[NEW] The Rules for Using Commas | commas – NATAVIGUIDES

Using Commas

Commas have ten uses:

(1) After setting the scene at the start of a sentence.

For example:

• Now that I am older

  , I understand.

(2) After a phrase like “however,” “consequently,” or “as a result.”

For example:

• As a result

  , I now understand.

(3) After an interjection (e.g., an expression of joy or surprise).

For example:

• Wow

  , I see your point.

(4) Before a conjunction (e.g., “and,” “but”) that joins two “sentences.”

For example:

• I like cake

  , and

  I like cheese

  .

(5) As parentheses around additional information (i.e., like brackets).

For example:

• Janet and John Baxter,

  who live next door

  , adore cakes.

(6) To separate list items.

For example:

• bread, milk, and cheese ()
• bread, milk and cheese ()

(7) After a long subject if it helps the reader.

For example:

• A, B, C, and D

  , are required to bake this cake.

(8) In numbers.

For example:

• 3,213

(9) With direct address (also called “the vocative case”).

For example:

• I know your auntie,

  John

  .

(10) Before a quotation.

For example:

• She said, “I understand.”

Got it? Take a quick test.

Got it? Take a quick test.

More about the Rules for Using Commas

This section explains when to use commas in more detail and gives examples for each type of comma usage.

Comma? Take a Breath

At school, many of us were told that a comma is where you take a breath. This is fairly good advice when you’re reading someone else’s work aloud. However, it is terrible advice when you’re thinking about where to put commas in your own work.

The ten rules for using commas are listed above and detailed below. The idea that you should put a comma whenever you want your reader to take a breath is wrong.

That’s a reading technique not a writing technique.

At school, many of us were told that a comma is where you take a breath. This is fairly good advice when you’resomeone else’s work aloud. However, it is terrible advice when you’re thinking about where to put commas in your own work.The ten rules for using commas are listed above and detailed below. The idea that you should put a comma whenever you want your reader to take a breath is wrong.That’s atechnique not atechnique.

(1) Using Commas after “Setting the Scene”

It is quite common for a sentence to start with words which “set the scene.” These words usually state a place, a time, a condition, or a fact before the main part of the sentence. Words that “set the scene” at the start of a sentence are usually followed by a comma. You do not have to use a comma; i.e., it is not a strict ruling. It’s just a common style. However, as it will help your reader, it is a useful style to adopt. For example:

• In Paris

  , they simply stared when I spoke to them in French.

(sets a place)

• At exactly 4 o’clock

  , two of the kidnappers re-entered the room.

(sets a time)

• If you don’t know where you are going

  , you will probably end up somewhere else. (Laurence J. Peter, 1919-1988)

(sets a condition)

• As you were born here

  , it makes sense for my group to take the map.

(states a fact)

Often, the words that “set the scene” are a little harder to spot:

• When a man tells you that he got rich through hard work

  , ask him “Whose?”
  (Don Marquis, 1878-1937)

(sets a time)

These “scene setting” words (or , , , ), you are safer to omit the comma. For example:

• When I was a boy

  , I was told that anybody could become President.

  Now

  I’m beginning to believe it. (Clarence Darrow, 1857 – 1938)

(First “scene setting” adverb – comma used. Second “scene setting” adverb – no comma required)

When an adverbial clause or phrase is at the end of a sentence, there is usually no need for a comma before it. When it is in the middle of a sentence, you should use commas (i.e., one at the start and one at the end) if you think the commas will help the reader.

For example:

• Two of the kidnappers re-entered the room

  at exactly 4 o’clock

  .

• Two of the kidnappers,

  at exactly 4 o’clock

  , re-entered the room.

Read more about using a comma after .

(2) Using Commas after a Transitional Phrase (e.g, “However,” “As a result”)

A transitional phrase is a term like , , , and . (There are others, but these are the most common.) A transitional phrase sits at the start of sentence and acts like a bridge to an idea in the previous sentence. A transitional phrase is usually followed by a comma. For example:

• John has eaten at least two cakes a day for the last decade.

