Worry not, though. Here, we’ve got everything you need to know about punctuation and when to use a comma.
Separating items in a list
Listing things without commas is a recipe for confusion. Want to avoid making your readers scratch their heads? Let's tackle the art of separating items in a list with commas, including the controversial Oxford comma.
I bought apples, bananas, and oranges at the store.
The Oxford comma debate rages on, but including that final comma before "and" often adds clarity:
My favourite ice cream flavours are chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Without the Oxford comma, you might end up with confusing sentences like:
I'd like to thank my parents, Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey.
Are your parents Lady Gaga and Oprah? Probably not. Add that Oxford comma to clear things up:
I'd like to thank my parents, Lady Gaga, and Oprah Winfrey.
Joining independent clauses
When you have two complete sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), use a comma before the conjunction:
I wanted to go to the beach, but it started raining.
She studied hard for the test, and her efforts paid off.
No comma is needed if the second part isn't a complete sentence:
I wanted to go to the beach but couldn't find my sunscreen.
Setting off introductory elements
Starting sentences with a bang? Commas are your best friend here. They help set the stage, build suspense and give your readers a moment to catch their breath.
Well, that didn't go as planned. After the storm, we assessed the damage. When the cake is done baking, let it cool for 10 minutes.
For very short introductory phrases, you can often skip the comma:
In 2020 everything changed.
Separating adjectives
Use commas between coordinate adjectives (adjectives that separately modify the noun):
She wore a bright, cheerful yellow dress.
To test if adjectives are coordinate, try inserting "and" between them or switching their order. If it still makes sense, use a comma.
No comma is needed for cumulative adjectives (where the first adjective modifies the entire phrase that follows):
She wore a long cotton dress.
You wouldn't say "a cotton and long dress" or "a cotton long dress," so no comma is needed.
Setting off nonessential elements
Use commas to set off information that's not essential to the sentence's meaning:
My brother, who lives in California, is visiting next week.
The clause "who lives in California" could be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.
Don't use commas for essential information:
The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
Here, "who lives next door" is crucial to identifying which woman we're talking about.
Separating quotes
Use commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotes:
"I'm tired," she said, "but I'll finish this project tonight."
The teacher asked, "Who can solve this equation?"
But don't use a comma if the quote is introduced by "that":
She said that "actions speak louder than words."
Dates, addresses, and numbers
When it comes to dates, addresses and numbers, commas are often hanging around. But how do you use them in this scenario?
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Use commas to separate parts of an address:
She lives at 123 Main St., Anytown, CA 90210.
Use commas to separate groups of three digits in large numbers:
The population of the city is 1,234,567.
Avoiding comma splices
Don't use a comma alone to join two independent clauses:
Incorrect: I love coffee, it keeps me awake.
Instead, use a period, semicolon, or add a coordinating conjunction:
Correct: I love coffee. It keeps me awake.
Correct: I love coffee; it keeps me awake.
Correct: I love coffee, and it keeps me awake.
Restrictive vs. nonrestrictive clauses
Don't use commas around restrictive clauses (essential information):
The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue.
Use commas for non-restrictive clauses (extra information):
My favourite book, which I've read five times, is on the shelf.
Coordinating conjunctions at the start of a sentence
You can use a comma after a coordinating conjunction at the beginning of a sentence, but it's often optional:
And, with that final point, the debate was settled. But we decided to go anyway.
Both versions are correct. It’s really a matter of style and emphasis.
Commas with dialogue tags
Use commas to separate dialogue tags from the spoken words:
"I can't believe it," he gasped.
"Stop right there," she commanded, "and put your hands up."
But don't use a comma if the dialogue tag uses a word that's not a speaking verb:
"I can't believe it" was all he could say.
Serial commas in complex lists
For complex lists with internal punctuation, use semicolons instead of commas to separate the main items:
The conference attendees came from New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; and Chicago, Illinois.
This prevents confusion and makes the main list items clear.
Commas with question tags
Tacking a question onto the end of a statement? Don't forget the comma.
You're coming to the party, aren't you?
It's getting late, isn't it?
Summing up:
Mastering comma usage takes practice, but these guidelines will help you navigate most situations. Remember that the main purpose of commas is to improve clarity. When in doubt, read your sentence aloud. If there's a natural pause or if the meaning could be misunderstood without a comma, it's probably a good idea to use one.
Keep an eye out for common comma errors in your writing, like comma splices or missing Oxford commas. With time and attention, you'll develop a strong sense of when and where to place these vital little punctuation marks.
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