Do the British use the extra comma in lists?
Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using 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 …
When do you put a comma before and in a list?
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. Otherwise, they say, all chaos breaks …
What is a comma in English grammar?
15/06/2020 · Exceptions to the Rule: In simple lists, a comma before and isn’t always necessary and doesn’t actually enhance a sentence. Sometimes, the omission of this serial comma. is even advisable. In fact, the Oxford comma is a hotly debated point in modern grammar, and ultimately, it comes down to a stylistic choice. Carol likes to mix peas, corn, and carrots. Carol likes to mix …
When do you use the Oxford comma?
If you do get the comma rules wrong, nobody will chop your head off, and the people who do complain probably aren’t worth speaking to anyway. But having an idea of how the English language works can help you communicate your ideas much better. Other Comma Rules You Might Find Interesting: Comma Before “With” – Here’s The Golden Rule + 6 Examples. Comma …
Does UK English use comma before and?
Serial/Oxford Comma Despite being named after a British University, the Oxford comma (the comma used before “and” in lists (e.g., I like wookies, ewoks, and droids)) is not considered standard in UK English because only one style guide (Oxford) recommends it.29-Oct-2015
Is it grammatically correct to put a comma before to?
6:2610:02Using 'COMMA' before 'AND' – Advanced English Lesson - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut when they are not independent clauses. There are there is no subject. And a verb in the secondMoreBut when they are not independent clauses. There are there is no subject. And a verb in the second part you do not use a comma before and like these sentences.
Is it grammatically correct to put a comma after and?
The simple truth is that you never need a comma after “and” because of the word “and” itself. ... In other words, unless there is some other grammatical reason that a comma needs to appear at that point in the sentence, the word “and” shouldn't be followed by one.04-Nov-2020
What are the 8 rules for commas?
Commas (Eight Basic Uses)Use a comma to separate independent clauses. ... Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. ... Use a comma between all items in a series. ... Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses. ... Use a comma to set off appositives. ... Use a comma to indicate direct address. ... Use commas to set off direct quotations.More items...
What is meant by the Oxford comma?
The Oxford (or serial) comma is the final comma in a list of things. For example: Please bring me a pencil, eraser, and notebook. The Oxford comma comes right after eraser. Use of the Oxford comma is stylistic, meaning that some style guides demand its use while others don't.
Is there a comma before or after but?
When Do You Need a Comma Before But? You should put a comma before but only when but is connecting two independent clauses. I would go for a walk, but it's raining outside. Here's a tip: Commas can be tricky, but they don't have to trip you up.
When to use a comma after a dog?
When you list your dog’s qualities, you have to use a comma after each quality you list except the one that comes immediately before and. That comma is optional. The dog is young, well trained, and good natured. The dog is young, well trained and good natured.
Is the comma before and in a sentence?
The sentence is correct with or without the comma before and. ( There are a few exceptions that require you to use the Oxford comma in a list, but they are pretty rare.) Just be consistent. Don’t switch back and forth in the same document between using the Oxford comma and not using it.
When to leave a comma out?
When you have two independent clauses joined together by and, most style guides say that it’s OK to leave the comma out as long as the two independent clauses are very short and closely connected. Here’s an example: Arthur cooked and Melvin cleaned.
Do you put a comma before "dog"?
You should not use a comma before and if you’re only mentioning two qualities. The dog is well trained, and good natured. The dog is well trained and good natured. This is true for proper names, ordinary nouns, verbs, or anything else.
Do you need a comma before and?
The sentence above contains two independent clauses, so it requires a comma before and. (By the way, you can tell they’re independent clauses because each one could stand on its own as a complete sentence.) Here’s a tip: Remember, when you’re joining two independent clauses, you need both a comma and a conjunction.
Do you put a comma before or after a dependent clause?
Don’t use a comma before and when one of the clauses it’s connecting is a dependent clause. Sam tossed the ball, and watched the dog chase it. The first clause, Sam tossed the ball could stand on its own as a complete sentence, which means it’s an independent clause.
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.
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 is the Harvard comma called the Oxford comma?
It is also known as the Oxford comma and the Harvard comma because of its traditional. use in the presses of those universities. Opinion on its use is divided, but in most cases it is difficult to see what purpose the serial comma can serve.
