When should you use a comma.

In favor of American English, style guides such as the American Psychological Association, Associated Press Stylebook, and Chicago Manual of Style, concur on using a comma after e.g. Whereas, British English …

When should you use a comma. Things To Know About When should you use a comma.

If you are emulating a style of casual speech, as the others have explained, you could use a comma after so, especially if you hear a significant pause.Such a pause may be caused by indignation, hesitation, etc. So, what do you want to play with next? Traditional style, on the other hand, forbids it.Whether or … Add a comma after thus when it works as a coordinating conjunction or at the beginning of a sentence. Add a comma before thus when introducing a gerund or a gerund phrase. Add a comma on either side of thus when it interrupts an independent clause as a strong break or when thus comes between a helping and main verb. When you use "thank you" in this way, you don’t need to place a comma after it. In the first example, there is a comma after "thank you," but that is because of the sentence structure, not the phrase. If we add "note" to this sentence, you can see that the comma moves to fall after "note": "I sent him a thank you …Commas vs. Semicolons in Compound Sentences. For more information on semicolons, please see the "90-Second Semicolon" vidcast series on the Purdue OWL YouTube Channel. A group of words containing a subject and a verb and expressing a complete thought is called a sentence or an independent clause. …In these circumstances it should have a comma before it. If you can replace while with as, then it shouldn't have a comma before it. It is just a normal subordinating conjunction. The man left the restaurant while it was raining. If you can replace while with whereas then you should use a comma before it because it is being used as an adverb of ...

Dec 22, 2016 ... Using 'COMMA' before 'AND' – Advanced English Lesson In this Advanced English lesson, you will learn when to use a comma before 'and'.Modifiers that are essential do not require commas. Example: Tell the students who failed the exam that they will have to retake the course. (Only the students ...

8. Use a comma to separate the elements in a full date (weekday, month and day, and year). Also separate a combination of those elements from the rest of the sentence with commas. Rebecca Aydin ...

You can buy an apple, a pear , or an orange. I can go or stay - which would you prefer? When used in a list, and and or never take a comma when the list has two items; when it has more, it is generally a good idea to use the comma. When used as a conjunction it is generally a good idea to use the comma (unless the phrases are very short).Aug 3, 2022 ... When to use commas: 5 rules and examples · 1. Use a comma to separate anything before an independent clause · 2. Use a comma to separate ...Use a comma to separate the elements in a series (three or more things), including the last two. "He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base." You may have learned that the comma before the "and" is unnecessary, which is fine if you're in control of things. However, there are situations in which, if you don't use this comma ...Jun 6, 2016 ... Usually, when you're trying to make a separation within a sentence, you use a comma. So Paige, so what are some things that commas can't do? - [ ...

8. Use a comma to separate the elements in a full date (weekday, month and day, and year). Also separate a combination of those elements from the rest of the sentence with commas. Rebecca Aydin ...

Jun 6, 2016 ... Usually, when you're trying to make a separation within a sentence, you use a comma. So Paige, so what are some things that commas can't do? - [ ...

Like “including,” these phrases may introduce either a restrictive or a nonrestrictive clause. When they introduce an essential description necessary to the meaning of the sentence, the writer should not set the description apart with commas. On the other hand, if these phrases begin an inessential description, commas must be used.5. Comma rules have nothing to do with this particular word. Let me explain. In your sample sentence, therefore is used as an interrupter, so you do need to put a comma before and after it. Example: I, therefore, recommended to him... If it's being used as a conjunctive adverb, you'd need a semicolon and a comma.Aug 27, 2019 ... When to use a comma · I bought apples, pears, oranges, and kiwis from the fruit vendor. · I spend my free time watching old movies, listening to ...Common uses of colons. 1. To announce, introduce, or direct attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example/explanation. You can use a colon to draw attention to many things in your writing. The categories listed below often overlap, so don’t worry too much about whether your intended use of the colon …Commas can often be forgotten when using conjunctions. Learn more about comma placements and when to use them with conjunctions.A good way to remember how to properly use like or such as in a sentence is to remember that like is used in similes; it’s always used to compare something to something else. Such as can also be another way of saying including, since both can be used to list specific examples. At the end of the day, however, this is one writing rule that …

