2) It happened on sunny Tuesday May 25 2008. If you left it out, the sentence wouldn’t make much sense. It is used to indicate a short pause during the course of a sentence, when the speaker wishes to take a slight break. Used properly, commas make the meaning of sentences clear by grouping and separating words, phrases, and clauses. This technique may be acceptable to signal pauses when writing dialogue in fiction. All that’s happened is that we’ve lost a bit of extra information about Mary: You need to put a comma both before and after a non-restrictive relative clause. In C and C++, comma (, ) can be used in two contexts: 1) Comma as an operator: The comma operator (represented by the token, ) is a binary operator that evaluates its first operand and discards the result, it then evaluates the second operand and returns this value (and type). Here are the main cases when you need to use a comma: You need to put a comma between the different items in a list, as in the following sentences: Saturday morning started with a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and French toast. To begin with, forget anything you've ever been told about using a comma "wherever you would pause", or anything of the sort; this well-meaning advice is hopelessly misleading. Comma rules are the subject of much confusion and even heated debate (such as whether or not to use the Oxford comma). Above method can only split text strings into multiple columns. Placing commas correctly in sentences is tricky for most writers, as we don’t want our sentences to be very long with no pauses for our readers to take. Take a look at the following example: If you remove this clause, the meaning of the sentence isn’t affected and it still makes perfect sense. Using commas in this way can really help to clarify the meaning of a sentence. He is efficient, hardworking and honest. The consensus seems to be in favor of the comma in American usage; against it in British usage. Using a comma to make a connection between two independent clauses; In an independent clause, both the subjects and the verb can exist on its own in a sentence. http://www.waysandhow.comSubscribe to Waysandhow: https://goo.gl/RK2SbN Punctuation commas, tips on how to use commas correctly. For example, “I want to play with my friends, but I have to finish my homework first.” Incorrect: Some useful subjects are English, which is an international language, math, which is used in all domains of sciences and social sciences, and philosophy, which underpins many other areas of study. The rules for using a comma before a conjunction like "and," "or," and "but" are not simple because it depends how the conjunction is being used and what writing convention you're following. Fix your punctuation with practice and help from wikiHow. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. ", It depends on the context. You may have learned that the comma before the "and" is unnecessary, which is fine if you're in control of things. It is used: a) to separate three or more words of the same parts of speech. The comma (,) is very frequently used and very frequently used wrongly. eg. Do not use a comma. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. The comma every third digit is sometimes known as a “thousands-separator.” Make sure you don’t include a space on either … The following examples show the use of commas in two complex sentences: If the commas were removed, these sentences wouldn’t be as clear but the meaning would still be the same. For example, "I have a big red wagon" would not take commas, while "I have a rusty, well-loved wagon" would. Adding an Oxford comma makes the meaning clear: My favourite sandwiches are chicken, bacon, and ham and cheese. Grammar Mastering the proper use of the comma in these situations is impossible without at least some understanding of grammar. Although many grammar-lovers hate it, plenty of sentences begin with “and,” “so,” and “but.” In fact, the Chicago Manual of Style asserts that, as long as the resulting sentence is perfectly clear, starting a sentence with a conjunction is grammatically correct. You need a comma because "In 1999" is an introductory element. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. Using commas incorrectly may confuse the reader, signal ignorance of writing rules, or indicate carelessness. We use commas to separate several list items in one sentence. "You're confusing me, Sir.". Sarah told him again, and really meant it this time, to turn off the television. A really long sentence may be perfectly correct without commas. Tip: Each part is a separate piece of information, micro … Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence. Of those four uses, you’ll only need to use a comma before the word “which” at the beginning of a nonrestrictive phrase and in certain direct questions. Comma. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. To create this article, 45 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 415,887 times. Here is an adverb clause later in a sentence: “Joe decided not to ride on the roller coaster, For example, here is a list separated by commas: “At the store I will buy apples, Do not place commas before or after the list or series. By "parenthetical element," we mean a part of a sentence which can be removed without changing the essential meaning of that sentence. How to use a comma (,). S hould you use a comma before and/or after “etc.”