When to Use a Comma for Again

In the early 1990s, at school in Oxford, England, my English teacher tried to teach us how to apply commas. I recollect it so well considering of the feeling of utter artifice that overcame me. In an endeavour to simplify the complex rules of comma punctuation placement, my teacher used the rough-and-ready rule of "you lot should use a comma where you would pause in speaking". In hindsight, I call up this just dislocated me more. I'm certain many people have felt the same way.

Commas are one of the nearly frustrating grammatical concepts, even for native English language speakers. However, there are specific rules for when you should and shouldn't use commas. Building our grammar checker we've identified 26 places where you lot might demand a comma. In this article, I will explicate all of these places along with examples of how to employ commas in English language sentences. But bookmark this article in case you always get confused by a comma again.

Yous'll meet lots of articles named things like "13 Rules for Using Commas" or "8 Simple Comma Rules". The reality is that in that location are many more rules for using commas. Don't despair though. Unlike many rules in English, they actually make sense, as they are designed to help avoid confusion. Missing commas tin can have a HUGE impact on the meaning of your sentence. Missing commas can even toll a one thousand thousand dollars.

To produce this list, our team of linguists analyzed thousands of sentences and classified every comma in each sentence co-ordinate to its use. They likewise found MANY mistakes also. We used all of this information to build our list and to railroad train the automated comma checker in our free grammar checker. All the information beneath is congenital into our grammar checker so that every fourth dimension y'all brand a mistake you can see why.

And then, where practise commas go in a judgement? This is the definitive listing:

Earlier a analogous conjunction when information technology separates ii independent clauses.
Before "and so" when information technology separates two independent clauses.
Before a coordinating conjunction when information technology separates an independent and dependent clause as an Oxford comma.
After an initial/introductory adverb that modifies a whole judgement or independent clause.
Later a time phrase that comes earlier a sentence or independent clause.
After a subordinate clause—one that starts with a subordinating conjunction.
Before a subordinate clause—in some specific cases.
Between two adjectives when they both change the substantive—coordinate adjectives.
Later an introductory prepositional phrase.
Earlier and after a participle phrase.
When a give-and-take is omitted intentionally for stylistic reasons.
After an adverbial infinitive phrase.
At the end of a quotation, earlier the closing quotation mark.
Before an opening quotation marker.
To fix off contrasting phrases.
Before an appositive.
Subsequently an appositive.
Before "which" in nonrestrictive phrases.
To separate list items.
To separate out a parenthetical element of a sentence.
To divide metropolis and country/urban center and state.
To set off a vocative.
To divide the day from the calendar month, and the date from the twelvemonth.
Before and after "besides."
In numbers equally a separator.
Before and subsequently "please."

That's a long list, and it requires some knowledge of grammatical terminology to process it. So permit's look at specific questions and examples of comma usage.

Is it grammatically correct to put a comma before "and"?

It is grammatically correct to use a comma before "and" (and other coordinating conjunctions such as "but", "or", "nor") just when it splits 2 independent clauses (i.e. if you remove the "and" you volition be left with 2 complete sentences), or if y'all're using it equally an Oxford comma.

There are 3 means that "and" can be used in a sentence: - To separate ii independent clauses, i.e. you should exist able to remove the "and" and be left with 2 complete sentences. - To separate 2 dependent clauses, i.e. if you took the "and" abroad then y'all wouldn't have two sentences. - To separate items in a list, due east.m. buckets and spades, or lions and tigers and bears. A comma is used earlier an "and" just if it is used to split two independent clauses, or if it is used as an Oxford comma to dissever the last detail in a list of 3 or more things.

Correct: He is slap-up, and I admire him.

In this case there are two independent clauses as I could write: "He is great." and "I admire him."

If both the independent clauses are short then some writers may choose to omit the comma before the "and", only you will never be incorrect to employ information technology. So if you're not sure and so I suggest you to include it.

If I wrote instead: "He is smashing and works hard," this is an independent clause and a dependent clause, because "works hard" is non a complete sentence.

Correct: He is not bad and works hard. Wrong: He is groovy, and works hard.

In some circumstances, you may apply a comma before a conjunction such as "and" when it starts a dependent clause. This is when you are using the comma as an Oxford comma (sometimes known as a serial comma). The conjunction must split the third item of a listing. e.k. I ate, slept, and dreamed of England.

Is it grammatically right to put a comma before "then"?