To Use or Not to Use the Oxford Comma. Defenders of the Oxford comma claim that, without separating the final two items in a given list, the reader automatically combines the words.; Opponents say that a grammatical rule cannot simply be disregarded whenever it seems to become ambiguous. If you favor the Oxford comma, it needs to be used …A good way to remember how to properly use like or such as in a sentence is to remember that like is used in similes; it’s always used to compare something to something else. Such as can also be another way of saying including, since both can be used to list specific examples. At the end of the day, however, this is one writing rule that …In fact, the comma rules for "whether"and "if" are analogous. Follow the same comma policy when using shorter versions of an if-clause, such as "if necessary" or "if required". 2. Using 'If' in the Middle of a Sentence. When the if-clausefollows the main clause, the comma before "if" is generally unnecessary.A comma is used before “but” because it's a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions are the glue that holds your sentence together. In other words, ...Rule #1: ALWAYS use a comma before which when it introduces a nonrestrictive clause. A nonrestrictive phrase adds detail to a sentence, but it is considered non-essential information and unnecessary for the overall understanding of the sentence. When a nonrestrictive phrase begins with the word which, comma usage is necessary to indicate the ...Do you use a comma before "and"? Unfortunately, it's not a yes/no question. There are three main rules: (1) Use a comma before "and" if it merges two comple...

Trask's summary of the rules for including bracketing commas are: Use a pair of bracketing commas to set off a weak interruption which could be removed from the sentence without destroying it. If the interruption comes at the beginning or the end of the sentence, use only one bracketing comma. Make sure the words set off are really an interruption.

Aug 12, 2022 · Updated on August 12, 2022 Grammar. Use a comma before which when it introduces a nonrestrictive phrase. Don’t use a comma before which when it’s part of a prepositional phrase, such as “in which.”. Don’t use a comma before which when it introduces an indirect question. Commas can be tricky, but they don’t have to trip you up. When using a comma before “unfortunately,” you must always include a comma after. This turns it into something called a parenthetical element (using parentheses just like this). Sometimes, you might not include the comma directly after “unfortunately.”. In these cases, it’s because there’s more to add to the …Commas should be used when three or more items in a series are listed. A comma should be placed between each of the three items (it is also acceptable to ...You should never place a comma between the preposition and “which,” and there’s also no need for a comma after “which” in these phrases. …Punctuation can be a tricky thing to master, but one of the most essential marks of all is undoubtedly the comma. It might seem like nothing but a small, ...Comma rules confuse many writers, especially with words like then. Sometimes, a comma before or after then is necessary, but it depends on the situation. You should generally only use a comma before then when it connects two independent clauses or when it acts like an interjection. Only put a comma after then when it acts as …Do you know what the Oxford comma is? Discover what this somewhat controversial punctuation mark is and how it’s used within the English …Apr 10, 2023 · Don’t use a comma before “and” if it’s not connecting two independent clauses. It goes without saying that a single word can’t be a clause, let alone an independent clause. That means if “and” connects two single words, you can’t insert a comma in front of it. Examples. “My favorite animals are llamas and sheep.”. 5. Comma rules have nothing to do with this particular word. Let me explain. In your sample sentence, therefore is used as an interrupter, so you do need to put a comma before and after it. Example: I, therefore, recommended to him... If it's being used as a conjunctive adverb, you'd need a semicolon and a comma.

Mar 21, 2023 · You should follow this rule if you’re writing in US English. It has the added bonus of removing the confusion about when to add a comma: if you only use “which” nonrestrictively, you’ll always add a comma before a “which” clause. The historical period which fascinates me the most is the Renaissance.

Do we need a comma after “Happy birthday?”. Generally, yes, we do need a comma after writing or typing “Happy birthday” when the message is directly intended for a specific person, a pet, a plant, and so on. This is what we call a “direct address” wherein we talk directly “toward” a person, as opposed to only talking “about ...

