5. Essential information doesn’t require commas.

If removed from the sentence, the meaning is changed or the identifying/distinguishing fact is lost.

• Incorrect: The young boys, who vandalized the park, are in police custody.
• Correct: The young boys who vandalized the park are in police custody.

6. Direct addresses are set off by commas.

• Incorrect: The book is on the table Danielle.
• Correct: The book is on the table, Danielle.

7. A comma isn’t needed when a coordinating conjunction isn’t connecting two independent clauses or separating three or more items/actions.

• Incorrect: Charlie ran to Danny’s house, and knocked on the door.
• Correct: Charlie ran to Danny’s house and knocked on the door.

8. A commas isn’t used when a dependent (or subordinate) clause follows an independent clause; however, use a comma after a dependent (or subordinate) clause when it comes before an independent clause.

• Incorrect: Paul and Linda enjoyed the hike, despite the rain.
• Correct: Paul and Linda enjoyed the hike despite the rain.
• Correct: Despite the rain, Paul and Linda enjoyed the hike.

9. Interrupters (words, phrases, or clauses that significantly break the flow of a sentence) are set off by commas.

• Incorrect: Nancy of course was late again.
• Correct: Nancy, of course, was late again.
• Incorrect: Martin’s bedroom was to say the least a pigsty.
• Correct: Martin’s bedroom was, to say the least, a pigsty.

If you liked this article, please share it with the social sharing buttons and consider subscribing to our blog.