Commas: The first set of rules…

  1. Use commas to separate items in a series.

            For example: I like running, swimming, and biking.

                                                My best friends are Mike, Jane, and Sue.

                                                I need to dust the countertops, vacuum the carpet, and wash the dishes.

Note: If all items are joined by and or or, do not use commas to separate them.

For example: I like running and swimming and biking.

                                              My best friends are Mike and Jane and Sue.

Note: Some words, like bread and butter or law and order—are used in pairs and are considered one item in the series.

For example: For dinner I had chicken, macaroni and cheese, and green beans.

2. Use commas to separate two or more adjectives before a noun.

            For example: the dirty, dusty book; the warm, sunny day

Tip: Only put a comma between the words if you could reverse their order

            For example: the dusty, dirty book; the sunny, warm day

Note: If the last adjective before the noun is considered part of the noun, omit the comma before that adjective

For example: the angry, white-haired old lady; the old, green coffee mug

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