If you're preparing for the exam, you're in the right place. Make sure to read our community rules first and take a look at the pinned posts. Also, posts older than …You should use a comma after that when it closes a parenthetical phrase. A parenthetical element adds additional information and color to a sentence, but isn’t essential to the overall meaning. For example: Georgina, that girl …Insert a comma before contrast clauses. These clauses imply contrast and begin with words like although, though, whereas, while, and even if. (The slight pause lent by the comma emphasizes the contrast.) Examples. She speaks our language, although she is Martian. Maya likes tea, while Tumkin prefers coffee.Use a serial comma (also called an Oxford comma, Harvard comma, or series comma) between elements in a series of three or more items. Factors of personality include extraversion, conscientiousness, openness to experience, agreeableness, and neuroticism. If one or more items in the series already contain a comma, use semicolons between …Aug 23, 2016 · In the main text of your written work, use a suffix that is an essential part of the name—like Jr. or a roman numeral—when you cite a person’s name in full. Do not place a comma before numbered suffixes: In a sentence, add a comma after Jr. or Sr. if words follow; the suffix is parenthetical: Sammy Davis, Jr., was a member of the Rat Pack. To ensure the proper use of commas in a list, you need to decide if the Oxford comma is for you or if you want to avoid it altogether. Since its absence can create confusion, you may prefer to use it to prevent comical or even embarrassing misrepresentations. Its use makes a list clearer to read. The list of elements commas separate includes ... Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the order of the adjectives is interchangeable. Example: He is a strong, healthy man. We could also say healthy, strong man. Example: We stayed at an expensive summer resort. We would not say summer expensive resort, so no comma. If those synonyms make sense, you can use etc. You should never use “and et cetera.” Remember, et means “and.” “And et cetera” is redundant. Usage note: Don’t use a comma after etc. if it is at the end of the sentence. Examples of et cetera usage “Less work,” Peter offered, cheerily. “If the dog’s imaginary, I mean.Revised on November 29, 2022 by Jack Caulfield. Quotation marks (also known as quotes or inverted commas) are used to indicate direct speech and quotations. In academic writing, you need to use quotation marks when you quote a source. This includes quotes from published works and primary data such as interviews.

Like “including,” these phrases may introduce either a restrictive or a nonrestrictive clause. When they introduce an essential description necessary to the meaning of the sentence, the writer should not set the description apart with commas. On the other hand, if these phrases begin an inessential description, commas must be used. As long as you include a name after “thank you,” you need a comma: Thank you, Mary. Thank you so much, Marcus. You can place the comma after “thank you” or when you’ve completed the entire appreciative phrase (i.e. “thank you so much”). You should place a comma after “thank you” with the direct address portion when you are ... The word "however" is not a conjunction (like "but"). It is a conjunctive adverb (like "subsequently"). When "however" starts a new idea and provides a bridge to the previous idea, it cannot be preceded by a comma. It can be preceded by a semicolon, but, most often, it should start a new sentence. For example:Instagram:https://instagram. cat flea collarsis christianity trueimmigration vs emigrationsubaru forester towing capacity You only use commas around a name or title if they are being used as nonessential details within the sentence. You can check your understanding of this by removing the name or title and seeing if the sentence still makes sense. Never include commas if the name or title is required for the understanding of the sentence. If you are emulating a style of casual speech, as the others have explained, you could use a comma after so, especially if you hear a significant pause.Such a pause may be caused by indignation, hesitation, etc. So, what do you want to play with next? Traditional style, on the other hand, forbids it.Whether or … cheap auto transportwindow bow window Comma when “and” is part of a line of dialog. If a character in a work of fiction is speaking, the end of a line of dialog should be followed by either a comma or a period. If the dialog isn’t followed by a tag like “he said” or “she insisted,” then you need a period before the closing quotation mark. Otherwise, you need a comma.Updated on August 12, 2022 Grammar. Use a comma before which when it introduces a nonrestrictive phrase. Don’t use a comma before which when it’s … matching of kundali The proper definition of the Oxford comma is “a comma used after the penultimate item in a list of three or more items, before ‘and’ or ‘or’.”. For example: “Today I went to lunch ...To Begin a New Clause. When please begins a new clause after a dependent clause, DO place a comma before it. A comma is not required after please, but if you want to emphasize it further, you may add a comma. For example: If you call, please make sure to ring after 10 o’clock. If you call, please, make sure to ring after 10 …Write the recipient’s name on the first line. Write the street address or post office (P.O.) box number on the second line. Write the city, state, and ZIP code on the third. To put this into use, let’s use an example of two characters communicating with addresses and dates in their writing. Jill is from Mars.