6. Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives that precede a noun. To
check if a comma is needed, separate the two adjectives with the word
and. If it sounds logical, a comma is required.
She is an intelligent, fair leader.
The draftee is a strong, athletic player.
Note: In the sentence, ‘‘We were served fried green tomatoes as part of
our meal,’’ fried is an adverb, not another adjective. Thus, a comma is
not necessary.)
7.Use a comma to separate independent clauses joined by the conjunctions
for, and, nor, but, or, and yet.
The singer wanted to perform at Carnegie Hall, but her schedule
prevented that.
You can drive, or you can walk.
Note: When you use the conjunctions for, so, and yet to join
independent clauses, always use a comma before the conjunction. For
the conjunctions and, nor, but, and or, a comma is not required as long
as the independent clauses are relatively short, AND the sentence is
understandable and clear without the comma.
Our principal understood and she responded immediately.
(no comma needed)
8. Use a comma to set off a word or words in direct address.
Ellie, would you like us to pull you on the float again?
This situation, Eve, is drastic.
Will you lend a hand here, Nicky?
9. Use a comma to set off parenthetical (provides additional information
and is loosely connected to the sentence’s content) expressions, such as,
‘‘I believe,’’ ‘‘For example,’’ ‘‘On the other hand,’’ ‘‘In the first place,’’
‘‘As a matter of fact,’’ ‘‘To tell the truth,’’ ‘‘Of course,’’ and ‘‘However.’’
This, I believe, is the best method
