The little comma can sometimes cause big confusion for writers. People often throw a comma into their writing just because they think it must go in there somewhere. However, there are actual rules for when to use a comma. Your writing will be stronger if you only use a comma when it is required.
Here are 12 places where you need to use a comma:
1. Between the day and the year in a date – January 24, 1935
2. After the greeting and the closing in a letter – Dear Mary, Sincerely, Bob
3. After every three numerals in a large number – 594,300
4. After each item in a list – bread, cereal, and milk
5. Between the city and state – Chicago, Illinois
6. Between two adjectives modifying the same noun – It was a warm, sunny day.
7. Before the start of a quote – Mom said, “Open the door.”
8. After an interjection – Wow, that water is cold!
9. After an introductory phrase – After dinner, we can take a walk.
10. Before and after an appositive phrase – Sam, our neighbor, is mowing his lawn.
11. After a subordinate clause – Before you open the door, you should peek out the window.
12. With one of the FANBOYS when joining two complete thoughts – It is dark, so we need a flashlight.
Memorize these twelve comma rules, and you will always know when to insert a comma into your writing.