Grammar SOS > Commas

Do not sprinkle commas throughout your copy. They are not to be used at places where, when speaking, you would "take a breath." There really are specific uses for commas.

Here are some:

• Do not put a comma before "and" in a simple series:
  • I want toast, butter and ham.
• Put a comma before the concluding conjunction in a series, however, if an element of the series requires a conjunction (such as and):
  • I want toast, butter, and ham and eggs.
  • I like starches such as potatoes, rice, and macaroni and cheese.
• If you have a complex series of phrases, use a comma before the concluding phrase:
  • The main points to consider are whether the athletes are skillful, whether they have stamina, and whether they have better-looking hair.
• Essential clauses must not be set off for the rest of the sentence by commas. A non essential clause must be set off.
  • What does that mean?
  • In essential clauses, the part that you may try to set off with a comma is "essential" to the meaning of the sentence.
  • "He does interviews, voice-overs and uses sound clips." (uses sound clips is essential to the sentence)
  • In non-essential clauses, the part you're separating with a comma and "and" could stand alone:
    "She has learned that it is easy to play favorites, and children notice that."
  • Think about it this way: if the subject remains the same for both the first and second parts of the sentence, you probably don't need the comma before "and."
    • We visited Washington and planned to see the White House. (same subject, "we")
    • We visited Washington, and our senator greeted us personally. (different subjects, "we" and "our senator.")
• Prepositional phrases that begin a sentence usually need a comma after them:
  • Before it rains, I want to mow the lawn.
• Use a comma to introduce a direct quote:
  • The attorney said, "We need to get five more witnesses." (Note the capitalization of the word "we." Also, commas always go inside quotes.)
• Use a comma with figures of four or more digits, except for dates (years).
  • Attendance was over 2,500 people. We raised $3,538.
• Always check AP Stylebook or Websters (AP's default suggestion) if you have any doubt or further questions.

What is a comma splice?

This occurs when you use a comma incorrectly, usually to join two thoughts.

• The computer was down, he could not search the Internet.

This should be two sentences, or should be joined with additional words:

• The computer was down. He could not search the Internet.
• The computer was down so he could not search the Internet.

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Who is Gena Asher?

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URL: http://www.asher-watts.com/j201/index.html
Problems? Questions? Contact Gena Asher at eulasher@indiana.edu

Updated January 2010

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