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Jul 1, 2023 · Of all the punctuation marks in English, this one is perhaps the most misused. And it’s no wonder. There are lots of rules about comma usage, and often the factors that determine whether you should use one are quite subtle. But fear not! Below, you’ll find guidance for the trickiest comma questions.
Learn how to use commas correctly in English with this comprehensive guide. Find out when to use commas in series, adjectives, clauses, appositives, dates, addresses, and more.
- Commas to introduce a sentence. If you introduce a sentence with a transition word (e.g., however, hence, indeed, furthermore), follow it with a comma. However the model is not always accurate.
- Dependent vs. independent clauses. A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. Sentences are often made up of several clauses.
- Commas in compound sentences. A compound sentence contains more than one independent clause. The clauses can be joined by a semicolon, a colon, or a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
- Avoid the comma splice. Two independent clauses should never be joined by a comma alone. This error is called a comma splice. Model 1 was selected, it returns more accurate results.
- Introductory bits (small-medium-large) Setting off introductory words, phrases, or clauses with a comma lets the reader know that the main subject and main verb of the sentence come later.
- FANBOYS. FANBOYS is a handy mnemonic device for remembering the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. These words function as connectors.
- The dreaded comma splice. If you don’t have FANBOYS between the two complete and separate thoughts, using a comma alone causes a “comma splice” or “fused sentence” (some instructors may call it a run-on).
- FANBOYS fakers. However, therefore, moreover, and other words like them are not FANBOYS (they are called conjunctive adverbs). They go between two complete thoughts, just like FANBOYS, but they take different punctuation.
The comma (,) is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause in a sentence, sets off words, phrases, or clauses, separates items in a list, and performs many other functions. The comma is one of the most versatile and commonly misused punctuation marks in English.
- 3 min
Learn about the comma, a punctuation mark that separates sentence elements, such as lists, dates, and clauses. Watch the video, read the transcript, and join the conversation with other learners' questions and tips.
- 4 min
Learn how to use commas correctly in different situations, such as lists, dates, numbers, geographic references, and more. See examples of conventional, mechanical, and stylistic uses of the comma and avoid common errors.
