The comma in English is one of the most commonly used punctuation marks.
The comma is a very versatile helper. The comma helps us to combine simple sentences into more complex structures.
When I got home, the house was empty, I wondered where was my family?
We use a comma when we list different items.
We bought a mattress, two pillows, three duvets, and a large bed!
The comma breaks the text into logical parts, denoting pauses for the correct perception of the text.
During reading, the comma indicates where to pause, which is significantly shorter than the pause after the period.
Use Of Comma Punctuation Mark In English
The comma is a very popular punctuation mark. In the English language, there are many nuances, rules, and even contradictions in the use of commas. There are a lot of use cases for commas and they are all different. So let’s take a look at the main use cases for comma with explanations and examples.
Use Of Comma When We List Objects Or Things
This is one of the main uses for a comma. When we list some items or objects, we separate them with a comma:
I read the first, second, third part of the book about Harry Potter already.
John was in the store, he bought butter, eggs, cheese, and potatoes
Tom, Max, Harry and Richard are my best friends.
Comma Before “And” – Oxford Comma
In long listings, we often use a comma before the word and before listing the last object.
I said goodbye to my mother and took everything I needed: books, phone, clothes, toothbrush, and my favorite backpack.
But we may not put this comma if there are no more other conjunctions in the sentence:
I took everything I needed: books, phone, clothes, toothbrush and my favorite backpack.
In this example, we did not use the comma after the word toothbrush before the word and because and is the only conjunction in this sentence.
Comma With The Words End And Nor When We List Items
If we list items or objects using nor or and several times, then we separate such groups using a comma:
It was not interesting, not cool, not funny, and not real.
Comma And Compound Sentences
We put a comma between the main clause and the subordinate clause if the subordinate clause is before the main clause.
While the sun was shining, we decided to go for a walk with the children.
We do not use a comma if the main clause comes first and the subordinate clause follows the main clause.
We decided to go for a walk with the children while the sun was shining.
Comma In Conditional Sentences
If the condition (if) is AFTER the main part (Result), then we do not put a comma between these two parts at all.
Tell John the truth if John calls!
If the condition (if) is at the beginning of the sentence, then we separate the Condition (if) and the Result with a comma.
If I am naughty, someone else is punished.
If I were you, I’d be very nice to my boss.
You can go for a walk if your father comes back earlier.
If you buy groceries, I make us a delicious dinner.
Comma And Direct Speech
Direct speech is when we accurately convey the words of a person.
If John says: I love pizza.
We can convey his words using direct speech. Then we will formulate the sentence as follows:
John said, “I love pizza.”
As you can see in the example above, we put a comma before the direct speech:
John said , “I love pizza.”
Comma In Tag Questions
Tag questions are a special category of questions.
You will come to us again, won’t you?
Such a question consists of the main part and the tag. We separate the tag from the main part of the question by putting a comma.
You’ve already been to the city , haven’t you?
Comma And Introductory Words And Phrases
Introductory words and phrases do not carry the meaning of a sentence, they are often a prelude to the main sentence.
These are words and phrases like:
- in fact
- moreover
- however
- nevertheless
- after all
- by the way
- in conclusion
- for example
- in addition to this
We separate such words and phrases from the main sentence with a comma.
After all, everyone is entitled to his opinions.
In addition to this, there was a battalion in the north.
By the way, I found a problem with your paper.
Comma With Interjections And Introductory Words
We use a comma to separate introductory words and interjections from the main body of the sentence.
Yes, he had that reputation.
No, he was very nice.
John, go check the office.
Oh my god, I love that idea.
Oh, I borrowed it from my roommate.
Please, tell me if Simon’s okay.
No, you can’t copy my homework.
Independent Sentences With Conjunctions And, But, For, Or, Nor, So, Yet
We use commas in long, complex sentences that consist of separate independent sentences that are connected by such conjunctions as:
- or
- nor
- so
- yet
- and
- but
- for
In such cases, we put a comma in front of the conjunction.
