Commas in English
The main rule for the use of commas in English is: Keep your sentences clear. Too many commas might be distracting; too few might make the text difficult to read and understand.
Always check your texts on readability. This requires some practice, however, as first you must know which commas are necessary and which are optional.
The following chapters contain explanations on English comma rules.
Commas with Numbers
Use commas to separate off the thousands and millions in compound numbers.
Example: 3,460,759
Don’t use commas in decimals.
Example: $3.49
Use a comma before the year if the date is given as follows: month, day, year.
Example: April 16, 2003
Don’t use a comma if only two elements of the date are given (e.g. month and year).
Example: I was born in May 1972.
