This lesson shows you the comma rules and how to use them properly.
Commas help organize sentences. They have 3 main purposes:
· Separating
· Enclosing
· Introducing
Separating
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Independent Clauses
Use a comma to separate two independent clauses. For example:
Use a comma to separate two independent clauses. For example:
1. I like hockey.
2. I do not like baseball.
· I like hockey, but I do not like baseball.
Use one of the following conjunctions after the comma: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Here are some more examples:
· Jason spent fifteen minutes doing his homework, but it felt like an hour.
· I hadn't gone to class for most of the year, so I failed my exam.
With So?
"So" can be confusing when deciding to use a comma or not. Sometimes it follows a comma and other times it does not. Here is the rule:
When you would like to say "so that", don't use a comma.
· Please complete the evaluation by Friday so (that) we can send it to the client.
· I gave her money so she could buy the shoes.
When you would like to use "so" as a word similar to "therefore", you should include a comma.
· It is cold today, so we will not go to the park.
· She works until 5 pm, so she will not be able to attend the conference.
Lists
Commas separate items in a list.
· I need bread, milk, eggs, and cheese.
· The company has offices in Paris , Barcelona , and Madrid
Two Adjectives
Commas separate two adjectives before a noun.
Commas separate two adjectives before a noun.
· I bought a new, red car.
· The big, black dog is barking.
Dates
Commas separate similar items in a date. They are used between two numbers or two words.
Commas separate similar items in a date. They are used between two numbers or two words.
· December 12, 2006
· Monday, July 4
· Tuesday, March 25, 2003
If the date is in the middle of a sentence, a comma goes after.
· He arrived on July 25, ready to begin.
Place Names
Commas separate two place names, including the following:
Commas separate two place names, including the following:
· City, Country
· City, Province/State/Region
· City, State, Country
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
Numbers
Commas separate numbers in groups of 3.
· 563,500
· 4,546,789
Enclosing
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Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Commas separate a non-defining relative clause from the rest of the sentence. This is used to add extra information.
Commas separate a non-defining relative clause from the rest of the sentence. This is used to add extra information.
· The man, who had never been to Paris
· Ricky's Pizza, which is my favourite restaurant, is always open late on Sundays.
To determine if you have a non-defining relative clause, check if you can read the first and last section as one sentence. Take a look at the example below:
· Jeremy, who usually worked on Monday, was not available on Tuesday.
· Jeremy was not available on Tuesday.
Introductory Words or Phrases
Use a comma after an introductory phrase including transitional words, times, and dependent clauses.
1. Transitional Words
· However, her bank had been closed for over a year.
· Furthermore, the form must be signed.
2. Times
· On Monday, we will meet earlier than usual.
· The last time we had a meeting, John did not attend.
· In 1978, the government changed the policy.
3. Dependent Clauses
· Although Monday is a holiday, our call centre is still open.
· If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.
Common Words Starting Dependent Clauses
(Dependent Clause Markers)
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After
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Although
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As
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Before
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Considering
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Despite
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If
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Since
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Unless
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Until
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When
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Whenever
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Commas are NOT used when the sentence is reversed and the clause or phrase is second.
· We faxed the document on Thursday.
· Please do not hesitate to ask if you need any assistance.
· We are unable to send the package until you send us your address.
Titles
A person’s title is separated with a comma. This includes titles at the end of a sentence and in the middle.
· I would like to welcome Robert Palmer, Executive Director, to our office.
· Please forward all inquiries to Gina Davies, Accounts Manager.
Addressing People
Use a comma to directly address someone:
· Lisa, please call the customer to apologize.
· Mike, could you send the file tomorrow?
Introducing
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Quotations
Commas introduce quotations.
· Fred said, “The fire was caused by old newspapers.”
· “The fire was caused by the newspapers,” said Fred.
Letter Salutations and Complimentary Closings
Use a comma after an informal greeting in an email or letter.
· Hello Diane,
· Hi Jeremy,
Use a comma after all complimentary letter closings.
· Sincerely,
· Regards,
· Take care,
Comma Mistakes
The following are common mistakes made with commas:
Do not use a comma to separate two independent ideas. This is called a "comma splice".
· The weather next week should be warm, it will be a good time to go to the park.
· The only person I met was James, he was kind and helpful.
Do not separate a subject and verb with a comma.
· The human resources and accounting managers, are considering requesting a meeting with the CEO.
· Jessica and Linda, work at the main office.
Do not separate a predicate verb phrase with a comma. If it is two actions, it does not need a comma.
· The receptionist received the phone call, and booked the appointment.
· He will call the company, and request a refund.
Do not separate compound objects or subjects.
· The most recent quarterly report, and last year’s report for the same quarter are saved on the disk I gave you yesterday.
· David's manager, and Rachel's manager have an office on the same floor.
Do not use commas before dependent clauses
· The initial meeting was cancelled, because most of the team members were on vacation.
· Please call me, if you have any questions.
Do not enclose restrictive words.
· My friend, Paul, plays guitar.
Comma Tests
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Here are some comma tests from learnEnglish-online:
Here are some printable comma tests.
Add commas to the list.
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Add commas to the following sentences.
1. I will bring glasses plates and ice.
2. Last year the company hired two new employees.
3. If it rains tomorrow I will not go to the beach.
4. I would like to welcome Owen Flack Director of Sales to our new office.
5. He moved to
6. He has lived in
7. Although he has not seen the movie he understands the
story.
8. The large black van was parked outside.
9. If you need any help do not hesitate to ask.
10. She fixed the photocopier on Friday and it has worked well
since then.
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Add or remove commas to correct the sentences. Some sentences are already correct.
1. Although he had never worked in this office he felt
comfortable on his first day.
2. Kimberly Clarkson, CEO, met with all department managers.
3. The document was misplaced last week so Jacob is re-
writing it today.
4. The staff holiday party is scheduled for Tuesday December,
15, 2011.
5. The company’s new office will hopefully attract more
foreign investment, because it is located in
6. You are prohibited from wearing jeans or shorts in the
office; however you are able to wear jeans on the last
Friday of each month.
7. Brian Jessica and Raymond will answer the phones this
week.
8. My co-worker sent me the file, and emailed the new client.
9. If you have any questions please let me know.
10. Please feel free to contact me, if you have any concerns
regarding the package I sent you.
11. Please send the email to human resources, accounting, IT,
and production.
12. The newest staff member in the quality control department, has only worked in this office since last week.
13. Her executive assistant usually files all documents, she does not record them electronically.
14. Lisa is able to work on Friday afternoon, but she is unable to work Saturday morning.
15. While listening to the speaker Tom was using his Blackberry constantly.
16. She was listening to the presentation while texting her son
on her Blackberry.
17. He was prepared for the meeting, although he was late.
18. Since starting the new project Rebecca has been working
late every day.
19. As well she would like to take next Tuesday off.
20. On the first day of employment new employees are required to meet with Cheryl Jones Human Resources Manager.
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