when to put a comma

• Commas to introduce a sentence. If you introduce a sentence with a transition word (e.g. however, hence , indeed, furthermore ), follow it with a comma.
• Dependent vs independent clauses. A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. Sentences are often made up of several clauses.
• Commas in compound sentences. A compound sentence contains more than one independent clause. ...
• Avoid the comma splice. Two independent clauses should never be joined by a comma alone. This error is called a comma splice.
• Restrictive vs nonrestrictive clauses. Sometimes the extra information added by a dependent clause is essential to the meaning of the main clause.
Avoid splitting subjects from verbs. To avoid comma mistakes, pay attention to the function of different words in your sentences and their relation to each other.
Avoid splitting compound subjects or objects. When two subjects or objects are connected to one verb, make sure not to separate them with a comma.
Avoid splitting compound predicates. The predicate is the part of a sentence that contains the verb. ...
Serial commas. In lists, commas are used to separate each item, and the last item is separated by a conjunction ( and , or ).

Full Answer

When is it not appropriate to use a comma?

When an introductory phrase begins with a preposition, a comma may not be necessary even if the phrase contains more than three or four words. Example: Into the sparkling crystal ball he gazed. If such a phrase contains more than one preposition, a comma may be used unless a verb immediately follows the phrase.

What are the rules for using a comma?

• Commas don't just signify pauses in a sentence — precise rules govern when to use this punctuation mark.
• Commas are needed before coordinating conjunctions, after dependent clauses (when they precede independent clauses), and to set off appositives.
• The Oxford comma reduces ambiguity in lists.
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What are the 8 rules for commas?

What are the 8 rules for commas?

• 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.

How do you know when to use a comma?

You know 66 goes first because it’s a ... It was especially handy in explicating Bible passages. Writers began using it to indicate a passage from Scripture, as opposed to their own commentary. Then the comma arrived. “The comma doesn’t seem to ...

When should a comma be used examples?

Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew. Note: When the last comma in a series comes before and or or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the Oxford comma.

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 are the 4 rules for commas?

6:117:554 Basic Comma Rules: Learn English Punctuation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSeparate it with commas using commas these four basic rules number one separating fanboys clausesMoreSeparate it with commas using commas these four basic rules number one separating fanboys clauses number two separating listeners in a sentence rule number three separating lists in a sentence.

What are the 5 Rules of commas?

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause. ... Use commas before and after a parenthetical phrase or clause. ... Use a comma to separate two independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor or, so, yet) ... Use a comma to separate items in a series.More items...

Do I need a comma in this sentence?

Common Comma Uses The following are the different circumstances that require a comma be used. Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction that links two independent clauses. Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence. Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence.

Do commas always go after because?

Because is a subordinating conjunction, which means that it connects a subordinate clause to an independent clause; good style dictates that there should be no comma between these two clauses. An exception can and should be made when the lack of a comma would cause ambiguity.

How do you use a comma for beginners?

To better understand the use of the comma, begin by learning the following 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.More items...

Where should a comma be placed in this sentence?

Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. a. 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.

How many commas can I use in one sentence?

1 Answer. There's no set limit, but it has to make sense, and their use can affect the meaning.

What are the 3 comma rules?

Since I made such a stink about it, let's start with this rule:Use a comma between items in a series or list.Use a comma between two independent clauses separated by a conjunction.Use a comma between two adjectives preceding a noun.Your Mission.

What are the 6 types of commas?

Six Comma RulesPut a comma before for, and, not, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS), when they connect two. ... Put a comma after an introductory expression that doesn't flow smoothly into the. ... Put a comma between items in a series. ... Put commas around an expression that interrupts the flow of the sentence (such as.More items...

Can you put 2 commas in a sentence?

Use two commas, not one, to set off a nonrestrictive clause in the middle of a sentence. Incorrect: The city, a polyglot of different races and religions provided many opportunities for cultural exchange. Correct: The city, a polyglot of different races and religions, provided many opportunities for cultural exchange.

Commas to introduce a sentence

If you introduce a sentence with a transition word (e.g. however, hence , indeed, furthermore ), follow it with a comma.

Dependent vs independent clauses

A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. Sentences are often made up of several clauses. Whether you should put a comma (or some other form of punctuation) between them depends on the types of clauses and the relationship between them.

