when to use a comma

When to Use a Comma | Rules and Examples

• Commas to introduce a sentence. If you introduce a sentence with a transition word (e.g. however, hence , indeed,...
• Dependent vs independent clauses. A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. Sentences...
• Commas in compound sentences. A compound sentence contains more than one independent clause. The clauses can be joined...
• Avoid the comma splice. Two independent clauses should never be joined by a comma alone. This error is called a comma...

Full Answer

Where do you put commas in a sentence?

14/01/2021 · When an adverbial phrase begins a sentence, it’s often followed by a comma but it doesn’t have to be, especially if it’s short. As a rule of thumb, if the phrase is longer than about four words, use the comma. You can also use a comma with a shorter phrase when you want to emphasize it or add a pause for literary effect.

What is a comma?

21/05/2021 · A comma is often used to distinguish main clauses from secondary or subordinate clauses. Commas are frequently misused and therefore you shouldn’t use them unless you are sure that they’re appropriate. Instead, resort to employing full stops if you aren’t sure whether a comma would be correct.

Do you put a comma after an introductory clause or phrase?

13/12/2021 · Putting a comma between two independent clauses will confuse your readers and make your work frustrating to read. On the other hand, a well-placed semi-colon can add nuance and subtlety to any kind of writing. Keep the following rules in mind when choosing to use a comma (,), colon (:), semicolon (;), or dash (—).

When are comma’s not necessary?

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 …

When should I use a comma examples?

Rule 1. 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.

Do I need a comma in this sentence?

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.

When should commas not be used?

You do not need a comma when you are listing two items. Nor do you need a comma when two nouns are together as a compound subject. Compound Subject: A compound subject is two or more simple subjects that are joined by a coordinating conjunction. Simple Subjects: Noun or pronoun that the sentence or clause is about.

How are commas used in everyday writing?

Commas are necessary before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that separates two independent clauses. Commas are necessary after introductory words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. Commas are necessary to set off elements that interrupt or add information in a sentence.

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 clause give an example?

The shiny, blue car. A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that are normally used to add more detail to the noun in a sentence. A subject is a noun or pronoun in the sentence, while the verb is the action. An example of this clause is: The shiny, blue car raced around the track.

What are the 10 comma rules?

When to Use a Comma: 10 Rules and ExamplesRule #1: Use Commas to Separate Items in a List. ... Rule #2: Use a Comma After an Introductory Word or Phrase. ... Rule #3: Use a Comma Before a Quotation. ... Rule #4: Use a Comma to Separate a Dependent Clause That Comes BEFORE the Independent Clause.More items...•15-Aug-2019

Do you put a comma after President?

Professional Titles President is capitalized before the name, lowercase and set off by commas after the name. This is more appropriate when accompanying the whole name.

Can you put a comma before and in a sentence?

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.

Is there a comma after everyday?

Yes, the comma is essential. You also need to understand the difference between 'everyday', which is an adjective, and 'every day', which is an adverbial phrase of time. During the week I wear my everyday shoes, but on Saturdays and Sundays I wear my special weekend shoes.

Do you always need a comma before a conjunction?

When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, a comma is used before the coordinating conjunction (unless the two independent clauses are very short). Conjunctions that are not followed by non-essential elements should never be followed by commas.

Do you need a comma after historically?

However, their presence becomes justified if we read the sentence aloud — we make a short pause after the words historically and slash, precisely the places where the commas should be. A useful rule of thumb is to place commas where one makes a pause in speech. Rule of thumb: a comma indicates a pause in speech.

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 does a comma tell you?

A comma tells readers that the introductory clause or phrase has come to a close and that the main part of the sentence is about to begin. When Evan was ready to iron, his cat tripped on the cord. Near a small stream at the bottom of the canyon, park rangers discovered a gold mine. 3.

When to use a comma in a series?

Use a comma between all items in a series. Rule: Use a comma to separate each item in a series; a series is a group of three or more items having the same function and form in a sentence. We bought apples, peaches, and bananas today. (series of words)

Do you put a comma in a direct quotation?

Use commas to set off direct quotations. Rule: A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. If the speaker (not the listener) in the conversation is identified, his name, (or the noun or pronoun used to refer to the speaker), and the verb that refers to his speaking are enclosed within commas.

What is the gentleman standing by the fireplace?

The gentleman who is standing by the fireplace is a well-known composer. (restrictive) 5. Use a comma to set off appositives. Rule: An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames a nearby noun. Appositives offer nonessential information. Nonrestrictive appositives are set off with commas; restrictive appositives are not.

When was the Sitting Bull arrested?

On December 12, 1890, orders were sent out for the arrest of Sitting Bull. Rules for addresses: The elements of an address or place name are separated by commas. A zip code, however, is not preceded by a comma. Examples: John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England, in 1940.

What are some examples of commas in numbers?

In numbers four digits long, a comma is optional. Examples: 3,500 [or 3500] 100,000.

Where was John Lennon born?