When do you not use a comma in a sentence?
clauses , namely, that commas must not be used when the element in some way restricts the noun or noun phrase. In other words, commas are. omitted when the word or words provide information that is essential to the sentence. For example, the appositive the Lionheart restricts the subject Richard.
Do you put a comma after the penultimate item?
The Serial Comma. In British English, we do not generally use a listing comma after the penultimate item or phrase in a list or series of actions –. He said his favourite writers were Robert Harris, C. J. Sansom and. Elizabeth Speller. He buttoned his coat, pulled down his cap, hunched his shoulders and.
Is the conjunction "or" or "or" sufficient?
The conjunction, usually and or or, is sufficient to indicate the separation of the last two items without a preceding comma. In fact, the serial comma. can cause ambiguity by being mistaken for an isolating comma –.
Why is an underlined clause essential?
we will have added an essential clause. The underlined clause is essential because it alters the essence of the subject; the original subject people. is changed to some people, namely those who live in glasshouses. For this reason, essential clauses are also known as defining clauses or.
What is an essential clause?
Essential and inessential clauses. An essential clause is an integral part of a sentence and is not, therefore, enclosed in commas. An inessential clause adds supplementary or. by-the-way information that is not necessary to the sentence and must, therefore, be enclosed in commas. In either case, the clause might.
When did Dennis the Menace appear in Beano?
Dennis the Menace first appeared in The Beano in March 1951. Nor are they used, as in the above three examples, when the appositive is restrictive. This same rule is explained in essential and inessential. clauses , namely, that commas must not be used when the element in some way restricts the noun or noun phrase.
What is Cleo's favorite activity?
Cleo’s favorite activities are singing on stage, and relaxing in the sunshine. Cleo’s favorite activities are singing on stage and relaxing in the sunshine. When correcting a comma splice, that is when joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, put the comma before and.
When to use a comma in a list?
When you have a list that contains more than two elements, use commas to separate them. Julie loves ice cream books and kittens. Julie loves ice cream, books, and kittens. Julie loves ice cream, books and kittens. (The comma before the and in a list of three or more items is optional.
What does a comma mean in a sentence?
While a period ends a sentence, a comma indicates a smaller break. Some writers think of a comma as a soft pause—a punctuation mark that separates words, clauses, or ideas within a sentence.
What is an appositive in a sentence?
An appositive is a word or phrase that refers to the same thing as another noun in the same sentence. Often, the appositive provides additional information about the noun or helps to distinguish it in some way. If you could remove the appositive without changing the meaning of the sentence, it is said to be nonessential and should be set off with commas. If the appositive is necessary, it’s said to be essential and it should not be set off with commas.
What is serial comma?
The Serial Comma. The serial comma is an extra comma you will often see placed before “and/or” in US based English. Generally, British English does not make use of this extra comma, but most publications on the US do.
Do British use serial commas?
The serial comma is largely down to preference, and different style guides will tell you different things. But as a general rule, the British do not use this extra comma in lists, yet many Americans do. There is good reason for the Americans clinging onto the serial comma.
How to use double quotes in an essay?
You do, however, need to be consistent. For example, if you use double quote marks for the first quote in an essay, make sure to use the same style throughout. This will help to ensure two things: 1 Your writing looks professional and demonstrates attention to detail. 2 Your reader will know exactly how punctuation is being used.
What is the comma before the last item in a list of three or more things?
2. The Serial/Oxford Comma. The serial comma (also known as the “Oxford comma” in the UK) is a comma placed before the last item in a list of three or more things. In American English, we use this comma as standard: I believe in good spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Many British style guides, however, recommend omitting the final comma:
When to use serial comma?
In British English, a serial comma is only required when a list would be unclear without one, such as in the example above.
Do you put commas in quotes?
In addition, American punctuation rules require all commas and periods to be given within quote marks. British English, meanwhile, only places punctuation within quote marks if it is part of the original text: American English: Smith (2001, p.35) also reports that witnesses “suffered headaches,” as well as experiencing “feelings of nausea.”.
Do you need a period in a shortened title?
and Mrs. Douglas walked home. British English: Mr and Mrs Douglas walked home. In British English, you only need a period when a shortened title does not end with the last letter of the full term (e.g., when “Professor” becomes “Prof.”):
