Comma Before “And”: Here’s The Golden Rule + 23 Examples
- When to put a comma before “and”. ...
- “And” at the end of a list- English teacher’s say no comma! ...
- Use a comma when “And” is a connective between two independent clauses. ...
- Don’t use a comma when “and” separates and independent clause from a dependent clause. ...
- Maybe use a comma when the word “and” is being spoken about. ...
- Conclusion. ...
Do you put a comma before and?
There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list. Comma Before And in Lists. A lot of people have strong feelings about putting a comma before and in a list. Exactly why this particular quirk of comma usage stirs such passions is …
What is an example of a commas rule?
When to put a comma before “and”. When separating a dependent clause from an independent clause, never use a comma before “and”. When separating two independent clauses, always use a comma. And at the end of a list, well… that’s up for debate. Watch the video: Only 1 percent of ... x.
When do you put a comma between two independent clauses?
16/10/2020 · You follow the normal rules and still don’t put a comma before “and” unless it’s joining two independent clauses. However, others argue that it’s essential to include a serial or Oxford comma. In plain English, all that means is that these people think you need a comma before “and” when it’s in front of the last item in a list.
What is a comma in English grammar?
15/06/2020 · When joining two independent clauses or sentences, “and” acts as a coordinating conjunction. The rule states that a comma must be used before a conjunction when it’s joining two independent clauses or sentences. This rule is applicable to other coordinating conjunctions like but, so, and or, to name a few.
What is an independent clause?
Let me remind you…. An independent clause is a clause in a sentence that would make sense on it’s own. Usually, the two independent clauses are related to one another. However, they would still make sense if they were two separate sentences. When you’re separating an independent clause, make sure to always use a comma.
When to use a comma in a sentence?
Use a comma when “And” is a connective between two independent clauses. Examples of “and” separating two independent clauses. Don’t use a comma when “and” separates and independent clause from a dependent clause. Examples of “and” separating an independent and a dependant clause.
When to put a comma before "and"?
When to put a comma before “and”. When separating a dependent clause from an independent clause, never use a comma before “and”. When separating two independent clauses, always use a comma. And at the end of a list, well… that’s up for debate. Video Player is loading.
Why do we put a comma in a sentence?
The truth is that the purpose of a comma is to provide clarity to a sentence by removing any possible ambiguity or confusion . In other words, to figure out the correct way to use a comma with a specific word, you need to understand what that word is doing in a sentence and why.
What does it mean to learn commas?
With most words, this means learning comma rules is a simple matter of learning one or two parts of speech and how they might be used in a sentence. Some words, though, are complicated, and can use commas in many different ways. Some words, like “and,” fall somewhere in the middle.
When should you not put a comma before "and"?
Places when you should not use a comma before “and” are when it connects two individual words, when it connects two phrases (groups of words that do not stand alone) and when it is part of a list or series. There are two possible times that the use of a comma is either optional or dependent upon your style guide.
Do you need a comma before or after a word?
Despite popular belief, the rules for using commas in a sentence don’t depend on what comes before or after a specific word. Another common misconception is that you need a comma any time you would pause when speaking. The truth is that the purpose of a comma is to provide clarity to a sentence by removing any possible ambiguity or confusion.
What is a coordinating conjunction?
How coordinating conjunctions work. Technically speaking, the word “and” is a coordinating conjunction, used to connect two parts of a sentence. That is, “and” can be used to connect anything from a pair of individual words to a phrase or loose group of words, to two complete sentences.
Do you need a comma when you use "and"?
Other style guides, such as AP Style, require you not to use a comma in this case, however. Finally, when joining two very short sentences or independent clauses with “and,” the comma is optional. That’s because the meaning is clear even without the comma.
What is the optional part of a sentence?
The optional part of the sentence is what’s being affected by the action word (the object). As for independent and dependent clauses, the difference has to do with whether each clause can stand alone. If the clause makes sense by itself, it’s an independent clause.
What is the Oxford comma?
Commas can separate adjectives, offset nonessential phrases, and introduce direct quotations. Oxford commas are also known as serial or Harvard commas. Serial commas are used after the next-to-last item in a list and before the and. The AP Stylebook doesn’t advocate the use of the Oxford comma.
