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Comma

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© © All Rights Reserved
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comma.

md 2024-05-22

Usage of Commas
1. Basic Rules of Comma Usage

Separating Items in a Series: Use commas to separate three or more items in a list.

Example: "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."

Between Coordinating Adjectives: Use commas between adjectives that equally modify a noun.

Example: "It was a long, tedious, and boring meeting."

2. Comma + FANBOYS Conjunctions (Coordinating Conjunctions)

Connecting Independent Clauses: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor,
but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.

Example: "She wanted to go to the park, but it was raining."

Incorrect Usage: Do not use a comma to join two independent clauses without a conjunction
(comma splice).

Incorrect: "She wanted to go to the park, it was raining."

3. Introductory Elements

After Introductory Phrases: Use a comma after introductory clauses, phrases, or words that
precede the main clause.

Example: "After the meeting, we went out for dinner."

Introductory Words and Transitions: Use a comma after words like "however," "therefore," and
"meanwhile" when they introduce a sentence.

Example: "However, we decided to stay home."

4. Non-Essential (Non-Restrictive) Clauses and Phrases

Setting Off Non-Essential Information: Use commas to set off non-essential information that can
be removed without changing the main meaning of the sentence.

Example: "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week."

Identifying Non-Essential Clauses: Non-essential clauses can be identified because if you remove
them, the sentence still makes sense.

Example: "The book, which was published last year, has become a bestseller."

5. Essential (Restrictive) Clauses

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comma.md 2024-05-22

No Comma Needed: Do not use commas for essential information that defines the noun it follows.

Example: "The students who studied hard passed the test."

Identifying Essential Clauses: Essential clauses cannot be removed without altering the meaning of
the sentence.

Example: "The house that Jack built is on the hill."

6. Comma with Conjunctive Adverbs

In the Middle of a Sentence: Use commas to set off conjunctive adverbs (e.g., however, therefore,
moreover) within a sentence.

Example: "She wanted to go to the park; however, it was raining."

At the Start of a Sentence: Use a comma after conjunctive adverbs when they appear at the
beginning of a sentence.

Example: "Therefore, we decided to stay home."

7. Comma with Dependent Clauses

After Dependent Clauses at the Beginning: When a dependent clause comes before an
independent clause, use a comma.

Example: "Although it was raining, we went to the park."

No Comma When Dependent Clause Follows: Do not use a comma when the dependent clause
follows the independent clause.

Example: "We went to the park although it was raining."

8. Additional Tips

Before "Self" Words: Do not place a comma before words like "itself," "myself," "themselves."

Example: "The city itself is very beautiful."

Compound Nouns and Adjectives: Do not use a comma between compound elements joined by
"and."

Incorrect: "Ada Lovelace, and Charles Babbage were pioneers."


Correct: "Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage were pioneers."

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