The word "then" can function every bit several parts of voice communication. For comma usage, the most of import usage is equally a conjunction. In theory, "then" is not a coordinating conjunction (like "and", "or"), but sometimes it is used every bit such.

Example: I went to bed, then I started dreaming.

Hither, "then" is used as a shortened form of "and and then". Some people might strongly disagree with this sort of sentence, but the truth is that information technology is widely used, fifty-fifty by The New York Times.

You can read more than in this article.

Nosotros recommend that where "and so" can be replaced by "and then" you use the same rules for comma placement equally adding a comma before an "and", i.e. add one if the following phrase is an independent clause.

Should I use a comma afterward an introductory adverb like "apparently"?

Adverbs are words that change verbs or fifty-fifty whole sentences. They often terminate in "-ly". Examples include "rapidly", "oftentimes", "slowly". You tin can see that they "add" some information to a "verb" or the sentence that they are modifying. Some adverbs don't finish "-ly", e.g. "sometimes" or "often".

When an adverb modifies an entire sentence or independent clause that follows it and so you should employ a comma after it.

Correct: Sadly, they didn't understand me.

Incorrect: Sadly they didn't empathize me.

Correct: Strangely, the book hasn't arrived.

Wrong: Strangely the book hasn't arrived.

And so when "apparently" modifies the whole sentence or clause that follows information technology then it should be followed past a comma.

Correct: Plain, he doesn't have a clue.

Incorrect: Apparently he doesn't have a clue.

Should I use a comma later on a fourth dimension phrase such as "in the concurrently"?

A time phrase is something that gives details of the fourth dimension that something happened. It might be a unmarried word or a complete phrase. Some examples of time phrases are tomorrow, at 2pm, 5 hundred years ago, and in the concurrently.

When a time phrase adds information to an independent clause or sentence that follows it then it should be followed by a comma. If the phrase or judgement comes earlier the time phrase and so it shouldn't have a comma earlier it.

Correct: 5 hundred years ago, there were no grammar books.

Incorrect: Five hundred years ago there were no grammer books.

Correct: In that location were no grammar books v hundred years ago.

Incorrect: In that location were no grammer books, five hundred years ago.

Correct: Yesterday, there was no new news.

Incorrect: Yesterday there was no new news.

Right: There was no new news yesterday.

Incorrect: There was no new news, yesterday.

How should I use a comma with a subordinate clause?

Subordinate clauses are judgement fragments that offset with a subordinating conjunction (e.g. after, although, as, as if, as long as). They tin't form a sentence on their own, but they add data to the main clause, usually some form of status, e.thousand. if yous do this, whenever you come across him.

Subordinate clauses are slap-up because they add variety to your writing, but oft, writers are not sure how to use commas with them. A missed comma after a subordinate clause is one of the virtually common mistakes that we see. So how do you lot punctuate a subordinate clause? Information technology turns out there is a pretty simple rule:

If a subordinate clause comes before the clause information technology is fastened to so information technology should be followed by a comma. You do not need a comma before a subordinate clause if information technology follows the chief clause (except "whereas" and "although").

Correct: If you lot're ready, we can begin.

Right: We can begin if you're ready.

Incorrect: If you're ready we can begin.

Incorrect: We tin begin, if you're ready.

Right: Although you lot're ready, nosotros must wait.

Correct: We must look although you're ready.

Incorrect: Although you're ready we must await.

Incorrect: We must wait, although you lot're prepare.

Should you lot use a comma before "whereas" and "although"?

The words "whereas" and "although" are subordinating conjunctions. The general rule for subordinating conjunctions states that you shouldn't utilize a comma before a subordinating conjunction that comes after the main clause. Yet, "whereas" and "although" are examples of "adverbs of concession," along with "though" and "even though". They are used where a dependent clause is contrasting to the master clause (a bit like "just"). You should use a comma to introduce a dependent clause that starts with an adverb of concession.

Correct: I waited at the door, whereas Katy waited in the street.

Incorrect: I waited at the door whereas Katy waited in the street.

Should you employ a comma before "while"?

Slightly more than circuitous is the question of whether yous should apply a comma earlier "while." While is a subordinating conjunction, but in some circumstances it tin deed as an adverb of concession every bit well. In these circumstances information technology should have a comma before it.

If you can supercede while with as, then it shouldn't have a comma earlier it. It is just a normal subordinating conjunction. If y'all can supervene upon while with whereas then you should utilize a comma before information technology because it is being used equally an adverb of concession.

