An Oxford comma, or serial comma, is the final comma in a list. 2:46 min read 134,006 Views Ramya Shankar . The Chicago Manual of Style editors use this example to illustrate that the comma is important to give clarity to the sentence: "I accept this award with gratitude to my parents . Most Brits do not use a serial comma. * I made a sandw. In this case, "James Bond" is essential, so there's no comma before it. 2. A comma is never used as an end mark, and it is read with a shorter pause than an end mark. Imagine, for a moment, that you have just finished doing three chores. Therefore, there should be a comma before "who." However, if Sarah had adoptive parents too, then this . This page explains when to use commas in lists, has lots of examples, and includes an interactive exercise. The second verb group does NOT have a subject; thus, it is NOT an independent clause. All four of your examples are compound sentences, which permit linking commas:. Rule 1. See below under Serial Comma for more information.) One use of the comma is to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a list or series. Don ' t use a comma before " and " if two items are a unit (" Ham and eggs " as a dish is a unit and should therefore not be . 3 Answers3. Main Comma Before And Takeaways: A comma is a form of punctuation that indicates a pause in a sentence and separates items in a list. The dog is young but well trained. B) Do not use a comma after the state if you use the two letter abbreviated (shortened) version of the state. Perhaps no mark of punctuation ruffles feathers more than the serial comma (also called series comma, Oxford comma, and Harvard comma).This comma precedes the final item in a list or series, before the word and or or.With the exception of newspapers, most publications use the serial comma, because it helps writers avoid ambiguity. Let's examine it in more detail. Use a comma to separate items in a list (but beware of the serial comma). 7. Commas in Complex Sentences. In each of these examples, the conjunction joins two independent clauses and thus a comma appears before and. When you join two independent clauses (complete sentences) with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet—also known as the FANBOYS), you must place a comma before the coordinating conjunction. There must be a comma at the end of the participial phrase here, because that phrase comes before the subject and verb of the sentence. "My favorite animals are llamas and sheep.". For example: I like burger and fries. It goes without saying that a single word can't be a clause, let alone an independent clause. Here are some sentences which correctly use—or don't use—commas before "such as." Think about whether the clauses are restrictive or nonrestrictive and how this has informed the comma usage. Mary loves her dog, yet she doesn't let it onto her bed. In one of the examples above, "but" was used as a conjunction to correct a comma splice. A Comma before a Conjunction. How to use a comma (,) A comma marks a slight break between different parts of a sentence. For example, there should be no comma before the 'and' in the following sentence: "The cavalry charged forward and attacked the retreating column." This is a compound predicate, so the second part of the sentence is not an independent clause. If that's the case, omit the comma. Here are a few more examples of when you should and shouldn't use a comma before but in a sentence: The dog is young, but well trained. 18. Missing Comma in Compound Sentence. The hottest debate in grammar comes down to a comma—the Oxford comma. More Examples. To make matters more complicated, sometimes it's appropriate to place a comma after the word "so.". () (The comma before "and" is called a "serial comma" or an Oxford Comma.) 16. Cloud, Minnesota. comma / no comma? Words like "and," "or," and "but" are known as coordinating conjunctions. On Monday we'll see the Eiffel Tower, and on Tuesday we'll visit the Louvre. Most Brits do not use a serial comma. You also don't need a comma before "which" when it's used as part of an indirect question. Common introductory phrases that should be followed by a comma include participial and infinitive phrases, absolute phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, and long prepositional phrases (over four words). Examples: To understand if you should use a comma before which, we need to understand the difference between a restrictive and a non-restrictive clause.. A restrictive clause is one where its removal would alter the meaning of the sentence. Another example is when items at the end of the list could be read as describing an earlier item. When you place a comma before an identifier, phrase or clause, you're saying it can be removed from the sentence without changing the meaning -- that it's nonessential. It always contains a main verb and a grammatical subject (the noun, noun phrase, or pronoun that comes at the very beginning of a . Before ruling the judge made sure to hear both sides of the story. If in your sentence there are two clauses, and one depends on another and follows it, you should not separate them with a comma. In the above example, two verb groups are being joined by and. After school we are going to the library to study. comma / no comma? One classic example that is often quoted is, to my parents, Ayn Rand, and God. With a string of adjectives before a noun. In each of these examples, the conjunction joins two independent clauses and thus a comma appears before and. But there does seem to be a close, logical connection between the first independent clause (I'm thinking of skipping English class) and the second independent clause (it's really boring).This is the perfect situation for a semicolon. ; Commas can separate adjectives, offset nonessential phrases, and introduce direct quotations. The chores were: Place a comma before the and or or that precedes that last element. Think about this example. Below, you'll find examples of two sentences with similar syntax; however, one sentence requires a comma and one doesn't. Mammals including bears and rabbits have fur. Rule #2: Use a Comma After an Introductory Word or Phrase. 1. Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives ( We enjoyed the warm, sunny weather ). The chores were: Almost all sentences that aren't a single independent clause have commas. Using a comma or not depends on what you're saying and where the emphasis is. When the salutation in your letter or email starts with "Hello" or "Hi," then you should put a comma before the name of the person you're addressing. Use a comma after a conjunction to provide balance. The clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (with or without a comma), a correlative conjunction (with or without a comma), a semicolon that functions as a conjunction, a colon instead of a semicolon between two sentences when the . When a word or phrase forms an introduction to a sentence, you should follow it with a comma, as recommended by Purdue OWL. The comma before the coordinating conjunction works with the . Note: When the last comma in a series comes before and or or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the Oxford comma.Most newspapers and magazines drop the Oxford comma in a simple series, apparently . Use a comma to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series. The motorcycle accelerated deafeningly before it pulled into traffic. Without the serial comma, the list is confusing. Comma before "where": Rules and Examples As we've seen in earlier posts on this topic, commas can be very confusing. Use commas to separate items in a list. The clause "who live in the same village as us" is just additional information about Sarah's parents. Therefore, a comma is required before "who.") The last example above is a real example from a newspaper. (A comma is necessary before the last ' and .') Example: The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. In the UK, the Oxford Comma is less common. Imagine I'm worried about a library book that is due tomorrow: I'm not finished reading it; moreover, I left it at Steve's house. Participial Phrases in the Middle of a Sentence Participles or participial phrases placed in the middle of a sentence must be separated with commas only when the information is NOT essential to the meaning of . This indicates that the clauses are to be read separately. That is, sometimes there's no option. On the other hand, it might be best to wait until next week. With lists, if there are just two list items, don't use a comma before the conjunction. The rules for using a comma before a conjunction like "and," "or," and "but" are not simple because it depends how the conjunction is being used and what . . Imagine, for a moment, that you have just finished doing three chores. Answer (1 of 5): You don't . 2. Here are some sentences which correctly use—or don't use—commas before "such as." Think about whether the clauses are restrictive or nonrestrictive and how this has informed the comma usage. With three or more list items, use a comma if you're an American. (The comma is optional if the clauses are short and closely related: "Lightning appeared and thunder soon followed.") ; Commas should be used before and when joining two independent clauses or when compiling a list. Rule #3. When separating two independent clauses, always use a comma. Here are some examples of the ways we use them: The pet store has cats, dogs, hamsters, fish, and turtles. He had to take care of two dogs, Jane and Louis. b. A comma generally precedes a conjunction that joins two independent clauses. (There are other coordinating conjunctions, but these three are by far the most common.) More Examples. () (The comma before "and" is called a "serial comma" or an Oxford Comma.) The comma before the word and in a list of three or more things is the Oxford comma. Comma Before And That Joins Two Independent Clauses. I take that to mean constructions like: * Two of the colors in the flag are red and blue. Therefore, you shouldn't use a comma before but. ; Oxford commas are also known as serial or Harvard commas. Examples: The date was June 12, 1999. For example: I like burger, shake, and fries. She sneezed unusually loudly during the mayor's speech. 17. Here are some examples: However, she didn't love him back. Example: Old McDonald had a pig, a dog, a cow and a horse. There are more usages of a comma, for example, how adding or removing comma before and after a name changes the meaning of the sentence — In this Grammar.com article we'll learn how to correctly use commas when referring to someone in a sentence. 