Comma

clauses comma coordinating conjunctions dependent clauses direct speech negation numbers punctuation

A comma indicates a pause between the words, phrases, and clauses. In this lesson, we will all the rules about this punctuation mark.

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:

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
in direct speech
to separate clauses
before coordinating conjunctions
after dependent clauses
to offset non-restrictive structures
to group adjectives
to tell the date
to address directly
with negatives
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:

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:

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:

"We will win," they said.

"Read it please," she mumbled.

Using comma with non-restrictive structures

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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

Comments

Punctuation

Punctuation is using special signs, and certain typographical devices to help the understanding and correct reading of written texts.

Full Stops

A full stop or period is usually used to show the end of a sentence. In this lesson, we will learn all about this punctuation mark.

Question Marks and Exclamation Marks

Question mark and exclamation mark is used in the sentences to show their sense. They function in writing forms. Here we will get to their rules.

Colons and Semicolons

Colons and semi-colons are used to make it easy for us to understand and read a passage. In this lesson, we will learn all about them.

Quotation Marks

Quotation marks are punctuations that are used to express a direct speech, phrase, or quotation. In this lesson, we will learn all about them.

Hyphens and Dashes

Hyphens and dashes have to be used properly as punctuation marks to avoid confusion. In this lesson, we will learn all about them.

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