Right: The homo left the restaurant while [as] it was raining.

Incorrect: The human being left the restaurant, while [as] it was raining.

Correct: The man left the restaurant, while [whereas] his partner stayed.

Incorrect: The human being left the restaurant while [whereas] his partner stayed.

Should you have a comma before "because"?

In most circumstances, "because" is a subordinating conjunction, and so when it starts a dependent clause after the main clause, information technology shoudn't be preceded past a comma. Nonetheless, there are two exceptions to this dominion:

when the independent clause that comes before "because" contains a negative verb (due east.chiliad. don't, couldn't, wouldn't)
when the independent clause that comes before "considering" contains two elements and it is unclear which one "because" refers to.

Let'due south look at an example of when the independent clause that comes before "because" contains a negative verb:

He didn't have the exit because of the fog.

This instance is confusing because you're unsure whether it was the fog that caused him to miss the exit, or some unknown factor. e.one thousand. He didn't accept the exit because of the fog, but because he wasn't paying attention.

Where you mean that the fog didn't cause him to miss the get out it might exist best to rewrite information technology as: The fog didn't cause him to miss the leave. If you hateful that he missed the go out because of the fog, then you should include a comma.

Correct: He didn't accept the exit, considering of the fog.

Wrong: He didn't take the exit because of the fog. (ambiguous)

Correct: I couldn't come up, because of the traffic.

Incorrect: I couldn't come because of the traffic. (cryptic)

Correct: I couldn't come because of the traffic, simply considering my car bankrupt down.

Right: It wasn't the traffic that meant I couldn't come up, information technology was because my auto bankrupt down.

Let's look at an instance of when at that place are ii elements in the independent clause that precede "considering" and the dependent clause could refer to either one.

I thought you lot sent me flowers because I saw you yesterday.

Did you lot send me flowers considering y'all saw me yesterday, or did I think you sent me flowers because I saw you yesterday and you hinted you might?

As a side note, these kinds of cryptic constructions are best avoided. Rewrite them to exist unambiguous. Any sentence that crusade ambiguity in your readers' minds stops them understanding your message.

Should I use a comma before "for"?

In some circumstances, "for" tin can be replaced with "because". In that example then it follows the rules for "because" outlined higher up, i.e. simply include a comma before "for" when the verb in the independent clause that precedes it is negated and this might cause defoliation.

Should I use a comma before "since"?

In some circumstances, "since" can be replaced with "because". In that example then it follows the rules for "because" outlined above, i.e. just include a comma before "since" when the verb in the independent clause that precedes it is negated and this might cause confusion.

Should I utilise a comma between two adjectives?

Adjectives are words that modify a noun similar "one-time", "crimson", "greasy". They should really exist called "adnouns" to be consistent with "adverbs." Sadly, they're not, simply that's a good way to recollect of them.

You should use a comma between two adjectives when they are coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives are two or more adjectives that depict the same noun equally.

With coordinate adjectives you can put "and" between them and the meaning is the aforementioned. Similarly, yous tin can bandy their social club.

For instance: The long, metallic pole. "Long" and "metallic" are both adjectives that draw the noun "pole": I could write "long pole" or "metal pole". I could as well write "long and metal pole" and "metal and long pole" and "metallic, long pole". They might sound slightly strange just the significant is retained.

Cumulative adjectives build on each other and cannot be re-ordered or separate with "and," for example: vivid yellow jacket. It can't exist "bright and yellow jacket" or "yellow bright jacket".

Because coordinate adjectives are every bit important, they are separated by a comma. Cumulative adjectives aren't equally important and then they are not separated past a comma. Merely apply a comma to separate 2 adjectives if you could also write "and" there and keep the same meaning.

Correct: The long, metallic pole stuck out of the ground.

Incorrect: The long metallic pole stuck out of the basis.

Correct: The bright yellowish jacket looked amazing.

Wrong: The bright, yellow jacket looked amazing.

Practice you lot always put a comma after a prepositional phrase?

An introductory prepositional phrase sets the scene for the main phrase. It is often to do with time or location, e.1000. In the forenoon or In 2018. An introductory prepositional phrase starts with a preposition (words like in, on, after, earlier).

For short introductory phrases (fewer than four words), y'all can choose to add together a comma or not. For longer phrases, you should always use a comma.

Brusque prepositional phrase:

Correct: In the morning let's go to the zoo.