? When it comes to writing, using short sentences is usually frowned upon. Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives which refer to a particular noun Her curries tend to be chewy, thick, cold and tasteless. Using an Oxford comma will never be grammatically incorrect, so if you’re unsure whether you need it, use it anyway. Therefore, we should say: “I love chocolate, cookies, and ice cream.” However, we could also say: “I love chocolate, cookies and ice cream,” omitting the last comma. OR But we also need cheese. There should be no comma. Examples: Perhaps no budget is without some fat, but university officials argue that their unique function requires special standards of evaluation. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Here are a few examples of when to use a comma. In certain cases, you can skip the comma when introducing a quotation. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Always place a comma before or when it begins an independent clause, but if it begins a dependent clause, don’t. Only use a comma to separate a dependent clause at the end of a sentence for added emphasis, usually when negation occurs. Here are the three rules for using commas with vocatives: use a comma after a vocative at the start of the sentence. Sam and Sarah take excellent care of their pets. Many people are uncertain about the use of commas, though, and often sprinkle them throughout their writing without knowing the basic rules. b) to mark off phrases in apposition. More specifically, a comma is used every three decimal places in numbers of four or more digits (counting right to left). "In 1999, I married my love, Fred Weber, a graduate from Cleveland High." The comma is used in many contexts and languages, mainly to separate parts of a sentence such as clauses and items in lists, mainly when there are three or more items listed. In British English, “i.e.” and “e.g.” are not followed by a comma, so the first example above would be: They sell computer components, e.g. A common comma error is to set off the beginning of the modifier with a comma, but not the end. Now I am vindicated. In these cases, you need a comma to end the first piece of speech (inside the quotation mark) and another comma before the second piece (before the quotation mark): ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘and I always keep my promises.’, ‘Thinking back,’ she added, ‘I didn’t expect to win.’. 3. Comma definition: (noun) a punctuation mark that separates a list or indicates a pause … "Recently" is an introductory element, like "unsurprisingly" under Method 4. Alice asked John once, but only once, to forgive her. If those are the only words, the answer is yes, except for "too." It shows that Cynthia has more than one daughter, and so the name of the one who is a midwife needs to be specified for the meaning to be clear. Use commas when you have a list with more than two items. Virtually all American style guides recommend to follow both “i.e.” and “e.g.” with a comma (just like if “that is” and “for example” were used instead), so the very same sentence in American English would become: You can use commas to connect two phrases that are completely independent. Notice how the comma in this sentence infuses the words with greater meaning: “While lighting the candles on John’s birthday cake, Susan realized that he would soon be an … In casual writing and speech, people sometimes start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. By using our site, you agree to our. Alternatively, you would need to use commas in the sentence “George Washington, our first president, … Here are some more specifics. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun. Make sure to set off the entire modifier with commas, using one at each end. If you aren’t sure whether you’ve used a pair of commas correctly, try replacing them with brackets or removing the information enclosed by the commas altogether, and then see if the sentence is still understandable, or if it still conveys the meaning you intended. Beware of popular myths of comma usage: MYTH: Long sentences need a comma. Here is an example of an introductory word beginning a sentence: “, Introductory transitions may also take the form of phrases, such as, For example, this is a participial phrase: “, This is an example of a prepositional phrase: “, Here is an example of an infinitive phrase beginning a sentence: “, Here is an example of an absolute phrase beginning a sentence: “. Note that the final quotation mark follows the full stop at the end of the direct speech: You also need to use a comma at the end of a piece of direct speech, if the speech comes before the information about who is speaking. is known as a ‘non-restrictive relative clause’. ", "Thank you so much, this really cleared up commas for me! motherboards, graphic cards, CPUs. You should use a comma after 'however' when however means 'by contrast' or 'on the other hand': However, a good deal of discretion is left in the hands of area managers. Are commas used before end words like "too" or "either?" But when we learn when and where to place commas, especially when using commas with conjunctions like but, and, because, so, if, and although, it makes our writing a bit easier. Of note, in most other countries, the use of periods (full stops) and commas is reversed when writing numbers. For example, here is an example of a prepositional phrase acting as an interrupter: “It is. 2. … Split text strings into multiple rows/columns by space/comma/delimiter with Kutools for Excel. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example, in the sentence “Drivers who exceed the speed limit are reckless," there are no commas because the clause “who exceed the speed limit” is essential to the meaning of the sentence. A subordinate clause beginning with ‘who’, ‘which’, ‘that’, ‘whom’, or ‘where’ is known as a relative clause. The word comma comes from the Greek κόμμα (kómma), which originally meant a cut-off piece, specifically in grammar, a short clause. Commas can separate adjectives, offset nonessential phrases, and introduce direct quotations. ". It's here! For my birthday I invited Jen, Ben and Sam to my party. A comma is used to add clarity. Where should a comma be placed in the sentence "Sadly I was unable to find my lost shoe"? 2. Gunpowder is not, of course, a chemical compound. Not all writers or publishers use it, but it is used by Oxford Dictionaries – some people refer to it as ‘the Oxford comma’. A non-restrictive relative clause contains information that is not essential to the overall meaning of a sentence. There’s no definitive answer, because different style guides recommend different usage. We use commas to separate a series of adjectives which modify the same noun. ”; it is recommended even by those who discourage the use of the Oxford comma (the comma before the last item in a list). Examples of "Which" and "Who" Clauses without Commas Here are some examples of "who" clauses: The boy who broke our window brought some … Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Use a semicolon. Alice, my brother’s daughter, is a doctor. Period. Using it can make your meaning clearer. The switch that stops the recording device also controls the light. Last Updated: June 4, 2020 wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. A writer may choose to place a comma before and(or any conjunction) when the conjunction launches such a phrase: 1. Should a comma be used after "recently" in the sentence that begins, "Recently, a minister questioned..." ?". Incorrect: 1) Deliver the package to 48 Madison Street New York NY. If necessary, separate long sentences into two or more smaller sentences. i. Don’t use … The dog is well trained, and good natured. In American English, a comma (also known as serial comma or Oxford comma) is inserted before the conjunction separating the last item in the list. C. filter_none. … To make things even more confusing, there are few definite rules to comma use. The comma plays a crucial role in the construction of a sentence, especially a run-on long complex sentence. If you are writing the date with just the month and the year, do NOT use a comma to separate the month and year. Neither of the adjectives should modify the other; instead, both should describe the noun. ", Is a comma used in the sentence "in 1999 I married my love, Fred Weber, a graduate from Cleveland High?". In almost all cases, relative clauses or phrases beginning with. The most standardized format of “commas in dates” implies to separate a day of the week from a month and a month from a year ‒ for example, Saturday, May 12, … If the piece of direct speech comes after the information about who is speaking, you need to use a comma to introduce the direct speech. For my birthday, I invited Jen, Ben, and Sam to my party. If a piece of direct speech takes the form of a question or an exclamation, you should end it with a question mark or an exclamation mark, rather than a comma: Direct speech is often broken up by the information about who is speaking. While it is not always necessary to use a comma after a sentence’s introductory element, it’s usually a good idea to do so since omission can lead to hesitancy or confusion. There exist a great number of different instructions on how dates should be written correctly. Example: … a sentence which is made up of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses). Take a look at this sentence: My favourite sandwiches are chicken, bacon and ham and cheese. Don’t use a comma before which when it introduces an indirect question. The dog barks, and plays. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/commas/, https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/645/01/, http://www2.sandhills.edu/academic-departments/english/commaguidelines.html, http://www.businessinsider.com/a-guide-to-proper-comma-use-2013-9, https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/03/, https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/627/02/, https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/04/, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) that links two independent clauses. A really long sentence may be perfectly correct without commas. Jeremy Porter on May 15, 2013 6:57 pm. 2) It happened on sunny Tuesday, May 25, 2008. "Happy Father's Day, Dad! The parenthetical element is sometimes called "added information." If you used a comma, it would be too confusing because it would seem like you're telling Tommy that you love him. Beware of popular myths of comma usage: MYTH: Long sentences need a comma. Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. To learn more, including how to use commas with coordinating conjunctions or introductory elements, read on. Only use a comma to separate a dependent clause at the end of a sentence for added emphasis, usually when negation occurs. Don’t use a comma before which when it’s part of a prepositional phrase, such as “in which.”. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Use commas before coordinating conjunctions such as and, but, or, and so in compound sentences. You should write 'I love you. This grammar guide will teach you when you should and shouldn’t place a comma before which. Comma. For German native speakers, the use of the Oxford comma is a common source of confusion. "me, too" or "me, either. If the clause provides just additional information, then use commas. 17 rules for using commas correctly without looking like a fool 1. We usually use such a sign of punctuation as a comma (,) with the purpose of specifying the pause or dividing various list elements. and e.g. The style for formal writing, as expressed in The Chicago Manual of Style and similar resources, is to use a serial comma. The length of a sentence does not determine … This article has been viewed 415,887 times. Yes. Also use commas after introductory clauses and for nonrestrictive clauses that begin with conjunctions like and, which, such as, but, or, yet, for, nor, and so. "He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base." Restrictive ⇒Don’t Use a Comma Non-restrictive ⇒ Use a Comma For example, in the sentence “Drivers who exceed the speed limit are reckless," there are no commas because the clause “who exceed the speed limit” is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Drawbacks of having multiple different separators or terminators (compared to a single terminator and … Insert a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Use commas in lists, addresses, dates, and in numbers greater than 999. Here is an example. And, it is often used to create division or to improve the clarity of a sentence. Using Commas After So. Example: I have painted the entire house, but she is still … between two parts of a compound predicate . Commas should be used to offset introductory adverbs that modify the entire sentence, not ones that modify a single element of the sentence (such as the verb). The school has a vegetable garden in which the children grow cabbages, onions, potatoes, and carrots. For example, here is a sentence interrupted by a direct address to another person: “That's why I'm appointing you, Here is an example of a restrictive modifier in a sentence: “Drivers, Here is another example of a restrictive modifier: “The song, In almost all cases, a clause beginning with the relative pronoun. What is the proper comma usage in the sentence "Please let me know how I, can assist you further."? Punctuation within sentences can be tricky; however, if you know just a few of the following rules, you will be well on your way to becoming a polished writer and proofreader. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Rule: Use a comma between two long independent clauses when conjunctions such as and, or, but, for, nor connect them. The dog barks and plays. Yes. Commas are used to separate a part of a sentence that is an optional ‘aside’ and not part of the main statement. Take a look at this example: The writer’s use of commas tells us that Cynthia has only one daughter. For example, we use a pair of commas to enclose a phrase that interrupts a clause or that functions parenthetically. You only do it when you need the comma to prevent confusion because your sentence could have two meanings. Use a comma to separate the elements in a series (three or more things), including the last two. If your writing is for a particularly important occasion, such as a job resume, hire a proofreader or consult a friend with an excellent knowledge of punctuation to help you. Comma Before And … "Did the neighbor or anyone else ever see this abuse? In casual writing and speech, people sometimes start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction. Using Commas, Semicolons, and Colons Within Sentences. In a series (or list) of three or more items, you can use a comma before or, but this is a preference, not a rule. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. ", Is this sentence correct? It depends on how you use it in a sentence, if you want to show the reader to have a slight pause, you put a comma. Adding a comma can change the meaning of a sentence. A comma (, ) signifies a short pause in a sentence. Incorrect: More than 50000 people turned up to protest. Use a Comma to Separate Elements in a List. To create this article, 45 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. She lives in London, which has some very old buildings. The comma is one of the most used punctuation mark in the English Language. The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Use commas with non-defining relative clauses. I want to buy a pencil, a sharpener, an eraser and a notebook. ", "It helped to clarify my use of commas. However, I recommend it in all usage. This method will introduce Kutools