  As a result

  , he has been placed in a high-risk group for diabetes.

• I think. Therefore, I am. Rene Descartes (1596-1650)
• All progress is initiated by challenging current conceptions, and executed by supplanting existing institutions.

  Consequently

  , the first condition of progress is the removal of censorships. George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

• Orthodox medicine has not found an answer to your complaint.

  However

  , luckily for you, I happen to be a quack.

A transitional phrase (or

Read more about using a comma after a transitional phrase.

(3) Using Commas after an Interjection

An , , and are examples of interjections. Often, an interjection will sit at the start of the sentence but not always. It is normal to offset an interjection with a comma (or commas if it’s in the middle of the sentence). In the examples below, the interjections are shaded:

• Oh great

  , the boiler’s broken down.

• Yes,

  that’s three out of three.

• I understand your predicament, but,

  crikey

  , there is nothing we can do.

Note: If the interjection is to express a powerful emotion or feeling (and it’s not in the middle of your sentence), then it can be followed by an

Read more about using a comma after an interjection.

(4) Using Commas before a Conjunction

Words like , , and are known as

When a conjunction joins two standalone sentences (or

• Lee can sing,

  and

  he can dance

(Here, the conjunction and is joining two standalone sentences: “Lee can sing.” + “He can dance.”)

• Lee can sing,

  and

  dance

(Here, the conjunction and is not joining two standalone sentences. The words “and dance” are not a standalone sentence. This is just a list of things that Lee can do. This section is not about using commas in lists. That is covered below and in the lesson Using Commas in Lists.)

Here are some real examples:

• No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat,

  and

  no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch. (Leo Buscaglia, 1925-1998)

• When you have got an elephant by the hind leg,

  and

  he is trying to run away, it’s best to let him run. (Abraham Lincoln, 1809-1865)

(“When you have got an elephant by the hind leg” is not a standalone sentence.)

Read more about using a comma before a conjunction.
Read about the Oxford Comma.

(5) Using Commas for Parentheses

We all know that additional information (such as an explanation or an afterthought) can be offset with brackets. However,

Examples (with each example of parenthesis shaded):

• The case has,

  in some respects

  , been not entirely devoid of interest.

• At 4 o’clock yesterday, David Frost,

  a cleaner from the Lakes Estate

  , was charged with “dog napping” his former headmaster’s poodle.

• Joanne Baxter,

  who originally appeared as a witness

  , has been found guilty of handling stolen goods.

(Note: When a parenthesis starts with or (i.e., a relative pronoun), you should look to use commas as opposed to brackets or dashes. This is not a 100% rule, but commas are far more common when the parenthesis starts with a relative pronoun.)

Commas are often more suitable for formal writing than brackets, as brackets can make your work look a little unorganized. Also, commas are often preferable to dashes because dashes are quite stark. The disadvantage of using commas as parentheses is they can be easily confused with other commas in the sentence because — as you can see from this page — commas have lots of uses.

Read more about using commas to replace brackets.

(6) Using Commas in Lists

When writing a list in “sentence form” (i.e., not as bullet points), it is normal to separate the list items using commas. For example:

• Fish, chips, and peas

The big question is whether there needs to be a comma before the ). Unfortunately, there is no simple rule for this.

The first part of the rule is easy enough: when there are just two items in a list, there is no need to use a comma between them.

• Fish and chips

However, you can use a comma if you think it helps your reader.

• The Bakerloo Line runs between Harrow and Wealdston, and Elephant and Castle.

