Writing · Commas
Review the comma rules below the exercise if you need help. Then rewrite each sentence, adding commas where they are needed, and click Check Answer.
Comma Rules Used in This Exercise
Rule 1: Geographical names, dates, addresses, and titles in names
Use commas to separate geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.
Examples:- My university is in Oxford, England, and it’s very famous.
- The conference will be held on March 15, 2024, in the main hall.
- She lives at 123 University Avenue, Springfield, Illinois, near the campus.
- Sarah Lee, PhD, is our new professor of biology.
- The graduation ceremony is on June 30, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Rule 2: Use of quotations in a main discourse
Use a comma to separate the main sentence from a quotation.
Examples:- The professor said, “Please submit your assignments by Friday.”
- “I need help with my homework,” the student told the tutor.
- “The library,” she explained, “is open until 10 p.m.”
- My roommate said, “Let’s study together for the exam.”
- “Don’t forget to register for classes,” the advisor reminded us.
Rule 3: Listing more than two items
Use commas to separate three or more items in a list.
Examples:- I need to buy pens, notebooks, and a laptop for my classes.
- The university offers sports, clubs, and cultural activities for students.
- My daily routine includes studying, attending lectures, and exercising.
- The cafeteria serves pizza, pasta, salads, and sandwiches.
- To succeed in university, you need discipline, focus, and time management.
Rule 4: Introductory clauses, phrases, or words
Use a comma after introductory clauses, phrases, or words that come before the main sentence.
Examples:- After class, I usually go to the library.
- Because I have an exam tomorrow, I need to study tonight.
- If you miss the lecture, you can watch the recording online.
- When the semester ends, we will have a big party.
- While I was studying, my friend called me.
Notes: do not put a comma between the state and the ZIP code in an address (Springfield, Illinois 62704). The comma before the final and in a list (the Oxford comma) is optional, so both versions are accepted.