1. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction that connects two main clauses (simple sentences).
Sara and her son went to the mall, and they saw their next-door neighbors there.
2. Use a comma after a dependent clause when it starts a sentence.
After the girls had eaten breakfast, they went to the mall to go shopping.
3. Use commas between three or more items in a series. These items can be words, phrases, or clauses.
Sara went shopping for shoes, clothes, and groceries.
Sara is going to the mall, having lunch with Bill, and getting her nails done.
4. Use a comma between two adjectives that modify the same noun if they can be reversed in order.
Sara picked out a short, tight skirt.
Sara picked out a tight, short skirt. (comma)
Sara picked out a black leather jacket. (no comma)
5. Use a comma after introductory words, transitional words or phrases, long prepositional phrases, or verbal phrases.
Next, it is important to carefully proof your paper.
For example, it is important to read your paper out loud and word for word.
During the short spring break, many students and instructors try to relax.
Eating a large hamburger, Sara was not paying attention to where she was going, and she fell.
6. Use commas to set off interrupters from the rest of the sentence.
Sara, by the way, is a very pretty girl.
7. Use commas to set off explanatory words used for direct quotations.
"Sara," Carla said, "Is a very pretty girl."
8. Use commas to set off words of direct address.
Don't forget, Sara, to do your homework.
9. Use commas in dates and addresses with two or more elements in a sentence.
Mickey has lived at 1001 Smiley Street, Orlando, Florida, for the last three years.
Mickey's birthday party is Wednesday, October 11, at 2:00 PM.