1. Use a comma to set off an introductory subordinate clause from an independent statement.
2. Use a comma after introductory participial phrases.
3. Use a comma after introductory infinitive phrases unless the infinitive is used as the subject of the sentence.
4. Use a comma after an introductory sentence element consisting of a long prepositional phrase or of two or more phrases.
5. Use a comma after introductory words and phrases.
6. Use a comma to separate words, phrases, or clauses in a series.

7. Use a comma to separate coordinate clauses joined by AND,
BUT, FOR, OR, NOR, YET.
8. Use a comma to set off nonrestrictive (nonessential) clauses;
do not set of restrictive clauses that come within or at the
end of a sentence.
9. Use a comma to set off parenthetical (nonrestrictive, non-
essential) or appositive words or phrases.
10. Use a comma to separate adjectives of equal rank if the con-
junction is ommitted.
11. Use a comma to set off contrasting expressions.

12. Use a comma to set off an introductory subordinate clause from an independent statement.
- When Walter Mitty came out into the street again, he couldn't remember what his wife had told him to buy.
- Although the ability to program in BASIC is a prerequisite for the class, it is not considered more remedial than the use of any other programming language.
- When you are in doubt, tell the truth. (Mark Twain)
13. Use a comma after introductory participial phrases.
- Thinking that they could complete the tax return in an hour,they left it until April 15.
- Having received the deliquent notice, we tried to rush payment through overnight express.
- Elated over the increase in the market, we hurried to the phone to tell our friends.
14. Use a comma after introductory infinitive phrases unless the infinitive is used as the subject of the sentence.
- To enter the stacks, go to the admission desk and present your identification card.
- To roll with the punches, you should be more concilatory.
- To cash your check to get the per diem money is a slow process.
(Infinitive phrase is the subject of sentence; omit comma.)

examples : 4
4. Use a comma after an introductory sentence element consisting of a long prepositional phrase or of two or more phrases.
- In addition to all the books in the general library, many others are shelved in specialized collections.
- At the beginning of that spring day in western Kansas, storm clouds appeared, promising needed rain.
- On small farms in Virginia, hams are still smoked as they have been for centuries.
examples : 5
5. Use a comma after introductory words and phrases.

- Confidentially, this policy is to be changed.
- Nevertheless, we must continue the usualprocedure throughout this month.
- On the other hand, the meeting was interesting, although not really productive.
examples : 6
6. Use a comma to separate words, phrases, or clauses in a series.

- Yesterday I bought shirts, shoes, socks, and suits.
- Her examination consists of statistical calculations, grid interpretations, and essay questions.
- Go to the end of State Street, turn left, and follow the arrows on the sign.

examples : 7
7. Use a comma to separate coordinate clauses joined by AND, BUT, FOR, OR, NOR, YET.
- All would live long, but none would be old. (Benjamin Franklin)
- The computer business fell into a deep, prolonged slump in 1985, and manufacturers' inventories soared.
- The new study guide had no chronological order, nor did it provide correct examples.
- Short words are best, and the old ones when short are best of all. (Winston Churchill)
examples : 8
8. Use a comma to set off nonrestrictive (nonessential) clauses; do not set off restrictive clauses that comewithin or at the end of a sentence.
- Our salespeople, who are paid a salary plus commissions, earn from $900 to $2,000 a month. (nonrestrictive commas needed)
- Salespeople who exceed their quotas receive an extra bonus.
(restrictive no comma needed)
- Jim Fields, who was promoted last week, will address the forum on Tuesday. (nonrestrictive commas needed)
examples :9
9. Use a comma to set off parenthetical (nonrestrictive, nonessential) or appositive words or phrases.
- He said that, in the first place, he was not interested in our ten-year-old report.
- The sales manager, Mr. Harvey L. Wells, is also an editor.
- The bank first opened its doors on Monday, June 1, 1897, in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the bank of the Mississippi River.
- The statement is correct, perhaps, that our expectations are too high.
examples : 10

10. Use a comma to separate adjectives of equal rank if the conjunction is omitted.

- She is a trained, compassionate nurse.
(equal-ranking adjectives ÄÄ use a comma)
- The long daylight hours encourage the corn stocks to mature rapidly. (unequal-ranking adjectives : no comma needed)
To check whether a comma is needed, try inserting the word "and." If the expression now makes sense, use a comma.

examples :
11. Use a comma to set off contrasting expressions.
- The world is becoming warmer, not colder, as it grows older.
- I suggest you act bolder, not older.
- Are you certain the linear program is defective, rather than incorrect?
- The car brakes are smoking hot, not cold.