Commas: The bane of a writer’s existence. Depending on where you look, there can be ten — or tons — of comma rules. However, there are two main rules: 1. Don’t use a comma unless you have a reason (rule) to use it. 2. Use a comma anyplace where not using one would result in confusion for the reader. Simple, huh?
The purpose of punctuation is to make for easier reading. Without punctuation the reader doesn’t know where the sentences end, where there is a pause, or when a character is speaking. However, some punctuation rules, particularly those regarding the comma, don’t really make reading a whole lot easier. They seem superfluous, but we are told to use them anyway.
This post is Part 1 in a series of posts about using commas; it describes five of the most common uses for the comma.
1 A compound sentence contains two (or more) complete sentences connected with a conjunction. These connecting conjunctions include and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet.
- We studied for about an hour, and we didn’t feel as if that was long enough.
- We studied for an hour, we watched an hour of television, and we studied for another hour.
If you don’t use the conjunction, you need to use a semicolon. This construction is still considered a compound sentence.
- We studied for an hour; we didn’t feel that was long enough.
If the two sentences are short, you don’t need the comma.
- I watched TV and I went to bed.
If the second sentence isn’t really a complete sentence, do not use a comma. Usually what is missing is the subject of the second sentence.
- We studied for about an hour and didn’t feel as if that was long enough.
2. The series comma is probably the most well-known use of a comma. Items in a series need commas to separate them. The comma before the and is optional. That comma is called the Oxford, or series, comma. I like it, but it is not necessary. Two things to remember: If you decide to use the Oxford comma, use it consistently within a piece of writing. Don’t alternate between using and not using it. The only exception is to put it in when the meaning of the sentence would be confusing without it — even if you have not been using it in that piece of writing.
- This recipe calls for apples, pears, cranberries, and walnuts for the filling. (Oxford comma used.)
- This recipe calls for apples, pears, cranberries and walnuts for the filling. (No Oxford comma.)
- The dog ran out of the kitchen, into the yard, across the street, and over the fence. (A series of phrases.)
- The dog ran out of the kitchen, into the yard, across the street and over the fence. (No Oxford comma.)
- I went into the kitchen, I put the steak in the oven, and I washed the dishes. (Series of sentences – compound sentence.)
- I went into the kitchen, I put the steak in the oven and I washed the dishes. (No Oxford comma.)
3. Commas are used in dialog to separate it from the rest of the sentence.
- She said, ” I don’t like the rain.”
- “I don’t like the rain,” she said.
- “I don’t like the rain,” she said. “I wish it would stop.”
- “I don’t like the rain,” she said, “and I wish it would stop.”
4. Use commas before and after etc. (and so on), i.e. (that is), and e.g. (for example).(Don’t forget the periods.)
- You can make a fruit salad with any fruit: apples, oranges, pears, berries, etc.
- I knit socks, sweaters, scarves, etc., for my grandchildren who live in a snowy climate.
- She is the captain of the cheerleading squad, i.e., the leader of the cheers.
- You need to take advanced math, e.g., calculus, to get into that school.
5. Salutations and closings of letters and e-mails use commas.
- Dear Frank, (but in a business letter, a colon is more commonly used: Dear Ms. Symes:)
- Sincerely yours,
Another great post to solve the comma dilemma. My critique group wrestle with this every meeting.
Thanks, Arlene!
You are very welcome, Thonie!
Thanks for the review and the reminder of two main rules of use of commas.
Many thanks to all who wrote comments; I learn from all of you.
And thank YOU for the comment!
In England (the home of the Oxford comma) we traditionally do not use commas before conjunctions. The exception to this is the Oxford comma and that is really only used when ‘and’ is used in the list;
Laurel and Hardy, and Abbot and Costello
Do you mean you don’t use the comma in a compound sentence? There are several differences between American and English “English.”
No, we would probably write:
We studied for about an hour and didn’t feel as if that was long enough.
We studied for an hour, we watched an hour of television and we studied for another hour
We would do the same — except some of us would use the Oxford comma before “and” in the second example.
I don’t think anyone has offered me useful guidance on commas since ninth grade English. That’s over half a century ago. It’s great to get a straightforward refresher like this. Except now I have no excuses.
Thank you.
I am glad it was useful….and wait….there will be more! We will cover it all!
Thank you for the examples without the Oxford comma. The rampant use of commas nowadays is irksome, as is chopping up sentences with a full stop before a conjunction. Sometimes a thought needs to flow – with punctuation other than a full stop.
Thanks for the viewpoint. Yes, some people are comma happy and others are comma-feee (note the lack of a comma in that compound sentence!). I follow the rules! But then, I don’t usually write fiction, where here is sometimes some leeway.
I’ve begun teaching a course at my (acting) school that addresses the students’ writing skills as well as their skills of observation and analysis. If anything, I’m probably erring on the side of “too many commas,” partly because they don’t always use them enough! For example, in your very first example, they’d leave out the comma: omitting it does reflect “the way we speak,” but I insist on that one. Similarly — although you’ve not introduced this notion yet — I’ve been recommending commas before an opening adverbial clause or such, following a rule I learned from a linguist. (Yes! I learned a useful rule from a linguist! Who’d have thought it?)
Thanks for the comment. You must mean a comma after an opening adverbial clause. Yes, we will get to that, and yes, that is the standard! Glad you are teaching writing skills! My book is coming (maybe next year??)
I still want to know the difference between:
Different from & Different thatn
The correct phrase is “different from.” I don’t think there is a “different than.”
Arlene, “different than” is something I often hear in the south. I know it’s incorrect and don’t use it, myself, but when I hear others use it, it doesn’t strike me as being glaringly wrong; they say it because it’s what they’ve heard, growing up. Also, when enunciation is not held in high esteem–or even tolerated very well–diff’ren’an and diff’ren’om sound pretty much the same.
You are correct. It is not one of those glaringly incorrect things, but it is not the standard. There are always regional pronunciations and usages, but in formal English “different from” is the correct phrase. .
Commas are a bane! I use a comma after And, But, or So when they begin a sentence. So and And emphasize the connection to the previous sentence; But emphasizes conflict. Are these invalid uses?
Thanks for your answer and your contribution to good grammar.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Charles! Commas are a bane. We are just beginning to recognize that it is okay to begin a sentence with a conjunction like And or But. Now we have to decide whether or not to follow it with a comma. There are some gray areas with commas, in which there is no correct answer. I think this is one of them. I would go by the pause theory. I would think sometimes you would want a pause after that initial conjunction; use a comma. But sometimes you might not want a pause, so don’t use a comma.
“I heard a meow from the closet. So I opened the door.”
“I heard a whisper from the closet. So, I quietly left the room.”
We had a big argument last night. “So…I guess this is it, ” I said.
There are options!
I know I misuse commas. You would freak if you saw my nurses notes!
I am always in a hurry and sometimes do them after 14 hours of work.☹️
We all have problems with commas….and I would say you are an awesome nurse because nursing isn’t always about commas! 🙂