The rules for using commas are a confusing topic and can even spark debate (eg should Oxford/serial commas be used). Learning to use commas correctly will make your writing look more professional, clearer and easier to read. Make your message clearer and more precise with the correct use of commas!
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Method 1 of 5: Dispel the Basic Myths About Commas
Step 1. Don't use commas just because your sentences are long
This is a common mistake: sometimes, people put a comma in a long sentence just to "pause" the sentence even though the sentence structure is grammatically correct without the use of commas. The length of your sentence has no effect on whether or not to use commas.
Step 2. Avoid using commas to indicate pauses
Some authors believe that pauses or breaths indicate where the comma should be placed. However, this method is unreliable and often results in errors because everyone reads and speaks differently.
This technique is suitable to be used to mark the gaps in the dialogue writing of fiction stories
Step 3. Don't always use a comma in someone's name
Don't be fooled, this is another common mistake in using commas: commas are only used in a person's name as a separator in non-restrictive phrases.
- For example, here is an inappropriate but frequently used comma: “Abraham Lincoln”,” was the 16th President of the United States. Abraham Lincoln is the subject of the sentence and is an important element.
- An example of the proper use of a comma in a name would look like this: “Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was a lawyer before he became president.” In this case, the “16th president of the United States” is a non-restrictive clause (which means the sentence can still be understood even if the part is omitted) and is put with commas at the beginning and end of the clause.
Step 4. Understand that using commas is tricky but manageable
Another very common myth about commas is that they belong to a sacred grammar that is impossible to predict or learn. Although the logic that governs the use of commas often seems complicated, it's actually easy to learn how to use commas if you understand the rules.
Method 2 of 5: Using Commas on Nonrestrictive and Restrictive Properties
Step 1. Understand what a connecting clause is
A connecting clause is a word, clause, or phrase that changes some elements of the main sentence. A connecting clause is preceded by a connecting pronoun. Connective pronouns generally include “who”, whoever/whoever”, and “which”. In general, there are two types of connecting pronouns, namely: "nonrestrictive" and "restrictive".
Step 2. Understand how nonrestrictive properties function
Non-restrictive adjectives are connecting clauses or phrases that add information to a sentence but are not an important part of the overall meaning of the sentence. A sentence can still be understood (and the meaning of the main subject remains the same) if you remove the non-restrictive modifier from the sentence. These traits are sometimes referred to as “interrupts.”
- Here's an example of a non-restrictive adjective in a sentence: "George Washington, "our first president," served two terms." The main clause is understandable even if the non-restrictive adjective is removed: “George Washington has served twice.”
- Here's another example of a non-restrictive adjective: "Fatima, "who has studied hard," is likely to do well in today's exams." In general, the presence of the word “yang” (connective pronoun) in a clause is a non-restrictive feature and must be marked with a comma.
Step 3. Use commas in non-restrictive modifiers
Commas are almost always used at the beginning and end of non-restrictive clauses. This indicates the clause is additional information that is not very important. If you can omit a clause without destroying the meaning of the sentence, it is almost certainly a non-restrictive modifier.
- Be sure to use a comma at the end of each attribute. The error that often occurs is that the comma is only used at the beginning of the adjective, but not at the end.
- In almost every case, a connecting clause or phrase starting with the word “which” is non-restrictive and should be marked with a comma: “The car accident, “which happened at 3pm” didn't damage my car too badly.”
Step 4. Use commas to offset statements that interrupt sentences
Sometimes, prepositional phrases and other phrases that cut off the main clause are non-restrictive modifiers. If the phrase doesn't fall into the main subject and verb, separate the truncated phrase with a comma to let the reader know that the information isn't important.
- For example, the following example is a prepositional phrase that acts as an interrupt: "This," I think, is a very good book." The phrase is not very important and can be omitted without destroying the meaning of the sentence.
- Here's another example: “This road, “beside”, is paved and easy to walk on.”
- Direct appointments also fall into this category. For example, here's a sentence interrupted by the direct designation of another person: "That's the reason I appointed you, "Thomas," as group leader."
Step 5. Understand the function of the restrictive property
Restrictive adjectives are clauses or connecting phrases that are an important part of your sentence. Restrictive adjectives cannot be removed without destroying the meaning of your sentence.
- Here's an example of a restrictive modifier in a sentence: "A driver "over the speed limit" is a reckless driver." This clause is an important part of the sentence and cannot be omitted.
- Here is another example of a restrictive modifier: “The song “titled “Roar” is a popular song; the song “titled “Latte Love”” that I composed yesterday is not popular.” These two adjectives indicate additional information but cannot be removed without losing the meaning of the sentence: “Song ?? it's popular; song ? the one I created yesterday is not popular.”
Step 6. Avoid using commas in restrictive modifiers
These adjectives have important meaning in your sentence, putting a comma in this clause or phrase will spoil the clarity of your sentence.
