A sentence like “Danielle walked on her hands still stretched out for attention” would cause confusion. Why did Danielle walk on her hands? If you’re not careful with your commas, your readers will stumble. “Danielle walked on, her hands still stretched out for attention” – no problem.

The comma is a notoriously abused piece of punctuation. Here is a list of tips to keep you on track and off your comma binge. When should I use a comma?

Tip 1: TO DESIGNATE ITEMS IN A SERIES. “He wears shoes, shirts, and ties.” Although it is optional to include the last comma, it is always best to do so in order to avoid confusion.

Note: If your list contains more complicated phrases that include commas within the phrases themselves, use a semicolon to separate the items instead of sticking in more even more commas. Clarity is the key.

Tip 2: BEFORE QUOTED SPEECH. However, if the writing reports speech rather than quoting directly then there is no need for a comma. “Yesterday my friend said, “I’ll do anything for you.” Today he is nowhere to be found.”

Tip 3: TO SET OFF INTERRUPTIONS OR TO SET OFF PHRASES. Use a comma to separate a word, phrase, or clause that interrupts the main thought of the sentence. If you’re not sure about the interruption then consider the following: Can the phrase be omitted without changing the sentence? Can they be placed anywhere without changing the meaning? If yes, then the phrase is an interruption that should be set apart by a comma. “He believes, as a matter of fact, that computers are an unnecessary luxury. I, of course, do not agree.”

Tip 4: TO SET OFF WEAK EXCLAMATIONS FROM THE SENTENCE. “Oh boy, that was a great essay.”

Tip 5: IN DIRECT ADDRESS. A comma is used to separate a noun of direct address (name of the person being addressed) from the rest of the sentence. “Johnny, water the plants and bring me some tomatoes from the garden.”

Tip 6: TO JOIN TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. A comma can be used to join two independent clauses, but they must be joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet). If there is no coordinating conjunction, the comma between the two independent clauses is called a “comma splice”. Though some like to use it stylistically, it is best to refrain and keep it out of your college essays. If you don’t want to use a coordinating conjunction between the two independent clauses, you can use a semicolon to separate and leave the comma alone. “They tried to write a book report, but they refused to read the book.”

Note: if the two clauses are short and compact, the comma is unnecessary. “She went to school and lost her pencil.” (also notice that in this specific example the pronoun “she” was dropped the second time since it is implied that the sentence refers to the same person in both actions).

Tip 7: TO SEPARATE CLAUSES AND PHRASES. A comma should distinguish between the independent clause (the main clause of the sentence) and a modifying or adverbial phrase that precede it.
“After 57 years of habit, I stopped drinking warm milk before bed.”

Tip 8: TO SEPARATE ADJECTIVES. If you are using two adjectives in a row, separate them with a comma. “Only strong, well built shoulders should lift heavy objects.”

Note: if the adjectives go together, they cannot be separated by a comma. “French red wines are considered the finest.” In this case the wines are not French AND red; the adjectives go together to complete the description and should not be separated.

Tip 9: TO SET OFF PHRASES AND CLAUSES. Commas are used to punctuate nonrestrictive phrase and clauses (phrases that are not needed for the meaning of the sentence or are not play a defining role in the sentence). “The plum tree, which hasn’t given fruit in ten years, was chopped down.”

Notice that “the plum tree” that is referred to is a specific tree – so the phrase between the commas is not defining and can be removed from the sentence and still maintain the meaning. In restrictive phrases the phrase plays a defining role. “People who stand in line must be patient.” Here the sentence is not referring to all people, but only to people who stand in line. Therefore, no comma is used to set off the phrase ‘who stand in line’.

Tip 10: DO NOT THROW IN A COMMA ANY TIME YOU TAKE A BREATH. Since commas separate, it is tempting to stick in a comma every time we think a breath should be taken. While it is true that commas can help the pacing and rhythm of your writing, they are not breath marks and should be considered carefully before added. Shoddy comma usage reflects on your entire essay!