How To Use Commas Properly

They re not as final as periods.

How to use commas properly. 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. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Today i went to lunch. To use commas correctly use them to separate clauses that are not crucial to the meaning of the sentence. Use the oxford or serial comma before the last item in a list to clarify the list.

Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives we enjoyed the warm sunny weather. 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. Commas always follow these clauses at the start of a sentence. If a dependent clause ends the sentence however it no longer requires a comma. Commas customarily indicate a brief pause.

When an adverbial phrase begins a sentence it s often followed by a comma but it doesn t have to be especially if it s short. Use a comma to separate an introductory phrase from the rest of the sentence. Put a comma after introductory words phrases and clauses. My estate goes to my husband son daughter in law and nephew. The associated press ap stylebook doesn t ban the oxford comma but the guide recommends using it only when necessary for clarity.

Use a comma to separate the elements in a series three or more things including the last two. As a rule of thumb if the phrase is longer than about four words use the comma. An introductory phrase which is usually one or more prepositional phrases briefly introduces the sentence and provides context but is not part of the sentence s subject or predicate. You can also use a comma with a shorter phrase when you want to emphasize it or add a pause for literary effect. Commas confuse us perhaps because there are so many rules for using them and also because comma usage varies by style.

We use commas while combining multiple phrases in one sentence or writing about different items in a list. For example in the sentence drivers who exceed the speed limit are reckless there are no commas because the clause who exceed the speed limit is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Only use a comma to separate a dependent clause at.