John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England, in 1940. Please send the letter to Greg Carvin at 708 Spring Street, Washington, IL 61571. Rules for titles: If a title follows a name, separate the title from the rest of the sentence with a pair of commas. Example: Sandra Belinsky, MD, has been appointed to the board.

What is dependent clause?

A dependent clause, or subordinate clause, is one that can’t stand alone as a whole sentence. It should be separated from the independent clause that follows it using a comma: If you can’t make it, please call me. After the race, John was exhausted.

How to use commas in a list?

Rule #1: Use Commas to Separate Items in a List. This probably the first use of commas you learned in school: separating items in a list of three or more things. Here’s an example: The cake mix requires flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Note that some style guides would not add the comma after the word “eggs”.

When to use a comma in a sentence?

Rule #7: Use Commas to Separate Coordinate Adjectives. When you’re describing something with two or more adjectives, you can use a comma between them if those adjectives are coordinating . (They’re coordinating if you could place “and” between them.) You shouldn’t put a comma after the final adjective.

Do you need a comma after an independent clause?

However, it’s normally not necessary to use a comma if the independent clause comes first: Please call me if you can’t make it. John was exhausted after the race. For more on this, plus an example of an instance where a comma is required after the independent clause, take a look at Subordinate Clauses and Commas.

What is the comma used after the penultimate item in a list?

We need bread, milk, cheese and eggs. In the first case, the “serial comma” or “Oxford comma” is used after the penultimate item in the list. In the second case, that comma is omitted. Some writers have very strong feelings for and against the serial comma.

Do you need a comma in Sue and John?

John was determined to get the unicorn slime his daughter wanted, but all the shops had sold out. You don’t need a comma if both the independent clauses are relatively short and similar in meaning: Sue went to the shops and John went home.

Do you put a comma before or after a sentence?

Sometimes, you might want to include extra information within a sentence that isn’t essential to its meaning. You should set this information off using a comma before and a comma after it: John went for a jog, which took half an hour, before having a long hot shower.

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.)

Why do we use commas in lists?

Commas are also used to separate the items of a list which appear in the text rather than as bullet points. For example: The repairs needed for the car included two new tyres, replacement headlight bulbs, new brake pads and an oil change. Each item in the list is followed by a comma to distinguish them.

What is the last comma in a list?

When writing a list you may also encounter the Oxford comma. The Oxford comma is the last comma in a list before a conjunction (such as ‘and’ or ‘or’). The repairs needed for the car included two new tyres, replacement headlight bulbs, new brake pads, and an oil change.

When to use commas in 2021?

How To Use Commas. Posted on May 21, 2021. May 21, 2021. by Gemma Butler. 21. May. A comma is often used to distinguish main clauses from secondary or subordinate clauses. Commas are frequently misused and therefore you shouldn’t use them unless you are sure that they’re appropriate. Instead, resort to employing full stops if you aren’t sure ...

Is there a comma in the first part of the sentence?

The comma here is used incorrectly. The first part of the sentence (He mustered a sigh of relief) contains a verb (mustered) and a subject (he). Therefore, it should be its own sentence: He mustered a sigh of relief. His car was right where he left it in the car park.

Why were orderly queues formed outside of the main hall?

Orderly queues were formed outside of the main hall in order to prevent congestion in the corridors. This can be restructured using a comma to read as: In order to prevent congestion in the corridors, orderly queues were formed outside of the main hall.

What is the subject of the first sentence?

The subject of the first sentence is ‘the boys’ . In the second sentence, the subject is ‘the boys wearing suits’. The difference between the two sentences is subtle but important, since the use of commas in the first sentence creates an embedded clause.

When to use commas in a sentence?

Commas can also be used to add a preface to a sentence, with a word such as ‘however’ and ‘unfortunately.’. This can be used to set the tone of a sentence and link it to a previous sentence: His car was right where he left it in the car park. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find his keys to unlock it.

Which Punctuation Mark Should I Use?

Knowing which punctuation to apply within sentences can be confusing. But rules are important and made to be followed, especially in academic writing. Putting a comma between two independent clauses will confuse your readers and make your work frustrating to read.

When to Use a Comma

Commas are the most frequently used (and abused) punctuation mark in most kinds of writing. The reason for this is that they have so many uses and so many rules—it can be hard to keep track of them all. Let’s take a look at just a few of the comma’s crucial functions and discuss when to choose a comma over another similar punctuation mark.

Common Comma Mistakes

Comma splice. Do NOT use a comma to divide two independent clauses without a conjunction.

When to Use a Colon

A colon is used to make lists and tell the reader, “This is what I mean.” The colon should not be used often in most kinds of writing unless there are extensive lists involved. The rules of the colon are strict but fairly easy to remember.

Common Colon Mistakes

Incorrect: Sarah and her friends loved spending time on the mountain: nature always held a special meaning for them.

When to Use a Semicolon

A semicolon is used to separate two ideas (two independent clauses) that are closely related. They can also be used when listing complex ideas or phrases that use commas within them. Essentially, a semicolon is like a comma with more meaning or a colon with more flexibility.

Using a Semicolon Instead of a Comma

Incorrect : The specimens were treated properly, however, they were not stored properly.

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.