Commas

When to use a comma is perhaps the most frustrating aspect of writing for my students because of the inherent nature of comma rules. Many of the comma rules are arbitrary and a matter of style and this creates a lack of uniformity throughout the editing world. That fact shouldn't concern you much at this point because the HSGQE will only test you for the basic rules. Nevertheless, avoid sprinkling commas throughout your writing just to have them in there. Commas play a vital role to communicating through language and it will forever benefit you to understand, and master, its purpose in prose.

Here are 12 rules that you should know.

1. Use a comma in a sentence that contains two complete statements (independent clauses) that are joined by the conjunctions but, nor, or for.

    I really enjoy your cooking, but I'm not very hungry right now.

2. The comma is optional when two independent clauses are joined by the conjunctions and or or.

    She went fishing for pike, and he went shopping with his friends.

                                                        or

    She went fishing for pike and he went shopping with his friends.

3. Do not use a comma between an independent clause and a dependent clause.

    Everything is funny as long as it is happening to someone else. Will Rogers

 4. Use commas between the elements of a series of three or more words, phrases, or clauses.

    Eat, drink, and be merry.

5. Use commas between consecutive adjectives where the comma is essentially being used instead of the word and.

    An experienced, industrious, ambitious, and often quite picturesque liar. Mark Twain

6. Use commas to set off certain phrases and clauses.

a.) indicating contrast (antithetical phrases)

    The fool wanders, the wise man asks. Benjamin Disraeli

b.) parenthetical phrases (as if contained in parentheses)

    Great blunders are often made, like large ropes, of a multitude of fibers. Victor Hugo

c.) appositive phrases (Appositives are nouns or phrases that are placed next to a word to provide identification or additional information.)

    Benjamin Franklin,  American statesman, wrote that God helps those that help themselves.

d.) descriptive phrases or clauses that are nonrestrictive

My father, who is a lawyer, enjoys rap music.

e.) introductory words, phrases, or clauses

    In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one class of citizens to give to the other. Voltaire

f.) dependent clauses that precede the main clause

    If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know. Louis Armstrong

7. Use a comma between words that demand a pause or might otherwise be misunderstood.

    Out of sight, out of mind.

8. Use a comma to set off a direct address.

    Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you are a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. Mark Twain

9. Use a comma to set off a direct quotation from the rest of the sentence.

    Admiral Farragut said, "Damn the torpedoes!"

10. Use a comma to indicate omission of a word or words.

    When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred. Thomas Jefferson

11. Use a comma following the words for example, that is, namely, and their abbreviations (e.g., i.e., viz.).

    One era's artifacts become another's source of antiques; for example, moustache cups and chamberpots.

12. The comma following conjunctive adverbs (accordingly, furthermore, however, therefore, thus, indeed, nevertheless, consequently) is optional, depending on whether you wish to indicate a pause.

    Grammar books frequently do not explain rules of usage so they can be understood; indeed they are sometimes entirely useless!

Go to The Guide to Grammar and Writing section on Commas.

Return back to Grammar Rules page.