Sometimes it is necessary to add a comma to make a sentence clear. Unclear: In the kitchen cupboards were empty. (Make it clear that the phrase is “in the kitchen,” not “in the kitchen cupboards.”) Clear: In the kitchen, cupboards were empty. Unclear: The room was full of crying babies and mothers. (Were the mothers

Commas are used to set off the “he said/she said” clause. The comma always goes before the quotation marks. Incorrect: Henrietta asked “Do you want to go with me?” (Comma must set off “she said” clause.) Incorrect: Henrietta asked”,Do you want to go with me?” (Comma must go before quotation mark.) Correct: Henrietta asked,”Do you

Words intentionally left out of clauses may be shown by a comma. A comma is used when the missing words are clearly understood. Incorrect: George liked the color green; John red. (Confusing) Correct: George liked the color green; John, red. (Now missing words are understood.)

In numbers of more than three digits, use a comma after every third digit from right to left. Incorrect: The area of North America is approximately 9435000 square miles. Correct: The area of North America is approximately 9,435,000 square miles. (This is much easier to read.) Numbers which normally do not take commas are ZIP

Use commas after the salutation (also called the greeting) in a personal letter and after the complimentary closing in all letters. Salutation: Dear Fred, My dearest Emmeline, Closing: Sincerely, Truly yours,