Podcast
Questions and Answers
Use commas to separate cumulative adjectives.
Use commas to separate cumulative adjectives.
False
Use commas to separate two independent clauses when using a coordinating conjunction.
Use commas to separate two independent clauses when using a coordinating conjunction.
True
Use commas after introductory phrases with three words or less.
Use commas after introductory phrases with three words or less.
False
Use commas to separate non-essential information that adds value to the sentence.
Use commas to separate non-essential information that adds value to the sentence.
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Use commas after introductory words like 'no' and 'yes'.
Use commas after introductory words like 'no' and 'yes'.
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Use commas to separate quotations from the rest of the sentence only in American English.
Use commas to separate quotations from the rest of the sentence only in American English.
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Use commas to separate dates in the format 'month, day, year'.
Use commas to separate dates in the format 'month, day, year'.
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Use commas to separate the person's name from the rest of the sentence only in formal writing.
Use commas to separate the person's name from the rest of the sentence only in formal writing.
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Use commas to separate attributes in an address only for international mail.
Use commas to separate attributes in an address only for international mail.
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Use commas to clarify the meaning of the sentence only in complex sentences.
Use commas to clarify the meaning of the sentence only in complex sentences.
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Study Notes
Commas in English
Rule 1: Lists
- Use commas to separate items in a list
- Example: "I like eating oatmeal, berries, and cheese for breakfast"
- This rule applies to lists of nouns, adjectives, or adverbs
Rule 2: Coordinate Adjectives
- Use commas to separate coordinate adjectives (adjectives that describe the same thing and can be swapped in order)
- Example: "She is a fit, healthy woman"
- If you can swap the adjectives and the sentence still makes sense, use a comma
- Cumulative adjectives (adjectives that describe different things) do not need commas
Rule 3: Independent Clauses
- Use commas to separate two independent clauses (sentences that can stand alone)
- Example: "Success is their goal, yet happiness comes a close second"
- Use coordinating conjunctions (and, but, yet, for, nor) to connect the clauses
Rule 4: Introductory Clauses
- Use commas after introductory clauses (clauses that start with words like "while", "because", "although", etc.)
- Example: "While I was eating, my husband came home from work"
- If the introductory clause is at the end of the sentence, no comma is needed
Rule 5: Introductory Phrases
- Use commas after introductory phrases (phrases that introduce the sentence)
- Example: "To get a seat, you'd better come early"
- If the phrase has four or more words, use a comma
Rule 6: Non-Essential Information
- Use commas to separate non-essential information (information that adds value but can be omitted)
- Example: "Oranges, which are my favorite fruit, are the main ingredient in this recipe"
- If the information can be removed or rearranged without changing the sentence's meaning, use a comma
Rule 7: Introductory Words
- Use commas after introductory words (words like "no", "yes", "why", etc.)
- Example: "Why, I can't believe this!"
- Use commas to separate the introductory word from the rest of the sentence
Rule 8: Quotations
- Use commas to separate quotations from the rest of the sentence
- Example: "He said, 'I'll call you tomorrow'"
Rule 9: Dates
- Use commas to separate dates in the format "day, month, year"
- Example: "Thursday, September 12, 2013"
- If the date format is different, commas may not be needed
Rule 10: Addressing Someone
- Use commas to separate the person's name from the rest of the sentence
- Example: "Will you, Alice, come to my birthday party?"
Rule 11: Addresses
- Use commas to separate attributes in an address
- Example: "John Smith, 123 Palm Street, Miami, Florida 33004"
Rule 12: Additional Information
- Use commas to separate additional information (non-essential information that adds value)
- Example: "Alexander Pushkin, the Russian poet, is one of the world's most famous poets"
Rule 13: General Tips
- Use commas to clarify the meaning of the sentence
- Practice using commas to improve your writing and communication skills
Commas in English
Lists
- Commas separate items in a list, including nouns, adjectives, or adverbs
- Example: "I like eating oatmeal, berries, and cheese for breakfast"
Coordinate Adjectives
- Commas separate coordinate adjectives that describe the same thing and can be swapped in order
- Example: "She is a fit, healthy woman"
Independent Clauses
- Commas separate two independent clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, yet, for, nor)
- Example: "Success is their goal, yet happiness comes a close second"
Introductory Clauses
- Commas follow introductory clauses starting with words like "while", "because", "although", etc.
- Example: "While I was eating, my husband came home from work"
Introductory Phrases
- Commas follow introductory phrases, especially those with four or more words
- Example: "To get a seat, you'd better come early"
Non-Essential Information
- Commas separate non-essential information that adds value but can be omitted
- Example: "Oranges, which are my favorite fruit, are the main ingredient in this recipe"
Introductory Words
- Commas follow introductory words like "no", "yes", "why", etc.
- Example: "Why, I can't believe this!"
Quotations
- Commas separate quotations from the rest of the sentence
- Example: "He said, 'I'll call you tomorrow'"
Dates
- Commas separate dates in the format "day, month, year"
- Example: "Thursday, September 12, 2013"
Addressing Someone
- Commas separate the person's name from the rest of the sentence
- Example: "Will you, Alice, come to my birthday party?"
Addresses
- Commas separate attributes in an address
- Example: "John Smith, 123 Palm Street, Miami, Florida 33004"
Additional Information
- Commas separate additional non-essential information that adds value
- Example: "Alexander Pushkin, the Russian poet, is one of the world's most famous poets"
General Tips
- Commas clarify the meaning of a sentence
- Practice using commas to improve writing and communication skills
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Description
Learn about the rules of using commas in English sentences, including lists and coordinate adjectives.