Correct: In the morning, allow's go to the zoo.

Longer phrase:

Correct: On the morning of his birthday, Robbie wanted to go to the zoo.

Wrong: On the forenoon of his altogether Robbie wanted to become to the zoo.

Note: you might also detect these prepositional phrases in the middle of sentences afterwards a conjunction, eastward.g. He went to bed, and in the morn, he wanted to go to the zoo. For these, you lot should follow the aforementioned rules as if they came at the beginning of a sentence.

Should I utilise a comma with a participle or gerund phrase?

Participle phrases are phrases that modify a noun or pronoun. They add extra context. Hither are a couple of examples:

Example: Walking to the shops, he saw his cousin.

Instance: Upset by his cousin, he went dwelling.

Example: Frank, hoping to get promoted, practical for the role.

Example: Anne practical for the role, hoping to get promoted.

Instance: Katy walked home, tired from a difficult day in the part.

The two forms of participle phrase you lot can see here are:

Nowadays participle (always ending -ing), e.g. walking, hoping.
Past participles (frequently ending -ed, just sometimes irregular), east.chiliad. tired, upset.

Note: sometimes participle phrases can be disguised if at that place is an adverb on the front end, e.g. Desperately seeking shelter, he ran into the edifice.

The comma rules you need to know for participle phrases are:

For participial phrases before the master clause, put a comma subsequently the participial phrase.
For participial phrases in the eye of the sentence, the phrase requires commas both earlier and afterward it.
For participial phrases later the main clause, put a comma before the participial phrase.

Do I demand a comma when I omit a word for stylistic reasons?

Sometimes when writing we omit words for stylistic reasons. This comma of omission is ofttimes seen when parallel structures are used, such as ii sentences taking the aforementioned form.

Example: I loved playing tennis; my brother [loved] volleyball.

Correct: I loved playing tennis; my brother, volleyball.

Incorrect: I loved playing tennis; my brother volleyball.

Nosotros also need to include a comma of omission when we have removed a coordinating conjunction (usually "and"). This construction is fairly rare.

Example: I opened the boot [and] saw the spare tyre.

Correct: I opened the kicking, saw the spare tyre. Incorrect: I opened the kick saw the spare tyre.

Correct: Carrie mimicked his tilted caput, [and] then laughed.

Incorrect: Carrie mimicked his tilted head [and] then laughed.

Do you demand a comma later an adverbial infinitive phrase?

Infinitive phrases begin with an infinitive (to + the simple form of the verb), e.1000. to be better, to win at tennis, to salve money.

Infinitive phrases can function in a sentence as nouns, adjectives or adverbs. From a comma perspective you just demand to worry about ones that function equally adverbs. These are often plant at the start of a sentence, simply are not the field of study.

Instance: To be the all-time, y'all must do.

Example: To read more than, please subscribe to our newsletter.

When an adverbial infinitive phrase introduces a main clause then you should always follow it by a comma:

Correct: To be the best, you must do. Incorrect: To exist the best you must practise.

Merely exist careful that the phrase is not acting equally a noun. Never put a comma afterward an adverbial phrase when "is" or "was" direct follows:

Correct: To be the best is his goal.

Incorrect: To be the best, is his goal.

When an adverbial infinitive phrase is found in the centre of a sentence yous should surround it with commas. In this example, it is acting as an interrupter:

Correct: The conform, to be fair, suited him.

Incorrect: The adapt to be off-white suited him.

Wrong: The suit, to be off-white suited him.

Wrong: The adjust to exist fair, suited him.

When an adverbial infinitive phrase finishes a master clause then yous shouldn't use a comma before it:

Correct: The arrange suited him to be off-white.

Incorrect: The suit suited him, to be fair.

Should I utilise a comma at the end of a quotation, before the closing quotation marking?

In American English language, you should always place a comma or period inside quotation marks. In UK usage, yous can choose. Most way guides, such as the Mod Linguistic communication Clan (MLA), Associated Press (AP), and The Chicago Manual of Fashion (Chicago) suggest the American rule. If you're uncertain who your audience volition be and so information technology'south best to e'er place your commas inside of quotes. That way you'll never been seen every bit wrong.

Correct: "I'll come along after," said Mary.

Incorrect in US: "I'll come along later", said Mary.

Incorrect in Us: "I'll come along later" said Mary.

Should I apply a comma before an opening quotation mark?

