comma

Represents a short pause in a sentence, divide parts of a sentence, or divide items in a list. When commas divide parts of a sentence, they divide clauses and phrases.

General comma rules:

  1. Use a comma to set off introductory words or phrases. It improves comprehension. Examples:
  • During the G-7 Summit, protesters blocked streets.
  • Interestingly, the date chosen was simply a coincidence.
  • However, they did not get to a final vote.
  1. Independent clauses with clear subjects: Use a comma if the subject of each clause is expressly stated. Examples:
  • The President is currently visiting Japan, and the Vice-President is visiting France.
  • The bill made it through the House, but it died in the Senate.
  1. Do not use a comma after starting a sentence with and or but.
  2. Do not use a comma with a subordinating clause. Examples, with the subordinate clause emphasized:
  • The bill did not pass because it contained an unpopular amendment.
  • They chose to not vote when they realized it was already after 11 p.m.

Serial commas (Oxford comma) divide words in a list:

Serial comma rules:

  1. Do not use a comma if the adjectives modify other adjectives. Examples:
  • A crisp sweet baking apple
  • crisp modifies sweet and baking.
  • apple is the noun.
  1. In a series with more than two items, use commas to separate the items of a series including before the final conjunction. This helps create clarity.
  2. With adjectives: Use a comma to separate adjectives equal in rank.
  3. Do not use a comma between the final adjective and the noun it is modifying. Example:
  • A bright, talented, enthusiastic child
  • enthusiastic is the final adjective before child

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