In complex sentences, commas separate introductory elements, mark non-restrictive clauses and set off contrasts and interruptions.
Precision matters: “The students, who finished early, went home” means all of them finished early; without commas, only those who finished early went home.
Avoid comma splices, especially with however and therefore, which need a semicolon or full stop before them. Also avoid separating a subject from its verb with a single comma.
Worked example
Correct: “The results were surprising, however, they were consistent.”
- Two main clauses are joined by however.
- Use a semicolon before however.
Answer:The results were surprising; however, they were consistent.
Key words
- non-restrictive clause
- extra information set off by commas
- restrictive clause
- essential information with no commas
- comma splice
- two clauses joined only by a comma
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.11-12.2