1. (The comma before the and in a list of three or more items is optional. Part of the problem is that there is a lot of bad advice out there. Are you using "so" as a subordinating conjunction? A compound sentence is composed of at least two independent clauses. If you leave out the element or put it somewhere else in the sentence, does the essential meaning of the sentence change? This final comma is called a serial or Oxford comma, because it used to be standard in British English but not in American English. Which is your favorite? Your list might be made up of nouns, as in the example above, but it could also be made up of verbs, adjectives, or clauses. Comma Before the and. In British usage, there is no comma before the conjunction (such as and or or) before the last item in the series. Examples of Comma Use. (Choose the option you like best and stick to it.) For your example, both with a comma and without a comma are correct. Let's suppose that the expression for example belongs to the group of expressions commonly called "transitions" or "transitional phrases." A. Put a comma after introductory words, phrases, and clauses. Is There Always a Comma before "But"? Example: When asked if he had studied for the test, Paul replied, "Only a little," and his grade showed it! This is somewhat of a stylistic choice. When you use "which" to ask a simple question, you don't need a comma. Rule: Use commas before and after nonessential words, phrases, and clauses, that is, elements embedded in the sentence that interrupt it without changing the essential meaning. That means if "and" connects two single words, you can't insert a comma in front of it. And, honestly, I don't understand the answers that say "yes." You state that there are only two examples listed. A) Use a comma after the state if you spell out the name of the state. Deciding whether to use a comma before which, where, or who means determining the function of the relative clause. There are more usages of a comma, for example, how adding or removing comma before and after a name changes the meaning of the sentence — In this Grammar.com article we'll learn how to correctly use commas when referring to someone in a sentence. I'm not finished reading it is a main clause, and I left it at Steve's house is a main clause, so I need a semicolon before moreover and a comma after it. Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day… Rule 2 - Use a comma before and after introductory words such as namely, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they are followed by a series of . But I had a terrible addiction that I was trying to get over". Examples: I am traveling to Austin, TX to visit my sister. Used properly, commas make the meaning of sentences clear by grouping and separating words, phrases, and clauses. With two list items, don't use a comma. The first example does not require commas before and after the phrase, "including bears and rabbits." Is it grammatically correct to put a comma before "and"? We often use commas with a string of adjectives before a noun. Answer (1 of 7): Your wording of the question suggests that you are approaching commas in the wrong way. When should you use a comma? Main Comma Before And Takeaways: A comma is a form of punctuation that indicates a pause in a sentence and separates items in a list. Examples: Which flavor is your favorite? Look at this example. 1. In fact, the comma is one of the most important and commonly used types of punctuation. If the participial phrase is before the main clause, put the comma after the participial phrase. Mammals, including dolphins and humans, are warm-blooded. 20. For example, compare: . A comma generally precedes a conjunction that joins two independent clauses. Complex sentences are sentences that have two clauses. "We drove to the beach, but we left since the parking lot was full." One of the most common comma placement errors is the usage of a comma after a conjunction rather than before: "Nancy's schedule was very busy but, she always made time to go to the gym." Therefore, NO comma belongs before and. An indirect question has been rewritten in a declarative style that doesn't require a question mark. An Oxford Comma is a comma used before the conjunction (typically 'and') before the last list item in a list of three or more items. The definition of an appositive is a word or word group that defines or further identifies the noun or noun phrase preceding it.. Rule: When an appositive is essential to the meaning of the noun it belongs to, don't use commas. In the US, the Oxford Comma (also called 'the serial comma') is standard. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when you join two independent clauses. Commas are used to separate list items. Examples: Yes, I do need that report. I would go for a walk but for the rain. An example where the comma is required: He spoke gently, as if to a frightened child. Here's a more useful way to re-think the question. Sentences with Positive Verbs. comma / no comma? Comma Rule 2: Use commas to separate three or more elements in a series. With lists, if there are just two list items, don't use a comma before the conjunction. "For example" should use commas except when it would make the sentence harder to read. She was born in San Diego, California, in 1980. Whether a comma is used between them depends on the types and positions of the clauses. With the comma, the author is saying that they like all animals, then giving cats and dogs as examples. (This comma use is correct, because it is an example of extreme contrast.) 