Using Commas with Dates
by Tina Blue
January 2, 2008
Here are a few simple rules for using commas with dates. You can read the rules, or you can just look at the examples and use them as models--which is probably the easiest way to learn how to use commas with dates.
American Style
~She was born on August 18, 1950.
European (inverted) Style
~The conference is scheduled for 14 June 2008.
EXAMPLES
(American Style for Commas with Dates in Sentences):
~My birthday is August 18, 1950.
~My birthday is August 18, 1950, but I usually don't celebrate unless someone else makes a big deal out of it.
~We will hold elections for class president on Monday, January 14, 2008.
RULES
WHEN TO USE COMMAS WITH DATES
1. Use a comma between the day and the year when following the American style for dates:
~August 18, 1950.
2. When using the inverted style, do not use a comma:
~18 August 1950
3. When writing the day as well as the date also use a comma after the day:
~We will hold elections for class president on Monday, January 14, 2008.
4. When a date ends a sentence:
~My birthday is August 18, 1950.
~We will hold elections for class president on Monday, January 14, 2008.
5. When a date doesn't end a sentence, then use a comma after the year, too:
~My birthday is August 18, 1950, but I usually don't celebrate it unless someone else makes a big deal out of it.
~On January 14, 2008, we will hold elections for class president.
~On Monday, January 14, 2008, we will hold elections for class president.
II. WHEN TO OMIT COMMAS WITH DATES:
1. When a date contains the month with only a day:
~The proposal was due on March 17.
2. When a date contains the month with only a year:
~The moon landing occurred in July 1969.
3. When using an inverted date:
~20 July 1969.