When there are more than two list items in a list, then those following “US convention” should use a comma before the conjunction (usually or ), and those following “UK convention” shouldn’t. Therefore:

• Fish, chips, and peas ()
• Fish, chips and peas ()

Unfortunately, it gets a little more complicated than that. The comma before the conjunction is known as an , and it is condoned by lots of individuals and organizations in the UK, and it is avoided by a few individuals and organizations in the US. Therefore:

• Fish, chips, and peas () (This is correct if you’re an advocate for the Oxford Comma.)

The bottom line is you should follow whatever convention those around you (e.g., your company seniors) follow. If there is no guidance like that, then follow whatever convention you like — but be consistent. If you have to break that convention for the sake of clarity, then have the confidence to do it. Clarity trumps style every single time.

Read more about using commas in lists.

(7) Using Commas after a Long Subject

When the

• Janet is popular.

(This is a normal subject (i.e., not a compound one). The subject has one element: Janet.)

• Janet and John are popular.

(This is a compound subject because it has two elements: Janet and John.)

• The large gorilla is popular.

(This is a normal subject. It has one element: The large gorilla.)

• The large gorilla with the bright blue eyes and the albino lion cub with piercing pink eyes are popular.

(This is a compound subject with two elements.)

In the last example, the compound subject is starting to get quite long. When a subject starts getting complicated, some writers like to show the end of the subject with a comma. Be aware that this is not a popular practice among many grammarians, but if you think it helps your reader, you can do it. For example:

• Leaving a list of internet passwords, increasing your life insurance, and writing a will, will give you peace of mind while you are on operations.

(Here, the writer has used a comma after to show the end of the subject. It is hard to argue that this comma does not help the reader.)

Read more about using a comma with a long subject.

(8) Using Commas with Numbers

Commas can be used every 3 decimal places in large numbers to make them more readable. For example:

• 3,356
• 12,128,153,356
• 175,757.01

In Europe, the use of commas and full stops () / periods () is reversed. So, in Europe, the numbers above would be written:

• 3.356 (in Europe)
• 12.128.153.356 (in Europe)
• 175.757,01 (in Europe)

Read more about using commas with numbers.

(9) Using Commas before Speech Marks

Words like , , , and often precede a quotation. A comma can be used after these words to separate them from the quotation. For example:

• He said jokingly, “The world is my lobster.”
• Paul whispered, “Is he always that miserable?”

Note: You don’t have to use a comma.

In fact, it’s your choice whether you follow your introductory words with a comma, a colon, or nothing. It depends on your desired flow of text. If you don’t really care about the desired flow of text and you’d like some guidelines to help you decide which to use, then there is a useful guideline which states that a comma should be used for short quotations (six words or fewer) and colon should be used for longer quotations. (This is not a rule. It’s a useful guideline.)

Read more about using a comma before speech marks.

(10) Using Commas with the Vocative Case

When words are used to address somebody (or something) directly, those words are said to be in the

• Do me the courtesy of shutting up,

  Alan

  .

• Darling

  , can you take the casserole out the oven?

• I know your sister,

  Jason

  .

• Tell me it’s good news,

  doctor

  .

• And that,

  your Majesty

  , is how you make Eccles Cakes. I mean, it’s how one makes Eccles Cakes.

Read more about using a comma when addressing someone.

Slider

Ready for the Test?

Here is a confirmatory test for this lesson.

This test can also be:

• Edited (i.e., you can delete questions and play with the order of the questions).
• Printed to create a handout.
• Sent electronically to friends or students.

Here is afor this lesson.This test can also be:

Commas have ten uses:For example:For example:For example:For example:For example:For example:For example:For example:For example:For example:This section explains when to use commas in more detail and gives examples for each type of comma usage.It is quite common for a sentence to start with words which “set the scene.” These words usually state a place, a time, a condition, or a fact before the main part of the sentence. Words that “set the scene” at the start of a sentence are usually followed by a comma. You do not have to use a comma; i.e., it is not a strict ruling. It’s just a common style. However, as it will help your reader, it is a useful style to adopt. For example:Often, the words that “set the scene” are a little harder to spot:These “scene setting” words (or adverbial clauses or adverbial phrases as they’re really called) vary hugely. You do not have to use a comma after an adverbial clause or phrase, but a comma will make it clear where the main clause starts. When an adverbial clause or phrase is very short (e.g.,), you are safer to omit the comma. For example:When an adverbial clause or phrase is at the end of a sentence, there is usually no need for a comma before it. When it is in the middle of a sentence, you should use commas (i.e., one at the start and one at the end) if you think the commas will help the reader. For example:A transitional phrase is a term like, and. (There are others, but these are the most common.) A transitional phrase sits at the start of sentence and acts like a bridge to an idea in the previous sentence. A transitional phrase is usually followed by a comma. For example:A transitional phrase (or conjunctive_adverb as you will hear them called) is never preceded by a comma. You can, on occasion, precede it with a semicolon (or a dash replacing a semicolon ), but never a comma. That’s called a run-on error An interjection is usually a short word inserted into a sentence to express an emotion or feeling. Expressions such as, andare examples of interjections. Often, an interjection will sit at the start of the sentence but not always. It is normal to offset an interjection with a comma (or commas if it’s in the middle of the sentence). In the examples below, the interjections are shaded:Note: If the interjection is to express a powerful emotion or feeling (and it’s not in the middle of your sentence), then it can be followed by an exclamation mark Words like, andare known as conjunctions . (There are other conjunctions, but these three are the most common.)When a conjunction joins two standalone sentences (or independent clauses ), it is usual to place a comma before it. For example (conjunctions shaded):Here are some real examples:We all know that additional information (such as an explanation or an afterthought) can be offset with brackets. However, brackets are just one of the choices you have. You can also use commas or dashes . The information which is offset by commas, brackets, or dashes is called a parenthesis . The punctuation marks used to offset a parenthesis (i.e., dashes, brackets, or commas) are called parentheses Examples (with each example of parenthesis shaded):Commas are often more suitable for formal writing than brackets, as brackets can make your work look a little unorganized. Also, commas are often preferable to dashes because dashes are quite stark. The disadvantage of using commas as parentheses is they can be easily confused with other commas in the sentence because — as you can see from this page — commas have lots of uses.When writing a list in “sentence form” (i.e., not as bullet points), it is normal to separate the list items using commas. For example:The big question is whether there needs to be a comma before the conjunction (in this example, the word). Unfortunately, there is no simple rule for this.The first part of the rule is easy enough: when there are just two items in a list, there is no need to use a comma between them.However, you can use a comma if you think it helps your reader.When there are more than two list items in a list, then those following “US convention” should use a comma before the conjunction (usuallyor), and those following “UK convention” shouldn’t. Therefore:Unfortunately, it gets a little more complicated than that. The comma before the conjunction is known as an, and it is condoned by lots of individuals and organizations in the UK, and it is avoided by a few individuals and organizations in the US. Therefore:The bottom line is you should follow whatever convention those around you (e.g., your company seniors) follow. If there is no guidance like that, then follow whatever convention you like — but be consistent. If you have to break that convention for the sake of clarity, then have the confidence to do it. Clarity trumps style every single time.When the subject of a sentence is made up of lots of elements, it is known as a compound subject . For example:In the last example, the compound subject is starting to get quite long. When a subject starts getting complicated, some writers like to show the end of the subject with a comma. Be aware that this is not a popular practice among many grammarians, but if you think it helps your reader, you can do it. For example:Commas can be used every 3 decimal places in large numbers to make them more readable. For example:In Europe, the use of commas and full stops () / periods () is reversed. So, in Europe, the numbers above would be written:Words like, andoften precede a quotation. A comma can be used after these words to separate them from the quotation. For example:Note: You don’t have to use a comma. Using nothing and using a colon after the words that introduce a quotation are also options.In fact, it’s your choice whether you follow your introductory words with a comma, a colon, or nothing. It depends on your desired flow of text. If you don’t really care about the desired flow of text and you’d like some guidelines to help you decide which to use, then there is a useful guideline which states that a comma should be used for short quotations (six words or fewer) and colon should be used for longer quotations. (This is not a rule. It’s a useful guideline.)When words are used to address somebody (or something) directly, those words are said to be in the vocative case . In English, the vocative case is shown by offsetting it from the rest of the sentence with a comma (or commas if it’s in the middle of the sentence). In the examples below, the words in the vocative case are shaded:

1. What is a Comma?

A comma (,) is a punctuation mark that is frequently used in sentences. Commas separate ideas, add pauses, and help you to list things clearly. They also let us connect words, phrases, and clauses together to make longer sentences. In fact, the comma is one of the most important and commonly used types of punctuation. Without them, sentences would just be messy!

 

2. Examples of Comma Use

Almost all sentences that aren’t a single independent clause have commas. Here are some examples of the ways we use them:

• The pet store has cats

  ,

  dogs

  ,

  hamsters

  ,

  fish, and turtles.      Listing things

• I really wanted cereal this morning

  ,

  but I didn’t have any milk.      Connecting clauses

• Well

  ,

  if you really want pancakes

  ,

  I guess I can make them.      Creating pauses

 

3. Basic Rules for Commas

There are a lot of ways to use commas in English, and sometimes they can be tricky. But, most of the time, it’s easy to tell where you need a comma, because it just sounds right! Here are ten basic rules and situations about comma use:

a. Use a comma any time you combine two independent clauses with any of the seven coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so, for, or, nor, yet):

• I can’t go to the dance

  , but

  you should go without me

  .

• I need to buy a dress

  , so

  I am going to the mall

  .

b. In most cases, don’t use a comma between an independent clause and a dependent clause:

• Correct:

  I lost my cellphone

  while

  I was at the dance

  .

• Incorrect

  :

  I lost my cellphone

  ,

  while I was at the dance

  .

 

• Correct:

  The dance was fun

  once

  my boyfriend arrived

  .

• Incorrect

  :

  The dance was fun

  ,

  once my boyfriend arrived

  .

Only sometimes, when you are showing a big contrast between two things, you can use a comma between an independent and dependent clause:

• Sally had a terrible time at the dance

  ,

  even though she was elected prom queen

  .

• Sally was having great time at the dance

  ,

  until she found out she wasn’t prom queen

  .

In these two sentences it’s okay to use a comma because they show a big contrast.

c. Use a comma when a dependent clause is followed by an independent clause:

• If you go to the dance

  , don’t forget to bring your cellphone.

• When you are walking to the dance

  , be careful not to break your high heels!

d. Use a comma when you start a sentence with a word or phrase that

introduces

it, like this:

• After the dance

  ,

  we should go out to a late-night diner

• Yesterday afternoon

  ,

  I went to the mall to buy a dress for the dance.

e. Use two commas in the middle of sentence to separate out information that isn’t essential to sentence’s meaning, but only provides extra details. One comma goes after the first part, and one goes after the second, like this:

• The dance

  ,

  held in the school gym

  ,

  ended at midnight.

• My dress

  ,

  which was handmade

  ,

  was perfect for the dance.

f. Use commas when you are listing three or more things (words, phrases or clauses). Look at these sentences:

• Correct: I drove to the dance with Sally

  ,

  Sam

  ,

  and Tom.      Correct comma use

• Incorrect

  : I drove to the dance with Sally Sam and Tom.      Missing commas

We need to use commas here to separate the names, making it clear that they are three separate people. With three or more things, you ALWAYS need to use commas, otherwise your sentence will be confusing.

g. Don’t use commas when you are listing less than three things:

• Correct: I drove to the dance with Sally and Sam.      No commas necessary

• Incorrect

  : I drove to the dance with Sally, and Sam.      Incorrect comma use

You can see that a comma isn’t necessary here. It isn’t correct to use a comma when you only have two or more things.

h. Use commas when you have more than one adjective in a row describing something:

• Correct: My dress was blue

  ,

  sparkly

  ,

  and long.

