Using Commas

COMMAS
Basically a comma has two purposes. Commas are used to separate items, and commas are used to enclose items.

COMMAS THAT SEPARATE

Without commas, some items in a sentencewould run on into one another, causing confusion. Following are some situations in which commas should be used to separate items:

1.- Items in a series:
Three or more similar items together forma series. Words, phrases, or clauses can be written as a series.
Examples:
Words: I need to buy paper, pencils, and pens.
Phrases: Did you look in the closet, behind the sofa, and under the bed?Clauses: I don’t know what time the meeting is, where it is, or what its purpose is.

Note:
a) If a conjunction connects the last two items in a series, a comma is optional. However, it thatcomma is omitted, some sentence could be misread. That is why it is always better to include the comma before a conjunction.
Confusing: The restaurant had banana, bran, blueberry and raisin muffins.Clear: The restaurant had banana, bran, blueberry, and raisin muffins.

b) If conjunctions connect all the items in a series, no commas are needed.
EX: The tickets can be used on Friday orSaturday or Sunday

2.- Adjective before a noun:
Sometimes a comma should separate two adjectives that are not connected by a conjuction. We followed the serious, intriguing woman who showed usour way in.
There is a test that can help you decide if a comma is needed between two adjectives: if a sentence reads sensibly with and between the adjectives, a comma is needed.
Comma: Don’tlean on that old, rickety table. (old and rickety table reads well, then a comma is needed).
No Comma: Don’t lean on that old picnic table. (old and rickety table does not read well).

3.-Introductory Elements
Certain words, phrases, and clauses that come at the beginning of a sentence need to be separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
a) Words: Why, sure you’re invited...