Commas

When a geographical name or location has two or more parts to it, use a comma after each different type of part. A second comma follows the last item, unless it comes at the end of the sentence. Incorrect: I meant Pittsburg Kansas instead of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. (Commas needed to separate city and state) Incorrect:

When a date is made up of two or more parts, use a comma to separate the parts when the parts both are words or both are numbers. A second comma follows the last item unless it is at the end of a list or sentence. Incorrect: We will meet Friday July 15. (Word Friday

Each title that follows a name is set off by commas. Incorrect: Kenneth Griffey Jr. could have broken Maris’ record. Correct: Kenneth Griffey, Jr., could have broken Maris’ record. Correct, if pompous: The book was written by John Kenneth Galbraith, A.B., M.A., Ph.D., D.Sc., Litt.D. (Note that each title is set off by commas.) Numerical

Use a comma to separate each part of an address that has two or more parts. This follows the same pattern as geographical names. Commas are not needed if prepositions join the address parts. Incorrect: Write me in care of Post Office Box 203 Shelton Connecticut 06484. (Commas needed) Correct: Write me in care of

With Compound Verbs Do not use a comma to separate the paired parts in paired compound subjects or compound verbs. Incorrect: She lets me watch her mom, and pop fight. (Compound subject. No need for comma with the word and already there.) Correct: She lets me watch her mom and pop fight. Incorrect: They would