We decided to go to Mexico City, so dad was unhappy and upset.
John decided he would work two jobs, and I would stay at home to look after little Tony.
But if such a sentence consists of only a few short parts, then we do not use a comma.
I go to the left and you to the right!
John will talk to their father and his sister to mother.
Comma And Object Clause
We use commas to separate individual parts of a sentence, such as an object clause, participle phrases.
Old John, the innkeeper, waved his hand at us to get our attention.
The car was rushing along the road, the speed was crazy, people scattered in different directions in horror!
It is a big city, a capital, a wonderful city!
Comma And Relative Clauses That Define An Object
Among the subordinate clauses there are such subordinate clauses that define the object we are talking about in the main clause:
A big book, that I had been reading for a week, was on the table.
In this example, the subordinate clause is:
that I had been reading for a week
This clause defines A big book giving us more information about the object.
Such subordinate clauses often begin with words like who, that, which and are followed by additional information.
We use a comma at the beginning and at the end of the sentence to mark such a qualifying clause.
Using Comma Before Conjunctions
We separate complex sentences into simple sentences using conjunctions, for example:
- and
- but
- yet
I looked around in confusion, but I didn’t know where to go.
Jessica smiled at me, and she took my hand!
We use a comma before such conjunctions.
I understand your point, but I totally disagree.
Comma With Dates
We use a comma along with dates when we use a number and a year.
The event took place on March 25, 1956.
The famous writer was born on September 3, 1945.
If there is no period after the year and the sentence continues, then we also put a comma after the year:
The event took place on March 25, 1956, in a small town.
The famous writer was born on September 3, 1945, in Paris…
Common Mistake Using Commas
The main mistake is the overuse of commas.
Incorrect use of commas in complex sentences between main and subordinate clauses (see the rules above).
Correct: I didn’t say anything to him because he didn’t ask questions.
Incorrect: I didn’t say anything to him, because he didn’t ask questions.Correct: I went outside and looked at the clear sky.
Incorrect: I went outside, and looked at the clear sky.Correct: She didn’t want to go because she was bored.
Incorrect: She didn’t want to go, because, she was bored.
Incorrect use of the comma in conditional clauses (see the rules above).
Correct: I will help you if you tell me the truth.
Incorrect: I will help you, if you tell me the truth.Correct: Run home if it rains.
Incorrect: Run home, if it rains.
Using a period instead of a comma in a tag question. Or not using a comma at all.
Correct: You spoke to him, didn’t you?
Incorrect: You spoke to him didn’t you?Correct: John is a good guy, isn’t he?
Incorrect: John is a good guy. Isn’t he?
Also, do not forget about a comma when listing items:
Correct: I love fruits: tangerines, apples, bananas, pears!
Incorrect: I love fruits: tangerines apples bananas pears!Correct: Take only the essentials, a change of clothes, two bottles of water, soap, and a toothbrush.
Incorrect: Take only the essentials, a change of clothes two bottles of water soap and a toothbrush.
Don’t forget to include a comma with the dates:
Correct: July 25, 1945, was the most difficult day of their life.
Incorrect: July 25 1945 was the most difficult day of their life.Correct: I was born on May 18, 1982.
Incorrect: I was born on May 18 1982.
Remember to use a comma with interjections and introductory words
Correct: Hey guy, come here quickly!
Incorrect: Hey guy come here quickly!Correct: By the way, have you seen this new movie yet?
Incorrect: By the way have you seen this new movie yet?
Summary
You might think that there are too many rules that describe the use cases for commas. In fact, they are all very simple. I advise you not to learn all the rules at once but choose just a few of them. Then move on to other rules step by step.
Practice the rules. Come up with sentences in which you apply these rules, write such sentences on paper. This is the most effective way to learn all the features of using a comma in English.
The main thing is to remember that the comma is your faithful friend and helper who will help you make your speech beautiful and competent.