How many independent clauses can a sentence contain?
Peter often went to sci-fi conventions, and he always dressed in costume. A sentence can contain two independent clauses if they’re linked by a conjunction such as but. Without the conjunction “but,” the two independent clauses linked only by a comma will result to a run-on sentence which is grammatically incorrect.
When to use commas in a sentence?
Commas should be used before and when joining two independent clauses or when compiling a list. Commas can separate adjectives, offset nonessential phrases, and introduce direct quotations.
Can a sentence contain two independent clauses?
A sentence can contain two independent clauses if they’re linked by a conjunction such as and, or, and but. (Without the conjunction, two independent clauses typically form a run-on sentence ). A comma is required after the final word of the first clause, before and (or whatever conjunction you’re using).
When to use a comma in a list?
Rule 1: Use a Comma in a Series or List. When creating a list of three or more simple words, items, or concepts, use a comma to separate each word or word group. She made a casserole out of chicken, pasta, and leftover broccoli. Note: Using a comma after the next-to-last item in a list is a stylistic choice and may depend on ...
Is Peter always dressed in costume?
He always dressed in costume. If you join them together with only a comma, they form a comma splice. Peter often went to sci-fi conventions, he always dressed in costume. If you add an and after the comma, the sentence becomes grammatically correct.
When to put a comma before a conjunction?
When a conjunction (for example: and, or, and but) links two independent clauses, you need to put a comma before the conjunction. He walked through the building, but he didn’t turn on any lights. Note: An independent clause must have a subject and verb. It should express a complete thought.
How to know if a comma is needed?
Another way to determine if a comma is needed is to mentally put and between the two adjectives. If the result still makes sense, add the comma. In the examples above, a strong and healthy man makes sense, but an expensive and summer resort does not. Rule 3a.
When to use a comma in an introduction?
If such a phrase contains more than one preposition, a comma may be used unless a verb immediately follows the phrase.
Do newspapers use the Oxford comma?
Most newspapers and magazine s drop the Oxford comma in a simple series, apparently feeling it's unnecessary. However, omission of the Oxford comma can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Example: We had coffee, cheese and crackers and grapes.
When is a comma unnecessary?
A comma is usually unnecessary when the sentence starts with an independent clause followed by a dependent clause. Example: Let me know now if you are not sure about this. Rule 5. Use commas to set off nonessential words, clauses, and phrases (see Who, That, Which, Rule 2b).
Do fiction books use commas?
Fiction and nonfiction books generally prefer the Oxford comma. Writers must decide Oxford or no Oxford and not switch back and forth, except when omitting the Oxford comma could cause confusion as in the cheese and crackers example. Rule 2. Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the order of the adjectives is interchangeable.
When to use a comma in a sentence?
Example: That is my money, not yours. Rule 16a. Use a comma before and after certain introductory words or terms , such as namely, that is, i.e., e.g., and for instance, when they are followed by a series of items.
Do you put a comma after the state?
Use a comma to separate a city from its state, and remember to put one after the state, also. Example: I'm from the Akron, Ohio, area. Rule 11. Traditionally, if a person's name is followed by Sr. or Jr., a comma follows the last name: Martin Luther King, Jr. This comma is no longer considered mandatory.
How to determine if an adjective is a coordinate?
Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal ("co"-ordinate) status in describing the noun; neither adjective is subordinate to the other. You can decide if two adjectives in a row are coordinate by asking the following questions: 1 Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are written in reverse order? 2 Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are written with and between them?
What are some words that should be followed by a comma?
Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door. Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class. If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.
Which introductory phrases should be followed by a comma?
Common introductory phrases that should be followed by a comma include participial and infinitive phrases, absolute phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, and long prepositional phrases (over four words). Having finished the test, he left the room. To get a seat, you'd better come early.
When to use commas in conjunctions?
1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave. The student explained her question, yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.
Do you put a comma between the final adjective and the noun itself?
Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal ("co"-ordinate) status in describing the noun; neither adjective is subordinate to the other.
What does a comma do in the Constitution?
The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.
When to use commas in a sentence?
Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer to the beginning or middle of the sentence. Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the sentence without causing confusion. (If the placement of the modifier causes confusion, then it is not "free" and must remain "bound" to the word it modifies.)
