A comma is an important punctuation mark. If not used correctly, it can mean a lot of confusion to your readers. It is also one of those punctuation marks that is extremely difficult to use properly. Here are the guidelines for using commas correctly in written discourse.
1. In a list of entries:
The most important use of comma is in a list of entries, in which each entry should be separated from each other. For example:
Sam, Gilbert, Mohan, and Terry were present in the truck.
2. Parenthetical elements:
In part of sentences, which may be parenthesized, you can use commas instead. Just enclose the parenthetical element within a pair of commas. Example:
The table, which John gave me last year, is broken.
3. Introductory phrases and Adverbs:
Any introductory phrase, that comes at the start of a sentence should be set off with a comma. Example:
Finally, they were able to get it right.
As a matter of fact, I am unable to describe the situation.
4. Typographical Situations:
Use comma in special situations, as described below:
When speaking about a place and the country or state which contains it. John is from Alaska, US.
Between a date and the year: July 4, 1984.
In elements like etc, eg, Sr, etc. : etc., e.g., i.e.,
5. Compound Adjectives should take comma in between them, just as in list of entries.
For instance:
John is a good-natured, lovely, handsome guy.
However, simple adjectives needn't take comma:
Mary is a good old lady.
6. Quoted Elements:
All quoted elements should be enclosed in a pair of commas. For example:
John said, "I am unable to finish it," and sat down.
7. Independent clauses:
The independent clauses, split by conjunctions such as 'and', 'but' etc., should have a comma before the conjunction. Example:
John was a good guy, and we were friends during the school. Follow this rule in order to avoid comma splices and run-on sentences.
8. Contrasting arguments:
When you speak about something contrasting from the idea already presented, place a comma before it.
He was the only friend I had, not you.
Writing with correct punctuation avoids confusion. Follow these rules carefully.
Rules of Using Commas
1. In a list of entries:
The most important use of comma is in a list of entries, in which each entry should be separated from each other. For example:
Sam, Gilbert, Mohan, and Terry were present in the truck.
2. Parenthetical elements:
In part of sentences, which may be parenthesized, you can use commas instead. Just enclose the parenthetical element within a pair of commas. Example:
The table, which John gave me last year, is broken.
3. Introductory phrases and Adverbs:
Any introductory phrase, that comes at the start of a sentence should be set off with a comma. Example:
Finally, they were able to get it right.
As a matter of fact, I am unable to describe the situation.
4. Typographical Situations:
Use comma in special situations, as described below:
When speaking about a place and the country or state which contains it. John is from Alaska, US.
Between a date and the year: July 4, 1984.
In elements like etc, eg, Sr, etc. : etc., e.g., i.e.,
5. Compound Adjectives should take comma in between them, just as in list of entries.
For instance:
John is a good-natured, lovely, handsome guy.
However, simple adjectives needn't take comma:
Mary is a good old lady.
6. Quoted Elements:
All quoted elements should be enclosed in a pair of commas. For example:
John said, "I am unable to finish it," and sat down.
7. Independent clauses:
The independent clauses, split by conjunctions such as 'and', 'but' etc., should have a comma before the conjunction. Example:
John was a good guy, and we were friends during the school. Follow this rule in order to avoid comma splices and run-on sentences.
8. Contrasting arguments:
When you speak about something contrasting from the idea already presented, place a comma before it.
He was the only friend I had, not you.
Conclusion
Writing with correct punctuation avoids confusion. Follow these rules carefully.
Bobbi Linkemer
Invite as author
On the use of commas