What are commas in dates?
Commas in dates are used to separate the day of the month from the year, and sometimes to separate parts of a sentence when a date is included.
- July 4, 1776
- On December 25, 2023, we celebrated Christmas at home.
Always place a comma between the day and the year when writing a complete date.
How to write dates with commas
When writing dates, use commas to separate the month and day from the year. If the sentence continues after the year, another comma is needed after the year.
- We moved on March 14, 2020.
- Our school started on September 5, 2022, and we were very excited.
If the date does not include the year, no comma is needed between the month and the day.
Commas in full dates
A full date includes the month, day, and year. You must always use a comma after the day and after the year if the sentence continues.
- My birthday is May 3, 2014.
- On October 1, 2021, we had a special assembly.
The comma after the year separates the date from the rest of the sentence.
When not to use commas in dates
Do not use commas when writing only the month and year or only the month and day without the year.
- We visited in July 2021.
- Her birthday is on April 15.
Commas are only needed when the month, day, and year are all written together.
Checking your commas in dates
When proofreading, look for dates in your writing. Ask yourself: Is there a comma after the day? If the sentence continues, is there a comma after the year?
- Correct: We met on August 9, 2018, during the summer fair.
- Incorrect: We met on August 9 2018 during the summer fair.
Remember: commas make dates easier to read and keep your writing clear and correct.