Comma
What is Comma?
A comma is one of the punctuation marks. It shows pause and
separation between parts of sentences.
Uses of Comma
1. We use commas when we have a series of words and
word groups in a sentence. The last item is not followed by a comma. Some writers
drop the Oxford Comma (final comma in series before the word ‘and’ or ‘or’) in
simple series. Sometimes without putting Oxford Comma, it creates confusion and a reader can’t get its meaning clearly.
- I went to the market and bought eggs, bread, milk, and fruits.
- I went to the market and bought eggs, bread, milk, and fruits.
1. Today he met two of his friends, John, and Tom.
2. Today he met two of his friends, John and Tom.
Sentence 1 means he met four persons. Here John and Tom may be his relatives or friends other than two. Sentence 2 means he met two of his friends whose names are John and Tom.
2. Comma is used to separate adjectives when they
are interchangeable in order.
- He is a tall, healthy man.
- He is a healthy, tall man.
3. We also use commas to separate a series of
phrases.
- They like reading newspapers, watching cartoons, listening to music, and watching sports programs.
4. When two independent clauses are connected by
connectors, we use a comma after the first clause. According to some writers, we don’t put a comma when clauses are short.
- I told him to mend the pot, but he did not do that.
- I get up early in the morning at 5 O’clock, and he gets up at 7 p.m.
- I study and he teaches.
5. If we don’t have a subject in the second clause,
you may not use a comma.
- He paid full attention to all lessons but still did answer all questions.
6. Dependent clauses are always followed by commas.
If they come after independent clauses, they don’t need to be followed by
commas.
- If you study hard, you will score the highest.
- When we went to school, he called me.
7. Introductory clauses and phrases are also
followed by commas.
- As he entered the room, we all welcomed him.
- Standing by the gate, he just ordered to be on time.
Exceptions:
i. If the introductory phrase is clear and brief, a comma
is optional.
- When in the village we swim.
ii. If there is no confusion without the comma, we don’t
use it.
- Last Sunday the nightclub was closed. (Confusion)
- Last Sunday, night club was closed. (Correct)
iii. When an introductory phrase begins with a
preposition, we may not use a comma.
- On the wooden table we had a history book.
iv. If the phrase has two prepositions and the verb
immediately follows, then we don’t use a comma.
- Standing by the gate and walking in the corridor is so important for the observer in our school.
8. We use a comma after some words that introduce
sentences.
- Well, I am going to tell you about that matter.
- Hey, are you serious?
9. We also use a comma before and after some
introductory terms when they are followed by a series of items. Such as i.e.,
e.g.
- You have to bring many things, i.e., milk, bread, and eggs.
10. We use
commas to separate nonessential words, phrases, clauses, and parenthetical elements.
They give just extra information; even we can remove them without changing the
meaning of the sentence.
- Football, which is played in our village, is good for health.
- Ali, who is my brother, got the first position in his class.
- The man, talking with Ali, has done many social works.
If something or someone is clearly identified, a description of that is considered nonessential. In this case, we use a comma.
- My brother, Ali, got married. (Ali is my only brother. He is identified.)
- My sister Fatima got engaged. (Fatima is essential information. I have more sisters.)
11. Comma
is used to separate expressions that interrupt the flow of the sentence.
- They tried their best. However, they are deprived of their father.
12. We use a comma when we directly address a name, title, or any other terms of endeavor.
- Will you, Ali, help me in doing the assignment?
- Will you, my dear friend, help me in doing the assignment?
13. We use a comma to enclose a degree or title used with names.
- John, M.D., supported me.
14. Comma
is used to separate a city from a state in addresses.
- His office is situated on 6th road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
- I belong to Islamabad, Pakistan.
15. To
separate dates and years, we use a comma. If we have just month and year, a comma
is not necessary.
- The meeting will be arranged on Friday, August 20.
- We had a meeting on the 5th of June, 2019.
- It was in a July 2019 article.
16. Comma
is used to separate parts of direct speech. When quotation comes before he said,
we use a comma at the end of quoted material.
- He said, “Do you like English class?”
- “I don’t understand about that,” he said.
Exceptions:
i. When quotation functions as subject or object.
- Saying “Hurry up” was my mistake.
ii. Quotation question replaces a comma.
- “Will you attend the meeting?” she asked.
17. We use a comma after a statement to separate it from a tag question. We use commas preceding
tag questions.
- You have been to New York, haven’t you?
18. We use
commas to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.
- Ali is my best friend, not a servant.
- John is a good teacher, but a bad administrator.