When yous include quoted cloth or dialogue in a sentence then you lot should proceed it with a comma unless information technology fits into the catamenia of the judgement seamlessly, eastward.yard. The President said that there is "no smoking gun" to be found.

In these cases, the sentence would exist syntactically correct without the quotation marks, and you are merely using the quotation marks to show that the quote is a directly quote. Frequently, in this scenario, the quote will be preceded by "that", eastward.thou. He said that "the state will continue to abound."

Otherwise, y'all should employ a comma before opening quotation marks, eastward.g. Sandra called out, "What do yous want from the store?"

Should I utilise a comma before "which"?

To understand if you should use a comma before which nosotros need to understand the difference between a restrictive and a non-restrictive clause.

A restrictive clause is 1 where its removal would change the meaning of the sentence. It is necessary for understanding the meaning of the sentence. In the United states of america, many fashion guides suggest that yous should utilize "that" rather than "which" for restrictive clauses, e.g. The fruit that we bought was tasty.

A not-restrictive clause does not alter the meaning of the sentence. This additional information is used with "which" and a pair of commas placed before and after the clause:

Correct: The fruit, which everyone establish tasty, was my all-time thought.

Incorrect: The fruit which everyone plant tasty was my best idea.

Incorrect: The fruit, which anybody found tasty was my best idea.

Incorrect: The fruit which everyone found tasty, was my best thought.

"Which" tin can likewise appear as function of a prepositional phrase, e.g. The team in which we played was great. When "which" appears in a prepositional phrase, it should not exist preceded by a comma. Other examples of which in a prepositional phrase are "on which" and "of which."

Right: The games, the longest of which lasted 2 hours, were fun.

Wrong: The games, the longest of, which lasted two hours, were fun.

Right: The situation in which nosotros plant ourselves was fun.

Incorrect: The situation in, which we found ourselves was fun.

Should you use a comma earlier "which" in an indirect question?

When you're using "which" at the start of an indirect question, it should exist preceded by a comma.

Correct: I asked, which is the best?

Incorrect: I asked which is the best?

This is similar to the rule nigh using a comma before a quotation as you can imagine the indirect question being surrounded by quotation marks.

Should I use a comma before and after an appositive?

An appositive is a discussion or phrase that helps to further place a noun. Often the appositive tin be swapped with the substantive it helps describe.

Instance 1: Manuel Picon, the former French President, visited the UK yesterday.

Example 2: The former French President Manuel Picon visited the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland yesterday.

Notice that in the first example, we apply commas effectually the appositive, but in the 2nd example we don't. That's the fob here. If the appositive is essential to the meaning of the phrase then we don't have commas, i.e. in Example 2 if nosotros remove "Manuel Picon" we don't know which one-time French President we're talking nearly. In Example 1, nosotros know exactly who visited the U.k., so we add commas around the appositive because it is non-essential.

In some cases it can exist tricky to decide. For example, if I say: My sister, Mary, will come up then I may or may not use commas depending on the context. If I take several sisters and it is unclear which ane volition come without the appositive then I should not use commas. If I have only one sis then I should utilize commas. Just consider whether the meaning is unclear if the appositive is removed and if information technology is then don't employ commas.

Should I employ a comma before "not"?

Commas are often used to fix off a contrasting element in a sentence. These contrasting elements often first with "non": east.g. He chose the green, not the red., It happened at night, not during the solar day.

When not starts a contrasting phrase then you should continue information technology with a comma.

Not can likewise be used as a simple adjective. In this case, yous wouldn't utilise a comma before not: e.k. He is non happy., She is not going to come.

Should I employ a comma earlier "even so"?

Yet can exist used to outset a contrasting element in a sentence, east.g. She was sad, nevertheless relieved.

When yet is used to set off a contrasting element of a sentence then it should have a comma before it, just like with non.

Other examples of contrastive elements that should be preceded with a comma are:

Y'all're coming, aren't you?

The statue seemed dissimilar, almost alive.

The pol seemed stupid, possibly even moronic.

This terminal example shows that sometimes contrasting elements can be disguised with an adverb before them. And so sometimes yous might have to look at the second give-and-take of a contrasting element to make up one's mind whether or non it needs to be proceeded with a comma.

Practice I need to use a comma with list items?

When we have a list of three or more items, we use a comma to separate the items in the list. This comma is known as a listing comma, e.thou. I like rice, beans, and plantains. Listing commas tin usually be replaced by "and" or "or," east.g. I like rice and beans and plantains.