• Incorrect

  : My dress was blue sparkly and long.

But, do not use a comma directly between the last adjective and the noun it is describing:

• Correct: The long, sparkly dress was perfect for the dance.

• Incorrect

  : The long, sparkly, dress was perfect for the dance.

i. Don’t use commas in “that” clauses; restrictive clauses with word combinations like “_____ that _______.”

• Correct: The dress that Sally bought for the dance is blue.

• Incorrect

  : The dress, that Sally bought for the dance, is blue

• Correct: The girl that wins prom queen will get a gold crown.

• Incorrect

  : The girl, that wins prom queen, will get a gold crown.

It may be tempting, but do not use a comma after “that” in sentences like this!

j. Finally, you should use commas when you simply need a pause in a sentence:

• Hello

  ,

  how are you?

• Sally

  ,

  don’t forget to bring your cellphone to the dance.

• Well

  ,

  I don’t like dances, but I guess I will go.

• Look over there

  ,

  that girl in the blue dress is Sally.

 

4. How to Avoid Mistakes

A good general thing to think about when it comes to commas is that if using one will make your sentence clearer or less confusing, you should do it. When you are using a comma, remember it means “pause,” so try reading your sentence out loud to see if you are pausing at the right time. For example, if you read this sentence aloud:

• The rabbit

  ,

  hopped

  ,

  and then

  ,

  he ate

  ,

  a carrot.

You can hear that the pauses come at the wrong times in this sentence. So, that means we need to move the commas:

• The rabbit hopped

  ,

  and then he ate a carrot.

You could add one more comma to this sentence, but it isn’t required:

• The rabbit hopped

  ,

  and then

  ,

  he ate a carrot.

Furthermore, there are two other specific mistakes that happen with commas: comma splices and run-on sentences.

a. Comma Splice

A comma splice happens when you connect two independent clauses with only a comma, and not a conjunction:

• I can’t go to the dance

  ,

  you should go without me

  .      Comma splice

In English, this is a grammar error. It isn’t the proper way to separate these two complete ideas. When connecting two ideas like this, you either need to add a conjunction, or replace the comma with a semicolon (;):

• I can’t go to the dance

  , but

  you should go without me.

• I can’t go to the dance

  ; you

  should go without me

  .

b. Run-on Sentence

A run-on sentence is similar to a comma splice because it also happens when you combine two independent clauses but don’t use proper punctuation or conjunctions:

• I can’t go to the dance you should go without me.

• I need to buy a dress I am going to the mall.

To fix these run on sentences, we have a few choices. The easiest is to add a comma and a conjunction:

• I can’t go to the dance

  , but

  you should go without me.

• I need to buy a dress

  , so

  I am going to the mall.

Or, we can separate them into two sentences (but one compound sentence is stronger):

• I can’t go to the dance. You should go without me.

• I need to buy a dress. I am going to the mall.

Test your Knowledge

1.

Add a comma (or commas) to fix this sentence:

Last summer I went to France Italy Germany and Spain.

a.Last summer, I went to France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.

b.Last summer: I went to France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.

c.Last summer I went to: France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.

2.

TRUE or FALSE: A run-on sentence is a sentence with too many commas.

a.TRUE

b.FALSE

3.

Add a comma (or commas) to fix this sentence:

I really want to eat pizza so I am going to the pizzeria to get a slice.

a.I really want to eat pizza so I am going to the pizzeria, to get a slice.

b.I really want to eat pizza, so I am going to the pizzeria to get a slice.

c.I really want to eat pizza, so I am going to the pizzeria, to get a slice.

4.

TRUE or FALSE: Most sentences (that aren’t a single independent clause) use commas.

a.TRUE

b.FALSE