Commas

A comma marks a slight break between different parts of a sentence. Used properly, commas make the meaning of sentences clear by grouping and separating words, phrases, and clauses. It is recommended that the comma be used cautiously and wisely. It is used to connect new ideas to old ones, and to tell the reader when to pause a moment in their thinking (or in their speaking, if they’re reading out loud). In long sentences, it’s also used to separate clauses, so the reader understands which modifiers apply to which words, etc.

Use commas to separate items (words, phrases or numbers) in a series.

• I need to buy flour, eggs and butter for my cakes while shopping today.

Use a comma to set off introductory words, mild interjections or names at the beginning of a sentence.

• Well, that was an interesting movie!

• “Tom, would you please put the butter in the fridge?”

• Yes, there are fourteen days in a fortnight.

• Mr President, do you plan to change the carbon voting?

Use a comma before and after interruptions in a sentence.

• The Easter Show, I think, is the best of all the craft exhibitions.

• Mary, the teacher, worked at least ten hours a day.

• Will you, Angela, be able to finish on time?

• Her grandmother, Joan Elizabeth, was 102 years old.

• Mahatma Ghandi, the greatest exponent for peace, was a classic pacifist.

Use an ‘Oxford comma’ (or serial comma) to clarify list items.

• The pansies are black and white, red and yellow, and purple and black. (More than one in each category)

• My favourite sandwiches are chicken, bacon, and ham and cheese. (Ham and cheese is a single unit.)

Use commas to separate the following connectives from the rest of the sentence.

• In fact, Generally, Actually, Most importantly,

• Also, Furthermore, In addition, Additionally,

• Firstly, Secondly Thirdly, Finally etc.

• Meanwhile, During, While,

• Consequently, As a result, Anyway,

• First of all, I just want to say, After all,

• However, Although, On the other hand, In other words.