Listing commas can separate lists of nouns, verbs, adjectives, dependent clauses, or even complete sentences. This can mean that you tin accept a comma before an "and" that is followed past a dependent clause if it is the terminal item in a list of dependent clauses. Some authors like to join sentences with listing commas, e.1000. I came in, I saw the package, and I opened it.

When using listing commas, the comma before the final "and" or "or" is optional depending on if you are using Oxford commas or not. How to use an Oxford (or serial) comma.

How do I employ commas with parenthetical elements?

A parenthetical chemical element is an chemical element of a sentence that is added only is not essential to the pregnant of the judgement. Information technology adds color to the sentence, e.one thousand. Of all the chilli sauces I've tried, and I've tried a lot, this is my favourite. or Some people, who I won't proper name, wouldn't like this.

Usually a parenthetical chemical element has a comma earlier and after it. Instead, you might choose to use brackets or dashes to separate a parenthetical element from the residue of the sentence.

Hither are some examples of parenthetical items used correctly with commas:

Maria, although she comes from Spain, hates paella.
This is, in my opinion, the well-nigh of import issue.
The biggest consequence, as y'all will run into, is where we will store all the extra components.
The holidays in Spain, of which there are many, are by and large religious.

Interjections such as "aye" and "no" are generally treated every bit parenthetical elements. When they come at the commencement of a sentence, they should be followed by a comma. When they come at the end of a judgement, they should exist preceded by a comma.

Should I employ a comma between a city and a country/a urban center and a state?

In geographical names with two or more elements, yous should use a comma afterwards each dissimilar element. This helps the reader to see the unlike component parts of the address. You should also use a comma subsequently the last item in the proper name unless it comes at the end of the sentence in which case you should use a menses (or question mark if it is a question). eastward.g. Is Oxford, England, full of clever people?

The principal times when geographical names are equanimous of two or more than entities are:

between a hamlet/boondocks/metropolis and a state, eastward.m. I live in Miami, Florida.
between a village/town/city and a country, e.g. I live in Liverpool, England.
between a canton and a state, eastward.g. I live in Melt Canton, Illinois.
between a county and a country, east.g. I live in Cornwall, England.
betwixt a village/town/urban center and a region, e.1000. I live in Garsington, Oxfordshire.
between a region and a country, e.one thousand. I live in Tabasco, United mexican states.

A classic instance would be if y'all used an address in a piece of text, e.thousand. Eric Wimp, living at 29 Acacia Road, Nuttytown, eats a banana to transform into Bananaman.

The parts of an address should be separated by commas and it should be followed past a comma unless information technology appears at the stop of a judgement.

Should I use a comma before and after vocative?

A vocative is when you employ address someone past name, eastward.g. Pass the salt, Mary. or Are you lot a prince, Harry? or Meg, are you lot in that location?

Vocatives are usually found at the beginning or the end of a sentence, only they tin can exist included in the heart of a sentence, eastward.grand. What, Harry, is your title?

Vocatives should always be used with commas. Here are the three rules for using commas with vocatives:

use a comma after a vocative at the start of the sentence.
use a comma before a vocative at the end of the judgement.
use a comma before and after a vocative in the centre of the judgement.

Correct: What is that, Frank?

Incorrect: What is that Frank?

Correct: Frank, what is that?

Incorrect: Frank what is that?

Correct: What, Frank, is that?

Incorrect: What Frank is that?

Wrong: What, Frank is that?

Incorrect: What Frank, is that?

In some cases you might not use someone's name to refer to them, but a title, or other description. Some examples of this are: sir, madam, boy, darling, sweetheart, pal, gentlemen, folks. e.g. It'south slap-up to meet you here today, folks.

When using a vocative in the eye of a sentence, brand sure that you lot're non actually creating a comma splice past joining 2 independent clauses.

Correct: This is not bad, Joe. I love information technology.

Incorrect: This is great, Joe, I love it.

Correct: Nosotros love information technology, Louise. We'll use information technology.

Incorrect: We love it, Louise, we'll utilise it.

Do you demand a comma to separate the solar day from the calendar month, and the date from the twelvemonth?

When you write a date, you should use a comma to carve up the twenty-four hour period from the month, and the appointment from the year, east.g. He was born on October 8, 1977. or Today is Tuesday, August 8, 2019.

Correct: I was born on Saturday, October eight, 1977.

