The Comma
On this page you will learn all about the so very tricky to use correctly comma
The comma is a very tricky grammatical marking, and suffers from constant misuse in writing. In English, it is often the most frequently misused grammatical marking; even in professional writing! The comma has very specific applications when writing, and this page will explain the most frequently used instances of using a comma while writing in the English language.
Comma to Separate Independent Clauses
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or, nor, for) when it joins two complete ideas (independent clauses).
He walked down the hall, and then he fell down the stairs.
You can go shopping with me, or you can go to school.
Comma After an Introductory Clause or Phrase
Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. A comma tells readers that the introductory clause or phrase has come to a close and that the main part of the sentence is about to begin.
When Lana was gaming, her mom unplugged the Playstation.
Near Mr. Oxford's office, students discovered hidden snacks.
Use a Comma Between all Items in a Series (The Oxford Comma)
Use a comma to separate each item in a series; a series is a group of three or more items having the same function and form in a sentence.
Series of Words: We bought apples, peaches, and bananas today.
Series of Clauses: Vanessa promised that she would be a good girl, that she would not bite her brother, and that she would not climb into the television again.
Series of Phrases: Mr. Oxford looked through his briefcase, through his desk, and around the office for his glasses.
The Oxford Comma is the last comma in a series, place before the "and" in the last item of a list.
Comma to Indicate Direct Address
When a speaker in a sentence names the person to whom he is speaking, this addressing of his audience is called direct address. Direct address is indicated by the use of a comma or commas, depending upon its placement within the sentence.
I think, Ahmed, you’re wrong.
Ahmed, I think you’re wrong.
I think you’re wrong, Ahmed.
Comma to Set Off Appositives
An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that provides additional information about the noun that comes before it. Appositives offer nonessential information. Nonrestrictive appositives are set off with commas; restrictive appositives are not.
Appositive: Pope, the Restoration poet, is famous for his monologues.
Appositive: The New York Jets, the underdogs, surprised everyone by winning the Super Bowl.
No Appositive 😔: The poet Pope is famous for his monologues.
Commas to Set Off Direct Quotations
A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. If the speaker (not the listener) in the conversation is identified, his name, (or the noun or pronoun used to refer to the speaker), and the verb that refers to his speaking are enclosed within commas.
Marge said, “I dislike concerts because the music is too loud.”
“I dislike concerts because the music is too loud,” she said.
“I dislike concerts,” proclaimed Marge, “because the music is too loud.”
