How To Use Commas Many writers think it is a good idea to sprinkle commas every few places in there writing, but this makes for difficult reading. Here are some places commas should not be used: * After and, but, and or, unless the comma sets off a dependent clause (a phrase which can't stand alone as a sentence). Examples: Wrong- But, she did get it done on time. Right- But, to be fair, she did get it done on time. * Between a month and year in a date: NOT November, 1990, The comma stops two sets of numerals from running into one another. WRIGHT November 20, 1990. * Some style guides call for omitting the comma after very short depen