The comma is perhaps the most used—and abused—piece of punctuation. Writers often feel the need to add commas indiscriminately in order to pepper their writing with extra elements. The fact is too many commas make writing seem choppy and haphazard. The proper use of commas can enhance meaning and add significance to a paper. These are the most common uses for the comma:
Using Commas in a Series
When listing more than two items in a series, separate them with commas.
EXAMPLE: Mary bought toothpaste, bananas, and milk at the grocery store.
Using Commas with a Conjunction
When combining two independent clauses (also known as complete sentences), use a comma followed by a conjunction such as and, or, for, so, nor, or but.
EXAMPLE: The teacher passed out the tests, and the students began to work.
Using Commas with Introductory Elements
An introductory element can be a single word, a phrase, or an entire clause. It must be a dependent clause, which is not a complete sentence. Most introductory elements are followed by a comma.
EXAMPLE: In order to save money, Sarah started taking her lunch to work.
Using Commas in an Appositive
An appositive is a phrase that renames or clarifies the preceding noun in a sentence. If the appositive is essential to the meaning of the sentence, no commas are needed. If the appositive is just extra information, set it off with commas.
EXAMPLE (essential): Mike has a book signed by author Stephen King.
EXAMPLE (non-essential): My brother, an unemployed cashier, asked me for a loan.
Using Commas with Adjectives
When two or more adjectives modify the same noun, separate them with commas.
EXAMPLE: Michelle’s smart, successful boyfriend proposed to her this weekend.
Using Commas with Contrasting Thoughts
When a writer needs to show elements of sentence that contrast, a comma should be used.
EXAMPLE: I prefer to drink lemonade, not milk.
Using Commas in Quotations
Use a comma to introduce a direct quotation and to continue a quotation after text.
EXAMPLE: The bank teller asked him, “May I see your identification?”
EXAMPLE: “Now that you’ve told me that,” said Gail, “I will have to make a decision.”
Incorrect Comma Usage
Do not use a comma to separate subject from verb. Sometimes the subject of a sentence can seem like an introductory phrase, so be careful.
EXAMPLE: Researching and writing a report in molecular biology was one of the most challenging projects Bill had ever done.
Do not use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause. Just because there is a conjunction doesn’t mean there will automatically be a comma in front of it. Check to make sure both sides are complete sentences.
EXAMPLE: We wanted to go to the beach but decided not to go.
These are some of the most common rules associated with the comma. A good rule of thumb is that commas are used when there is a clear pause in a sentence. A bit of common sense and knowledge of the basic rules can a writer a long way in learning correct comma usage.
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