A comma is a punctuation mark that separates words within a sentence.

When reading a sentence, you should pause at a comma.

Let's look at the rules for using commas.

Rules

Examples

• Use commas to separate 3 or more words in a series.

2. My favorite fruits are
   apples, oranges,
   grapes,  and pears.
 

• Use a comma in direct address.

1. Mary, you should wear
   your sneakers to  
   school.
2. Will you help me tie
   my shoe, Mom?

• Use a comma after
  an interjection at the beginning of a sentence.  (Examples of interjections are oh, yes, no, hey, wow )

2. Hey,  are you sitting at
    his table?

• Use a comma in 
  a date.

 2. The Declaration of
      Independence was
      signed on
      July 4, 1776.  

• Use a comma between a
  city and state.

1. I visited Oswego, New
   York in the summer.

2. The Boston Tea Party 
    was in Boston,
  Massachusetts.

• Use a comma           after the greeting of a letter.

     1.  Dear Grandma,

     2.  Dear Phillip,

• Use a comma           after the closing   of a letter.

     1.  Your friend,

     2.  Sincerely,