Commas in compound sentences

A compound sentence contains more than one independent clause. The clauses can be joined by a semicolon, a colon, or a coordinating conjunction ( for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so ).

Avoid the comma splice

Two independent clauses should never be joined by a comma alone. This error is called a comma splice.

Restrictive vs nonrestrictive clauses

Sometimes the extra information added by a dependent clause is essential to the meaning of the main clause. This is called a restrictive clause because it restricts the meaning of the sentence. Commas should not be used around a restrictive clause.

Avoid splitting subjects from verbs

To avoid comma mistakes, pay attention to the function of different words in your sentences and their relation to each other. A comma should generally not come between a verb (the action word) and its subject (the person or thing doing the action).

Avoid splitting compound subjects or objects

When two subjects or objects are connected to one verb, make sure not to separate them with a comma.

Seven Places Where You SHOULD Use Commas

This probably the first use of commas you learned in school: separating items in a list of three or more things.

One Place When You CAN Use a Comma

While commas are normally either required or not required, there’s one key instance when you can choose whether or not to use a comma – and either option is equally correct.

14 rules to follow when deciding whether to use a comma

1) If a dependent clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, use a comma after the phrase or clause. This can be tricky because the exact same words don’t need a comma if they come at the end of a sentence.

Sources

The Word Counter is a dynamic online tool used for counting words, characters, sentences, paragraphs, and pages in real time, along with spelling and grammar checking.

Kari Lisa Johnson

I’m an award-winning playwright with a penchant for wordplay. After earning a perfect score on the Writing SAT, I worked my way through Brown University by moonlighting as a Kaplan Test Prep tutor. I received a BA with honors in Literary Arts (Playwriting)—which gave me the opportunity to study under Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel.

Why We Struggle With Commas

We add commas where they don’t fit, forget them when we need them, and treat them as an all-purpose tool for fixing clumsy sentences. (Pro tip: That rarely works.)

Dependent and Independent Clauses and Why They Matter

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb, and forms a complete thought.

Comma Splices (Or How Not to Use Commas)

Let’s take a look at one way you shouldn’t use a comma—the comma splice.

Commas and Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that link other words, phrases, or clauses together. There are different types of conjunctions, but for now, we’ll keep it simple. (You’re welcome!) When should you use commas with conjunctions?

More Comma Rules and Guides

We’ve cleared up some of the most common comma questions, but commas are a deep subject. Here’s further reading to lead you down the path to comma mastery.

Why Omitting Commas is a Fatal Flaw

Commas help us organize our sentences, so readers can keep track of our core clause and the various nonessential items or clauses that branch off of it.

When Not to Use a Comma

Just as omitting a necessary comma can cause confusion, inserting an unnecessary or poorly placed comma can also cause confusion. Check out the situations below to make sure you use commas when you need them, and avoid them when you don’t.

Wrapping up

For such a tiny amount of ink, the comma sure knows how to throw writers for a loop. But this tool should inspire excitement rather than fear, because when a writer masters the comma, they unlock a world of complexity, clarity, and detail that will take their writing to new levels.

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 hard to say; it’s just one of those things. If you’ve ever heard someone arguing about serial commas or Oxford commas, this is what they were talking about.

Comma Before And That Joins Two Independent Clauses

The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. The proper place for the comma is before the conjunction.

Exceptions

But wait! There’s an exception. (Isn’t there always?) 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:

Are You Asking a Question?

When you use the word “which” as part of a question, the word could be considered an interrogative pronoun. You’re asking someone to specify one or more items from a definite set.

Do You Need Commas?

Look at the following sentences and try to determine whether you should use commas. You can find the answer key with proper punctuation below the quiz.

Why We Struggle with Commas

Dependent and Independent Clauses and Why They Matter

Comma Splices

Commas and Conjunctions

More Comma Rules and Guides

• We’ve cleared up some of the most common comma questions, but commas are a deep subject. Here’s further reading to lead you down the path to comma mastery. 1. Commas in Complex Sentences 2. Commas After Introductory Phrases 3. Comma Before Too 4. Commas in Dates 5. Comma Before Parenthesis or After? 6. Comma Before Which 7. Comma Between Correlativ...

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