Rules of the Comma

Rules of the Comma from an American Neo-Yankee in the Court of Public Opinion

Rule #1- Descriptive phrase rule: If a sentence begins with a phrase of any sort that is describing the noun or verb of your sentence, especially –ly phrases, it will get a comma after it. Example: Wildly excited, the big man waved his sword at Democules.

Rule #2- Descriptive Interjection rule: If a phrase is interjected to describe something in between the noun and the verb, it gets a comma before and after it. Example: The beast, with all its mighty strength, roared its last challenge and died.

Rule #3- List Rule: If a noune has a list of adjectives, put a comma between all the list items but not between them and the noun. If one adjective describes another, they do not get a comma. Example: The blue, rotten apple hit the cherry red clown dead center. If there is a list using ‘and’, insert commas between the list items as long more than two items exist. Examples: The boy snapped the shovel like a toothpick, drove both pieces into the ground with his foot, and snarled out a curse or two.

Rule #4- Dialogue Rule:‘Tag lines’ that describes dialogue where the preceding dialogue ends with a period, replace the period with a comma. Example: “I don’t love you,” the woman said. However if the verb does not directly describe the dialogue don’t use one. Example: “Science will solve mysteries, but only faith gives you a reason to care.” The cement truck driver scowled down at the pavement. “Do you believe me?”

Rule #5- Connecting Word Rule: However and but (among others). These words appear in the singular and logically connect thoughts. They get commas. Example: However, it would be morning before they could begin the search. Another Example: The campsite was near, but the terrain was rough and the night cold.

Final thought: Make love, not war! Drink milk. And, last but not least, commas are an outward reflection of inward confusion. Therefore, use with great caution.