Incorrect: I was born on Sabbatum October 8, 1977.

Incorrect: I was born on Saturday Oct viii 1977.

Incorrect: I was born on Sat, October 8 1977.

If you put the day of the month first, e.thousand. 12 May 2012, then at that place is no need to include commas in the date.

Exercise y'all need a comma before or later on "as well"?

Too is an adverb. It'south usually used to hateful "in addition" or "likewise." I would say that "too" is one of the hardest words to know whether yous should employ a comma or non. Information technology really depends and many editors will have contradictory views. On the other hand, you could say that'south dandy news equally you'll never exist wrong. If you desire to emphasize the "too" and so utilize a comma, but if it's not that important then you tin become away with leaving them out.

If "too" comes in the middle of a sentence then yous should either have two commas or no commas. If you lot just have a single comma before or after then that's definitely wrong.

Correct: I, too, like beingness with you lot. (accent)

Correct: I as well like being with yous. (no accent)

Incorrect: I too, like existence with you.

Incorrect: I, besides like being with yous.

Correct: I like y'all, besides. (accent)

Correct: I like you too. (no emphasis)

When should I utilize a comma to divide numbers?

In English, nosotros use commas in numbers greater than 999 to split the number and brand it clearer. We utilise a comma every third digit from the correct.

Wrong: More than 50000 people turned upward to protest. Right: More than than 50,000 people turned up to protestation.

Note how much easier it is to read. The comma every tertiary digit is sometimes known equally a "thousands-separator." Make certain you lot don't include a space on either side of this comma.

Right: We volition walk 10,000 miles.

Incorrect: We volition walk 10, 000 miles.

Incorrect: Nosotros will walk ten , 000 miles.

Incorrect: We volition walk 10 ,000 miles.

When a number uses a decimal point, we never identify commas to the right of the decimal point. Some people like to utilise thin spaces going from left to correct instead.

Correct: The value of Pi is iii.14159 to five decimal places.

Correct: The value of Pi is three.14 159 to five decimal places.

Incorrect: The value of Pi is 3.141,59 to v decimal places.

Incorrect: The value of Pi is 3.fourteen,159 to five decimal places.

Numbers that are not amounts, such as telephone numbers, firm numbers, and years do not usually take commas inside them.

It tin get disruptive equally many other countries (such as Kingdom of spain) utilise commas in numbers instead of a decimal bespeak, e.chiliad. 100,01 instead of 100.01. In these cases, you might encounter a period used instead of commas or a space, e.grand. 1.000,01 or 1 000,01 instead of i,000.01.

Should I utilise a comma before or after "please" in a sentence?

If please comes at the end of a sentence then you should about always use a comma earlier it. The only exception is when you are not using it to ask nicely, but as part of the sentence, e.yard. You can do as you please.

Correct: Tin can you lot assist, please?

Incorrect: Can yous assistance please?

Correct: Exercise every bit y'all please.

Incorrect: Practice equally y'all, delight.

When please is used at the start of a sentence so yous tin choose to use a comma depending on if y'all'd like to emphasize information technology.

Correct: Please, tin can you assist? (accent)

Correct: Delight can you help? (no emphasis)

Please tin appear in the middle of a sentence. This is quite unusual. It might appear every bit:

office of a phrase no commas needed, e.g. Don't forget to say delight and thank you.
every bit a verb with no commas needed, e.g. He wants to delight usa.
after a conjunction or at the start of a clause where you should apply a comma afterwards it if you want to emphasize information technology, e.g. Y'all tin get, but please, be careful. or If y'all go, delight be careful.

When is a comma unnecessary?

Many people use a comma where they would suspension naturally in a sentence. While this elementary fox oftentimes works, you often end up adding a comma where it is non necessary. Adding unnecessary commas into a judgement tin can clutter it and make information technology less readable. Here is some more specific guidance on when you don't demand to use a comma:

Should you follow an introductory phrase with a comma?

When should you utilise a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Exercise I need a comma later a subordinate clause?

Do I need a comma after a participle phrase?

To avert using unnecessary commas, brand sure that you are familiar with all the rules in this article.

Have we missed anything? Nosotros've tried to build an exhaustive list of every possible example where you might need a comma. Please permit united states of america know if you can recollect of anything else.

Please link to this resources from your blog or web page so we tin aid equally many people as possible understand commas.

condonminat1970.blogspot.com

Source: https://prowritingaid.com/Comma