Almost all clauses that begin with the conjunctive pronoun “which” are restrictive clauses and need not be commas: “The car accident “that” I had yesterday will definitely make my insurance bill go up.”
Method 3 of 5: Using Commas With Equal Conjunctions
Step 1. Use FANBOYS to help you remember the conjunction of equals
Equivalent conjunctions are used to connect sentences. Equivalent conjunctions include "For / For (F), And / And (A), Nor / Nor (N), But / But (B), Or / Or (O), However / Yet (Y), Also / So(S)."
Step 2. Use a comma in front of equal conjunctions connecting independent clauses
An independent clause is a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. You should always use a comma if there is a FANBOYS conjunction connecting two independent clauses.
- Here's an example of a FANBOYS conjunction linking two independent clauses: "I borrowed three books from the library, "but" now I don't think it's possible to read all three." If you remove the conjunction, each clause will form its own sentence.
- This conjunction doesn't connect two independent clauses: "Bai realizes he has everything he needs "except" a pencil." The last part of the sentence cannot stand alone.
Step 3. Pay attention to the grammar of a sentence
The existence of a conjunction does not always require a comma. Only independent clauses require the use of commas.
- For example, if your sentence only follows two words after a conjunction, don't use a comma: "Give me all the "bacon and eggs" you guys have."
- If your sentence uses the word "for" as a preposition that follows a dependent clause, don't use a comma: "I'm saving "for a vacation to Hawaii"."
- If your sentence uses the word "too" to emphasize another word, don't use a comma: "The teacher is "very tired" checking bad writing."
- If your sentence uses the word "so" in the phrase "so then," don't use a comma: "Elena knows she has to eat breakfast "so then" doesn't feel hungry."
Method 4 of 5: Use Commas With Introductory Elements
Step 1. Use a comma after the introductory adverb
In general, in English, adverbs end with the suffix "-ly" and change nouns or adjectives. Sometimes adverbs are used at the beginning of a sentence to describe how something happened or felt, especially in informal writing. The most common examples are “in general, usually,” and “unfortunately”.
- For example, here's a sentence that begins with an introductory adverb: ""No wonder", one day I forgot to bring an umbrella and it turned out to be raining."
- Adverbs like "when" and "while" are usually restrictive adjectives and don't require a comma.
- A comma should be used to compensate for introductory adverbs that change the whole sentence, not those that change only one element of the sentence (eg a verb).
Step 2. Use a comma after the introduction
The elements of a preface are the words "no," "yes," and "okay", and the preface that starts the sentence is separated from the main clause by a comma.
- Here's an example of a preface that starts a sentence: “No, I can't go there this morning.”
- Here's an example of a “okay” preface: “”Okay”, actually I want another piece of cake, but I'm on a diet.”
- The word “why” can also be used as an introduction, but be aware: The word “why” should only be affixed with a comma if it has significant meaning to the sentence. The comma in the sentence “Why”, that's amazing!” is right. However, you cannot use a comma in the following sentence: "Why didn't you come this morning?"
Step 3. Use a comma after the introductory transition
Introductory transitions help guide the reader from one sentence to another, and must end with a comma in the sentence. Introductory transitions generally consist of “However”, “Besides”, “Even so” and “While”.
Introductions to transitions can also take the form of phrases, such as “After all” and “Nevertheless_”. Separate transitions and sentences also with commas
Step 4. Use a comma at the end of an introductory phrase consisting of more than 3 words
These phrases add information to the sentence, but do not have a different subject and verb from the subject and main verb of the sentence. If the introduction is less than 3 words, the use of commas is considered optional. Introductory phrases generally contain participle phrases (phrases that function as adjectives to describe something in the main clause), prepositional phrases, and infinitive phrases (starting with an indefinite verb ["eat, listen", etc.]).
- For example, here is the participle phrase: ""Grasping the sword with both hands", Lancelot swung with all his might." “Hold the sword with both hands” replaces Lancelot as the subject of the main sentence.
- Here's an example of a prepositional phrase: ""All night long", he enjoyed a warm conversation at the party."
- Here's an example of an infinitive phrase that starts a sentence: ""To win the election," the senator candidate spends more money than anyone else."
- Don't confuse gerunds (verbal nouns) with introductory participles. For example, you can't use a comma in the following sentence: ““Writing with perfect grammar” is hard but doable.” The gerund phrase “Write with perfect grammar” is the subject of the sentence.
Method 5 of 5: Using Commas in Other Parts
Step 1. Use commas to separate absolute phrases
Absolute phrases, which are also called “absolute nominatives,” change entire sentences. Absolute phrases are usually located at the beginning of the sentence, but some are located at the end of the main clause. Absolute phrases usually have their own subject and are generally formed through "nouns" and "participles" (the affixes "men-" and "-kan").
- The following is an example of an absolute phrase at the beginning of a sentence: ""Her homework is done", Sujata went to meet her friends."
