A GUIDE TO PUNCTUATION - COMMAS

Commas - Using Them Properly

Commas (,) have a lot of uses and it seems like there is an exception for every rule—in addition to all of the misinformation that people think is correct. It is so easy to go rogue and start putting commas everywhere you want there to be the slightest of pauses (I'm guilty of that myself), but the reality is that commas belong in very specific places.

Given below are some uses of commas:

1. Using commas in a list

The most widely known function of a comma is in a list. If you are listing a series of simple items, you can separate those items with commas.

Example:

I need to buy apples, oranges, and lemons.

Last year, the countries with the highest life expectancy included Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, and Spain.

‍2. Using a comma after an introductory clause

Next up, a comma can be used to introduce an introductory clause—that is, the opening part of a sentence that lays out some additional information. The comma signifies that the main part of the sentence is about to begin.

‍Example:

Now that the workday was over, King Arthur could leave for the party.

3. Using a comma to connect two independent clauses

A comma can also be used to connect two independent clauses alongside a coordinating conjunction. As we established earlier, an independent clause (also known as a sentence) is a combination of a subject and an action. Sometimes we put two independent clauses in one sentence, though, and we combine these with a conjunction like and, but, or, yet, and so on.

‍Example:

The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.

I have painted the entire house, but she is still working on sanding the floors.

4. Using a comma to add extra information

Commas can also be used to include extra, yet useful, detail. These pieces of information, known as non-restrictive or non-essential, should be able to be removed and still have the sentence make sense.

Example:

‍Merlin’s staff, which was made of an ancient yew tree, was finely decorated with beautiful party streamers.

Our hotel, which was by the sea, had a fantastic view.

5. Using a comma to address someone

If a speaker or narrator is addressing someone directly and uses their name, a comma precedes or surrounds the name, depending on where it is in the sentence.

Example:

‍“What’s taking so long, Audrey?”

“Don’t rush me, Sarah, perfection takes time.”

6. Using a comma in dialogue

Finally, commas are used to combine dialogue with their associated dialogue tag. If the person who is speaking is identified (either by name or a pronoun) and they have an associated verb (said, yelled, whispered, etc.), a dialogue tag is created. Unless a question or exclamation mark is used, a dialogue tag is connected to its associated speech with a comma.

Example:

‍Lisa," said Kyle, "I need help moving this box of toys for the garage sale. Will you help me?"

"Sure!" Lisa put her book down and moved to lift one end of the box for her brother.

I hope this helped you understand the concept of commas better, stay tuned for a guide to colons!