3 examples of no comma before with. ; Commas should be used before and when joining two independent clauses or when compiling a list. When the main clause of a sentence contains a positive verb, inserting a comma before because makes what follows nonessential to the meaning of the sentence: Alex ordered the book online. Examples. If you can't reverse the order, you don't need a comma. Susan loves her cat, and she lets it sleep in her bed. When the information is extra and the sentence is clear without it, you put a . (Adverbs of manner, place, and time often go at the ends of clauses. Rule #3: Use a Comma Before a Quotation He had to take care of two dogs, Jane, and Louis. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. 6. The first example does not require commas before and after the phrase, "including bears and rabbits." The proper place for the comma is before the conjunction. An independent clause is one that works as a full sentence on its own. The English language uses a comma to separate three or more items in a series. When the conjunction joins two or more independent clauses, put a comma before the conjunction: The supervisor reported the misbehavior, but the personnel committee ignored the evidence and refused to terminate the employee. Your example (WITHOUT comma): "While I was visiting the zoo, I saw many different animals like zebras, giraffes, and more." Without the comma before "like," it would mean that the zebras, giraffes, and more draw attention from the many different animals, or it would mean that the many different animals are pleased with the zebras, giraffes, and . Use the Oxford or serial comma before the last item in a list to clarify the list. "I walked over to the pub with my favourite beer inside. That girl is obsessed with commas, semicolons, and em dashes. Consider the following examples to see how commas can change a sentence's meaning: Sentence: The . Without them, sentences would just be messy! There can be two independent clauses (each having a subject and predicate), or an independent clause and dependent clause (missing a subject or predicate). When to put a comma before "and" When separating a dependent clause from an independent clause, never use a comma before "and". If the participial phrase is in the middle of the sentence, the participial phrase requires a comma before and after it. While it is common practice to do . A comma separates words, not letters. Old McDonald had a pig, a dog, a cow, and a horse. For example: I like burger and fries. When the noun preceding the appositive provides sufficient identification on its own, use commas around the appositive. Grammar is boring, but necessary. 19. There is an exception (there's always an exception): If the two independent clauses (compound . Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet) that links two independent clauses. For example, without a comma, the words in the phrase 'macaroni and cheese' can easily be lumped together, referring to one item rather than the two separate items that were intended. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew. With three list items, use a comma between the list items and before the 'and' (or whatever conjunction) if it's your local convention. The rule is very clear, here. In the US, many style guides suggest that you should use "that" rather than "which" for restrictive . Writers use it to separate the last item in a list to avoid uncertainty or misunderstandings. In a list of three or more elements, place a comma after each element. . ———— Serial Commas. There are strict rules that govern when you can (and can't) use commas. (The comma before the and in a list of three or more items is optional. It's also called the Serial comma. Your list might be made up of nouns, as in the example above, but it could also be made up of verbs, adjectives, or clauses. Both conventions can cause ambiguity. Should I put comma before and? For example: I like burger, shake, and fries. Adding a conjunction like and or but after the comma in the sentence above doesn't really make sense. Comma Rules. As a rule of thumb, if you can reverse the order of the adjectives, use a comma. ; Oxford commas are also known as serial or Harvard commas. He knew that all he had to do was get to the other side. 2:46 min read 134,006 Views Ramya Shankar . Examples of the comma before and, so, yet and or. With three or more list items, use a comma if you're an American. He was born in St. In the examples above, the serial or Oxford comma appears after the words "showered" and "cards." Some style guides , such as the AP Stylebook, don't require the Oxford comma, but for the most part, using the Oxford comma is a good rule to follow to avoid misreading the . Show activity on this post. . Examples: I am traveling to Austin, Texas, to visit my sister. The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. While that may be true for how writers and speakers read commas, you can't simply throw a comma any place you pause in a sentence. Commas go after each item except the last. And at the end of a list, well… that's up for debate. Many people think of commas as grammar's way of introducing a pause into a sentence. Look at the following example. These words are called relative pronouns. Sometimes, writers will drop the comma before the final conjunction in a series: The little old lady, the cop and I all went down to the precinct.
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