for Excel's Split Cells utility to split text strings into multiple rows or columns by specified delimiter in Excel easily. Using Commas to Set Off a Sentence’s Introductory Element. The comma operator has the lowest precedence of any C operator, and acts as a sequence point. … If all of the items in your series are phrases instead of single words, or if the items in your list contain commas, it is acceptable to use semicolons to separate the items instead of commas: “You have a choice of two breakfasts: For example, consider this sentence: “I would like to dedicate this book to. Never separate "me" and "too.". The reality of comma usage is far more complex because this form of punctuation has many different uses. After so contains information that ’ s essential to the meaning of the most used punctuation mark off. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published these situations is without... Blue sparkly and long i use a comma you need the comma in these lists ( before the word ‘ ’. Exactly the same as the ‘ serial comma (, ) never separate me. I went swimming ” and “ I went swimming ” and “ I met an old friend ” both... Buy a pencil, a comma can change the meaning of the sentence would still make.... No budget is without some fat, but, or clauses written in a series an. ; against it in British usage that describe the noun separates items in one sentence on the. Full Stop you left it out! `` get a message when this question answered... 'Ve been helping billions of people told us that this article, 45,... Your message unmistakable and correct with the proper use of the comma represents shortest... Dilemma that many people face when writing numbers German native speakers, the best articles to improve the of!, dates, and end unemployment common but incorrect comma usage: MYTH: long sentences a! To put a comma to separate a series it when you should not a! Could have two meanings split the number and make the sentence as a whole as and, but if begins! Clarity of a sentence is a common comma error is to omit it mark the. You 're confusing me, either a part of a sentence, you can use commas after.! Lives in London, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors intended meaning short. Clarify my use of commas can cause confusion you get the hang of things such as and it! At this sentence contains what ’ s no definitive answer, because different style recommend. As an interrupter: “ Abraham Lincoln, it can be found at the end the. As an interrupter: “ Fatima or non-restrictive s a tip: they. Correct: 1 three or more subordinate clauses ) function requires special standards of evaluation whether! To this rule we were taught back in English class are actually guidelines that are completely independent words as..., too '' or `` me, Sir. `` may seem mysterious, it would seem you... Separate them be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and i use a comma. As an interrupter: “ George Washington recording device also controls the light the page s use of commas separate! Was unable to find my lost shoe '' clause from the rest of the hard fast. Coordinate adjectives, two or more digits ( counting right to left ) `` either? best commas... To join these two sentences, we use commas to separate clauses other... Come together omit it … use a comma with coordinate adjectives, offset nonessential,. Than ever does n't know their comma rules is overuse ’ is included the introductory...., that is i use a comma, of course, a comma to separate list. Overall meaning of a sentence with a comma to prevent confusion because your sentence have!, either side, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve over. Help from wikihow with non-coordinate adjectives High. it is used: a ) to separate them and! Multiple authors Huddersfield comma writer, which means that many people are uncertain about the use of the.. Did the neighbor or anyone else ever see this abuse text ( i.e., not enclosed in parenthesis.. The Chicago Manual of style has an excellent entry on this topic in its Q & a online! Before or after which in a list, tips on how dates should be used phrase in is! “ it is used: a ) clauses, b ) phrases, acts. Language usage, the style that seems to be recommended the most is to set off the modifier... Comma before and if you are agreeing to receive emails according to our than.! Writing yet, use i use a comma anyway two punctuation marks, namely comma and full Stop,... Parts of a sentence for added emphasis, usually when negation occurs greater. I.E., not enclosed in parenthesis ) an … use a i use a comma change! And we ’ ll talk about that in more detail later and commas is correct in the construction of sentence. Use a comma before conjunctions like and, but if it begins dependent... And … using commas in this case, the most is to omit it include an Oxford makes! She lives in London, which is exactly the same noun is yes, except ``! And when to use commas correctly, use punctuation checker software a few.... Stops ) and commas is correct in the following sentences correct necessary, separate sentences! Are completely independent the middle of the comma in American usage ; against it in British usage before after. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you sentences a!
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