- Here's an example of an absolute phrase to close a sentence: "The couple rushed home, "the cold air hit their faces." This phrase changes the entire main clause at the beginning of the sentence.
Step 2. Use commas to separate adverb clauses
An adverb clause begins with a “subordinate conjunction”, which connects the clause and the main clause. Adverb clauses are dependent / dependent and cannot stand alone because of subordinate conjunctions. This clause can be placed at the beginning or in any part of the sentence.
- Subordinate conjunctions generally consist of the words "because, even though, even though, otherwise" and "because".
- For example, here's an adverb clause that starts a sentence: ""Because your inclusion in group meetings is always creative and insightful", I appoint you as the person in charge of the project."
- Here's an adverb clause in the middle of a sentence: "Joe decided not to ride the roller coaster, "even though he enjoyed it", because he just ate a really big chilli dog."
Step 3. Use a comma to separate a list or series of things
If you find a sequence of three or more items, use a comma to separate them.
- For example, here's a series of lists separated by commas: "I'm going to buy apples"', "'oranges'", ""pears"', "' and bananas at the store."
- Do not put a comma before and after a series of items. The use of a comma in the following examples is incorrect: "I'm going to buy fruit"', "' apples, oranges, pears, and bananas at the store"', "' to make a fruit salad tonight."
- Don't use a comma if all items are connected with a rich “and”, “or”, or “and”. For example, here's a list of items linked to the word "and": "Kyle and Spike and Brenda and Willow are all going to a concert."
- In addition to a comma, a semicolon can be used as a separator if all items in your series are phrases rather than single words, or if your item list contains a comma: “You can choose from two breakfast menus: “granola, orange juice, and coffee,” which is relatively cheap; or “smoked bacon, sausage, and eggs,” which cost more.”
Step 4. Understand “Oxford Commas
” “Oxford comma” (also known as “Harvard comma”) is a comma placed before the last item in a list or series. The use of the comma is debated, some people refuse to use it and some insist that the Oxford comma should always be used. The purpose of the Oxford comma is for clarity, so use it if the last two items on your list need to be completely separated.
- For example, look at the following sentence: “I want to dedicate this book to “my parents, my professor and John F. Kennedy.'” With punctuation like this, it looks like your parents are your professor and John F. Kennedy. The use of the Oxford comma will clear up the misunderstanding: “I would like to dedicate this book to 'my parents, my professor, and John F. Kennedy.'”
- Using the Oxford comma is not grammatical, so if you're not sure how to use it, use it.
Step 5. Use a comma between two or more parallel adjectives that independently change the noun
Here's how to understand whether adjectives function independently: If you can put the word “and” between two adjectives without changing the meaning of the sentence (or making it nonsensical), then they function independently and a comma should separate them.
- For example, here's a sentence with a sequence of correctly punctuated adjectives: "Those who deliberately misuse grammar are rude, irresponsible, cruel-minded early humans who spoil the beauty and diversity of our language."
- Some “word pairs” are single words (“disc jockey”, “young man”). The comma is not needed here.
- "Don't" use a comma if the adjective is followed by a conjunction!
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Don't use a comma if the adjectives don't align; For example, if one of the adjectives is color or quantity and the other is quality, you don't need to use a comma.
For example, “I have a big red cart” does not need to use a comma, while “I have an old cart, which I love very much” should use a comma
Step 6. Use a comma to separate the date and address
Each element of the date (week, month, day, and year) must be separated by a comma. Also use commas to separate elements in an address, or when referring to a city or country. For example, you need to use a comma in this sentence: "I love visiting Tokyo"', "'Japan."
- Here's an example of using a comma correctly in dates: "This WikiHow was written on Monday, May 14, 2007, in Maryland."
- If only the month and year appear, DO NOT use a comma: “I wrote this article in May 2007.”
- Here's an example of using a comma appropriately in an address: "The new address is at 1234 Main Street, Anytown, Maryland, 12345."
- When the address element is followed by a preposition, the comma is not required: "This is "on" Highway 10 "near" Pencasola "in" Florida."
Step 7. Use a comma in the greeting and at the end of the letter
“Greetings” is a greeting at the beginning of a letter, for example “Dear John.” The closing greeting should also be marked with a comma: “Sincerely, Judge.”
When writing a business letter, the use of a semicolon is more common than a comma: "For Attention:[content of the letter]"
Tips
- Signs of people who do not understand the rules for using commas are excessive use. “When in doubt, don't use it!”*
- Have you finished school? Buy a copy of The Little Brown Handbook or Warriner's English Grammar and Composition and practice. You can buy it on the internet at a fairly cheap price.
- It's a good idea to have your writing reviewed by a (semi-)professional if possible. Especially if your writing is for something important, such as a job summary, hire a proofreader or consult a friend who knows punctuation well to help you.
