coach Bob Geary, and psychologist Barbara Volk.
- George Washington commanded to victory and independence the Continental Army during the American Revolution, presided over the Constitutional Convention that drafted the United States Constitution, and was elected unanimously by the Electoral College the first president of the United States.
Commas set off nonrestrictive clauses—nonessential added information-- introduced by which, that, or who (whom, whose):
Jennifer’s book, which was left in the cafeteria, was found on Monday.
Commas set off nonrestrictive appositives—nonessential added information that restates that which precedes it.
Bob’s brother, David, is an intelligent person.
The automobile, a Chrysler, crashed into the pole.
Commas set off parenthetical aides—material not directly related to the main idea.
The players wore the new uniforms, regrettably, to the game.
Commas connect two independent clauses—two sentences--joined by a conjunction.
The parents brought their children to school, and they introduced their children to the teachers.
Commas are used after a dependent clause (which does not express a complete thought) that precedes an independent clause (a sentence, a complete thought). Such dependent clauses usually begin with subordinating conjunctions such as After, Although, As, As if, Because, Before, Even though, If, Since, So That, Though, Unless, Until, When, Whether, While....
If he had known the outcome of the game, he would have played differently.
Dependent Clause Independent Clause
A comma can be omitted for stylistic purposes with short dependent clauses (introductory phrases).
Commas set off parenthetical aides—material not directly related to the main idea.
The players wore the new uniforms, regrettably, to the game.
Commas connect two independent clauses—two sentences--joined by a conjunction.
The parents brought their children to school, and they introduced their children to the teachers.
Commas are used after a dependent clause (which does not express a complete thought) that precedes an independent clause (a sentence, a complete thought). Such dependent clauses usually begin with subordinating conjunctions such as After, Although, As, As if, Because, Before, Even though, If, Since, So That, Though, Unless, Until, When, Whether, While....
If he had known the outcome of the game, he would have played differently.
Dependent Clause Independent Clause
A comma can be omitted for stylistic purposes with short dependent clauses (introductory phrases).
On Monday, I will go to work.
On Monday I will go to work.
Commas separate coordinate adjectives—words that apply to and describe some attribute of the same subject.
It was a cold, frosty winter.
Coordinate adjectives can be identified by the use of the word and between them: It was a cold and frosty winter. Also, coordinate adjectives can be moved around in a sentence without distorting the meaning of the sentence: It was a frosty, cold winter.
Commas separate multiple adverbs.
David energetically, thoroughly, and happily listened to the controversial speaker.
Commas can be used after introductory adverbs.
Frankly, he is an idiot!
Participles and participle phrases usually require a comma.
Fuming, she addressed his remark.
Fuming and seething, she addressed his remark.
Commas separate adjectives or adverbs that are repeated for emphasis.
It was a very, very frosty winter.
Do not use commas with sentences that have (1) a single subject shared by two verbs, and (2) a single verb shared by two objects.
(1) He ate his hamburger and drank his drink.
(2) He prepared food and clothing for the trip.
Commas often set off terms like for example, for instance, as a result, in spite of, indeed, etc.
Commas often set off terms like for example, for instance, as a result, in spite of, indeed, etc.
As a result of her study habits, Barbara became the class valedictorian.
Commas introduce quotations. A colon can also be used.
Josie said, “Don’t take my hat!”
Josie said: “Don’t take my hat!”
Josie said: “Don’t take my hat!”
If the quote is integrated into the sentence, a comma is not used.
"Don't take my hat" is what Josie said.
Lincoln said that he wanted a "government for the people."
Commas are used to indicate "direct address."
Hello, friend. Hey, Joe. Dude, back off.
Words such as Yes, No, Oh, Ah, Well can be set off with commas (Yes and No in AP Style are usually set off with commas).
Yes, I'll go to the park with you.
No, I didn't vote.
Commas are used with dates, addresses and place names.
Miami, Florida, is a beautiful place to visit.
March 19, 1964, was the year I was born.
Miami, Florida, is a beautiful place to visit.
March 19, 1964, was the year I was born.
March 1964 was a good year for me (no comma is used when cited in this manner).
Commas are used for academic credentials that follow a name.
John Wesley, PhD, gave an address to the students (CMOS).
John Wesley, Ph.D., gave an address to the students (AP Style).
For junior and senior within a sentence, the following apply.
Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke (CMOS).
Martin Luther King Jr. spoke (AP Style).
Do not use a comma before or after II, III, etc.
Pope John XXIII spoke to the crowd.
A school with an internal comma is usually followed by a comma.
The University of California, Los Angeles, is in the village of Westwood.
In AP Style, do not use a comma if an adjective is integral to a noun phrase.
NO: expensive, suede, shirt
YES: expensive suede shirt
In AP Style, do not use a comma before Inc. or Ltd.
No: Delta, Inc.
YES: Delta Inc.
YES: expensive suede shirt
In AP Style, do not use a comma before Inc. or Ltd.
No: Delta, Inc.
YES: Delta Inc.
