English
How do you use commas?
Quick answer
A comma is a punctuation mark that shows a short pause or separates parts of a sentence, such as items in a list, a fronted adverbial, or extra information.
In one sentence
A comma is a small mark that separates parts of a sentence to make the meaning clear.
Explained
Commas are signposts inside a sentence. They do not end the sentence (that is the job of a full stop); they divide it into readable chunks. The main uses are:
1. Lists. Put commas between items, and use and or or before the last one: We need eggs, flour, sugar and butter. Whether to add a comma before that final and (the serial or Oxford comma) varies. Primary schools in England usually teach lists without it; many US style guides use it. Both are correct; the key is to be consistent.
2. After a fronted adverbial. Later that evening, the storm arrived. See fronted adverbials.
3. After a subordinate clause at the start. If you are hungry, have a banana.
4. Around extra information (parenthesis). My uncle, who lives in Toronto, is visiting. Take out the part between the commas and the sentence still works.
5. In direct speech. "I'm ready," said Sam. / Sam said, "I'm ready."
6. Before a name when you speak to someone. Thanks, Mum.
Commas can change meaning completely. Let's eat, Grandma! is an invitation. Let's eat Grandma! is alarming.
apple
banana
orange
grapes
Examples
- I packed a towel, a hat, sunscreen and a book.
- Before the race, Zara stretched her legs.
- Although it was late, nobody wanted to leave.
- Our cat, a fluffy grey tabby, sleeps all day.
- "Can you help me?" asked Leo. (no comma after a question mark)
Common mistakes
- Comma splices. I was tired, I went to bed joins two sentences with only a comma. Use a full stop, or add so.
- Commas between subject and verb. My best friend, lives next door is wrong.
- Sprinkling commas wherever you breathe. Commas follow grammar, not breathing.
- Only one comma around extra information. My dog, Rex is noisy needs a second comma after Rex.
Quick quiz
Commas
Check what you know with 4 quick questions.
Question 1 of 4
Which sentence uses commas correctly in a list?
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For grown-ups
Related topics
Fronted adverbials
A fronted adverbial is a word, phrase or clause at the start of a sentence that tells how, when, where or why, followed by a comma, as in Later that night, the owl hooted.
Subordinate clauses
A subordinate clause is a clause that adds extra information to a main clause but cannot stand alone as a sentence, like because it was raining or who lives next door.
Inverted commas
Inverted commas, also called speech marks or quotation marks, go around the exact words someone says, like "Come here," said Mum.
Full stops
A full stop (called a period in the US) is the dot that ends a sentence that is a statement or a calm command. It tells the reader the idea is finished.
Conjunctions
A conjunction is a joining word that links words, phrases or clauses, such as and, but, or, so, because, when, if and although.
Adjectives
An adjective is a word that describes a noun, telling you what kind, which one or how many, like a huge elephant, a sour lemon or three red balloons.