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A Few Easy Comma Rules


Here are two of the most frequently misunderstood comma rules (consult your handbook for the other comma rules):

Use commas for sentence interruptions:

When you interrupt your sentence to explain or clarify, put commas on both sides of the interruption.

Examples:

    Eastern is a small school in Charleston, Illinois, and it has a beautiful campus.

    I yelled at my older sister, Mary, because she was being a jerk.

    I have one degree in mycology, the science of fungi, and another in music.

Put a comma after introductory words in a sentence:

Examples:

    Well, I think it's time someone said something.

    Now, you don't have to agree, but I think it's stupid.

    So, where have you been?