Comma Rules – Comma separates the structural elements of a sentence into manageable elements.

1) Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions(but, yet and so, etc.)that joins independent clauses
Egs.- I wanted to go hiking, but it was too cold.

-She invited her friend, but she couldn’t make it.

2)Use a comma after introductory clauses, phrases & words before the main clauses.
Egs.-While I was running, a dog walked by.

-Having finished the test early, I went to lunch.

3) Use a comma in the middle of a sentence to set off phrases, clauses & inessential words.
– The professor of this class is interesting. The material, on the other hand, is not.
-Thank you for coming in. Today, however, we do not need help.

4) Use commas in a series.
-Apples, bananas oranges were on sale.
-The coach promised to announce the winner, 1st runner up, and the 2nd runner up.

5) Use commas to separate the main sentence structure from quotations that you integrate.

– The professor said,” The exam will be held tomorrow.”
-The mother asked, “Had the son eaten his meal on time.?”