Comma 

In this lesson you will learn about advanced comma rules for clarity and emphasis in writing. Master them with challenging examples and exercises.

What Is Comma in English?

What Is a Comma?

A comma is a punctuation mark that is used to separate words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. Commas help to clarify the meaning of a sentence and make it easier to read by indicating where to pause or where there is a change in thought.

Comma: Uses

A comma is usually used to make a pause between words, phrases, or clauses. It can also be used to group words or to separate clauses. For instance:

Example

They went through many things, illness, divorce, depression, etc.

Do not forget to buy oil, eggs, and vegetables.

In general, commas are used:

in lists

after some adverbs

to separate clauses

to group adjectives

to tell the date

to address directly

in numbers

Comma in Lists

When we want to list some nouns or items in a group, we use a comma between them. Here are the examples:

Example

I had soup, fish, pudding, and coffee for dinner.

I have invited Sam, Peter, and Diego.

Comma in Direct Speech

When reporting a direct speech, there is always a comma between the quoted speech and the introducing clause. Check the examples:

Example

He said, "I am not going to kiss her."

"We will talk about it later," she replied.

Tip!

Remember, when a comma meets a quotation mark, we should use it before the quotation mark. Here are the examples:

Example

"We will win," they said.

"Read it please," she mumbled.

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Comma and Coordinating Conjunctions

Before coordinating conjunctions that link two independent clauses, a comma is used to separate the two clauses. Here are the examples:

Example

Neither I wanted to go out, nor I liked to stay home.

We started to run, and soon I felt frustrated.

Comma and Clauses

Sometimes there is a need for a pause in the sentence, this helps clarify the context. For example:

Example

He smiled, I had not sees him smile before.

This is not finished, there is a lot to talk about.

Comma and Adverbs

When an adverb is used to modify a whole sentence or when it is used to start a sentence, you have to use a comma after it. Remember, the adverb has to apply to the whole sentence. Check out these examples:

Example

Usually, I try to stay silent and listen more.

No, I would never cheat on you.

Comma and Dependent Clause

A dependent clause is always separated from the independent clause using a comma. Here are the examples:

Example

Although it might be difficult at first, you will learn how to shoot in the basket.

When she arrives, I will take her to the club.

Commas and Non-restrictive Structures

Non-restrictive structures are offset by commas, and they can be removed from the sentence without affecting its meaning or completeness. For example:

Example

Sandy, the dog, ran toward Lucifer.

My uncle, who lives nearby, is my father's only brother.

Comma with Adjectives

When we want to use a list of adjectives to describe a person or thing, we can use a comma between the adjectives. Remember, to do so, the adjectives have to be interchangeable. Here are the examples:

Example

There was a big, fascinating, marvelous wedding there.

You are beautiful, nice, kind, and polite.

Comma with Dates

We use a comma between the main parts of dates. Here are the examples for more clarification:

Example

April 1st, 1999, he was waiting at the station for her to come.

Saturday, May 15th, 2005, is the last thing I remember.

Comma with Titles

When we use honorific titles or names to address people directly, there is always a comma following them. Check out these examples:

Example

Doctor, could you please be totally honest.

Professor, there is something I want to talk about it.

Comma with Negatives

When a negative statement follows a positive one, we have to use a comma between the two statements. Here are the examples:

Example

It is a cat, not a bird.

Take the bananas, not the oranges.

Comma with Numbers

When writing numbers using digits (not letters), it is customary to use a comma to separate every three digits from the right, in order to make the number easier to read and understand. Here are the examples:

Example

3,000,000

50,054,956

Comma with Question Tags

When a statement is followed by a question tag, we use a comma between them.

Example

This is a pretty cool car, isn't it?

She was acting crazy, right?

Review

There are occasions in which you have to use a comma such as:

in lists

after some adverbs

in direct speech

to separate clauses

before coordinating conjunctions

after dependent clause

to offset non-restrictive structures

to group adjectives

to tell the date

to address directly

to use negation

to tell numbers

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