Punctuation

Place a comma after an introductory adverb clause. An adverb clause shows time, place, degree, extent, cause, or condition. It is a subordinate clause which begins with a subordinating conjunction. Correct: Before the curtain fell, the actors bowed. Correct: If the next two nights are sellouts, the play will be extended. Note that if a

In addition to the items covered in Commas with Introductory Words, conjunctive adverbs are also set off by commas. Conjunctive Adverbs are adverbs which join sentence parts. The following words are the most common conjunctive adverbs: also besides furthermore however indeed instead moreover nevertheless otherwise therefore thus Correct: John headed this way; however, he did

A modifying word, phrase, or clause following a noun is set off by commas if it presents information which is not essential to identify the noun or the meaning of the sentence. This is called a nonrestrictive modifier, i.e., it does not restrict the meaning of the noun or sentence. Example: Any student not sitting

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