when to use comma

How, why and when to use commas correctly in writing?

Why and when to use commas

• Connecting two independent clauses. You can use commas to connect two completely independent phrases. ...
• Eliminate confusion. Writing without commas can become a confusing read. ...
• Separate items. We use commas to separate several list items in one sentence. ...
• Introductory adverbs. ...
• Address elements. ...
• Full dates. ...
• Summary. ...

What are the rules for using commas correctly?

Where to use a comma in a sentence?

• Before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses– and, for, so, yet, but, or, nor You can come with me to the party, or you can go home with ...
• After each item in a list Eggs, fruits, and milk are all good breakfast foods.
• Before a quotation begins She said, “I will not be able to come to the workshop today.”

More items...

How to use commas correctly?

Lindsay Fram, also known as 'Sexually Smart' on Twitter, is expected to teach four sessions next month at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in ... Fonte was also blasted for using the controversial Amaze sex education video series, which teach kids ...

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.

When should a comma be used 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.

What are the 4 uses of commas?

Use a comma before and, but, or, so, for, nor, and yet when they connect two independent clauses (full sentences) that could stand alone. The cook got sick, but dinner was served anyway.

When should I not use a comma?

Plain Writing Tips - Comma or No Comma?Do not use a comma between the subject and verb of a sentence. ... Do not use a comma when the subject has two verbs. ... Use a comma at the end of a date. ... Use a comma after place names using states or counties. ... Use a comma before “and” when listing a series.More items...•Jul 2, 2019

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.

What are the 5 comma rules?

Five Comma RulesUse 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...

What are the ten 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...•Aug 15, 2019

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...

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.

Do you put a comma after a city and country?

Unless a place name is at the end of a sentence and followed by sentence-ending punctuation, whenever you list a city and a state or a city and a country, place commas around the state or the country. The rule applies even when the country or state name is abbreviated.Aug 26, 2020

Do you put a comma before thanks?

Do You Need a Comma After "Thanks"? The same rule applies here: add a comma after "thanks" if someone is addressed directly in your sentence. "Thanks, Marcus!" "Thanks, everyone, for your time."Sep 23, 2021

Does a comma go before or after 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 before a word?

Use a comma before the word but if it is joining two independent clauses:

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.

When do you need a conjunction?

When you want to join two independent clauses , you need a conjunction or a semicolon. A comma alone isn’t strong enough to join them. This kind of mistake is called a comma splice.

Is a comma a subject or verb?

With few exceptions, a comma should not separate a subject from its verb.

When writing a date in month-day-year format, do you put a comma?

When writing a date in month-day-year format, set off the year with commas.

When addressing another person by name, do you put a comma?

When addressing another person by name, set off the name with commas.

When to put a comma in a sentence?

Normally, you should put a comma between two complete sentences that are joined with a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but, for, nor, so, yet) that creates a single sentence with two independent clauses:

When should you follow a word with a comma?

When a word or phrase forms an introduction to a sentence, you should follow it with a comma, as recommended by Purdue OWL.

Why do we use dashes in a sentence?

John went for a jog – which took half an hour – before having a long hot shower. Dashes are useful if you want to imply a longer pause, or draw more attention to the nonessential element of the sentence. They’re also useful if you have several other commas in the sentence, to help avoid confusion.

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.

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”.

Why do we use a comma in "He's a cheerful boy"?

A comma is used here, because it would also make sense to say, “He’s a cheerful and kind boy”.

Can you use a comma between two independent clauses?

Rule #9: Don’t Use a Comma Between Two Independent Clauses (Without a Conjuction) If you have two independent clauses, you can’t just use a comma to join them. You can use a semi-colon, or you can use a conjunction plus a comma. Incorrect: There were no clouds in the sky, I went for a jog.

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 before "but"?

Rule: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or nor, for) when it joins two complete ideas (independent clauses).

What are some examples of commas in numbers?

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

What is the rule for using a comma in a sentence?

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.

When a speaker in a sentence names the person to whom he is speaking, this addressing of his audience?

Rule: When a speaker in a sentence names the person to whom he is speaking, this addressing of his audience is called direct address. Direct address is indicated by the use of a comma or commas, depending upon its placement within the sentence.

Is zip code preceded by a comma?

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.

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.

Why do you put a comma in a sentence?

4) Use commas to mark a parenthetical or interruption. Ask yourself whether the phrase or description has anything to do with the rest of the sentence. Does it contain essential information needed to understand the meaning of the sentence? If not, you may need commas to set it apart from the rest.

When to use a comma in a list?

2) Whenever you have a list of three or more words, phrases, or clauses, you should use a comma to separate them. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to add a final comma before the word “and” or “or” in your list. Keep in mind that the serial comma, also known as the Oxford comma, has both admirers and critics.

What is the comma used for in conjunctive adverbs?

8) Use a comma, or a pair of commas, to set a conjunctive adverb apart. Some conjunctive adverbs include indeed, instead, likewise, finally, and however.

When to put a comma after a nonrestrictive clause?

If the nonrestrictive clause appears at the beginning of the sentence, you place a comma after it. When a nonrestrictive clause concludes a sentence, include a comma before the clause. 14) You can use a comma with an introductory phrase or word. Introductory words include transitions like meanwhile , later, and furthermore.

What does a comma alert the reader?

Comma use alerts the reader that he or she should pause after New York .

When to use a comma after a dependent clause?

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.

Do you put a comma in the first sentence?

Notice that the first correct sentence has an Oxford comma. The second sentence omits it. Whichever option you choose, be consistent. Don’t include a serial comma in one paragraph and then omit it in the next.

Why do you put a comma before a word?

Rule 3d. A comma is placed before the word because only if needed for clarity.

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 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).

What do commas and periods mean?

Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. Commas customarily indicate a brief pause; they're not as final as periods.

What is the most commonly used punctuation mark?

Commas and periods are the most frequently used punctuation marks. Commas customarily indicate a brief pause; they're not as final as periods. 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.

Where to put a comma in a sentence?

Rule 3b. In sentences where two independent clauses are joined by connectors such as and, or, but, etc., put a comma at the end of the first clause.

When does the last comma come before and or?

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. Most newspapers and magazines drop the Oxford comma in a simple series, apparently feeling it's unnecessary. However, omission of the Oxford comma can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

When to use commas?

Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.

When to use a comma in a sentence?

Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

What is the use of commas in a name?

Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.

Why is a comma important?

The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because it separates the structural elements of sentences into manageable segments. The rules provided here are those found in traditional handbooks; however, in certain rhetorical contexts and for specific purposes, these rules may be broken.

Do you use a comma after a noun?

Do not use commas to set off essential elements of the sentence, such as clauses beginning with that (relative clauses). That clauses after nouns are always essential. That clauses following a verb expressing mental action are always essential.

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.

What is the comma used for in a name?

9. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names. Birmingham, Alabama, gets its name from Birmingham, England. July 22, 1959, was a momentous day in his life.

When to use a comma in a sentence?

3. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.

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.

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.

What are the starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma?

a. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while.

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 two verbs?

13. Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb phrases in a compound predicate.

When to 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is "saw the dog chase it" a complete sentence?

But the second clause, watched the dog chase it, can’t stand by itself as a complete sentence. That means it’s a dependent clause, so we should not use a comma before and.

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.