Tips for Using Commas

The comma can be described as one of the most used punctuation marks in English writing. It serves the main function of separating sentences into manageable or understandable units and indicating when one ought to pause.

Here, we provide a quick summary of rules for commas in formal writing. In addition, we discuss the controversy of using commas before "but" or "and." 

However, please note that this is only for formal writing. In informal contexts, things are much more dynamic, and comma usage in ,such contexts may vary significantly from the rules that we provide here.

Even within research writing, comma rules that are applicable in one discipline may not be applicable in another. For example, while your lecturer ay require you use to the Oxford comma in your research paper, a target research journal may not. 

The following provides a brief guide to bear in mind when using commas in your writing.

When to use commas

1. Use commas to separate independent clauses that are joined by coordinating conjunctions: (i.e., and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.)

Example: He liked her, but he hated the way she dressed.

2. Use commas after introductory a) clauses and b) phrases

Example: After much heart ache, the two of them came back together again.

3. Use a pair of commas to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence, especially when that clause or phrase is located in the middle of the sentence.

Example: The girl, who likes eating only red Skittles, also only dresses in black

4. Use commas to separate three or more items included in a list or series.

Example: He likes mangoes, oranges, and apples.

5. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.

Example: The place where she lived was a wide, swampy delta.

6. Use commas to set off all geographical names.

Example: He lives in Manhattan, New York.

7. Use commas to set off items in dates (except the month and day).

Example: July 4, 1776, is one of the most important dates in US history.

8. Use commas to separate items in addresses (except the street number and name).

Example: He lives on 1722 North Aley Street, Griffith, IN 46322.

9. Use a comma to introduce quotations

Example: He looked at her and asked, "Where did you put the orange juice?"

Do you put a comma before "and"?

There is some controversy regarding using commas before and for items in a list or series. In this blog, we dealt with that issue in a separate post. However, we don't mind going over it here once more.

In short, there are those who believe that it is perfectly fine to leave out the comma for the last item in a series. For example, style and punctuation guides like the APA support this rule. To illustrate this let's go back to Rule 4, where we state that commas should be used to separate items in a list. We will reproduce it here again:

Use commas to separate three or more items included in a list or series.

Example: He likes mangoes, oranges, and apples.

Here you see that the comma goes before the "and." The difference between those who agree that the comma should go before the "and" is as wide as the divide between continents on either side of the Atlantic. In other words, it's the difference between US and English conventions.

In the US, it is typically expected that the comma goes before the and for items in a list, whereas in UK English, it is understood that it is not needed, as long as the meaning is clear. A comma that goes before the "and" is referred to as the Oxford comma or serial comma.

When to use an Oxford comma

Well if you are writing for a US audience in formal contexts, it would be advisable to use an Oxford or serial comma. On the other hand, if you write for a British audience, then you should avoid using Oxford commas. Moreover, it would be best to rely on the style guide of whatever publication you are writing for.

For example, if you are writing for a journal, they usually provide detailed style guides, including whether or not they accept the usage of Oxford commas. The Associated Press (AP) is decidedly against the use of commas, whereas the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) swears by it.

However, in addition to this rule, Oxford comma usage can also depend on the meaning that you are trying to get across. In some scenarios, the use of a serial comma can drastically change your intended meaning. For example, in our earlier mentioned example:

Example: He likes mangoes, oranges, and apples.

Example: He likes mangoes, oranges and apples.

In either case, with and without the Oxford comma, the meaning remains unaffected, and the only consideration you should worry about would be the style preferred by your target journal or audience. However, in the following example, the absence of the Oxford comma results in a drastic change in meaning:

Example: We went out with our two dogs, Kevin and Jake.

Example: We went out with our two dogs, Kevin, and Jake.

In the first example without the Oxford comma, we can assume that the two dogs are named Kevin and Jake. However, in the second example, it's obvious that Kevin and Jake are actually human friends! So, this is an obvious case, where using or leaving out Oxford commas has a significant effect on the meaning of a sentence.

Does the comma go before "or" after "but"?

Now, this might seem to be a question with an obvious answer. However, it is a question that many persons with English as a second language (ESL) find difficulty with. We are often advised to use a comma where a pause is indicated. While this may seem like common sense advice, there are cases where it may lead to disaster.

To illustrate the point, let's look at Rule 1:

1. Use commas to separate independent clauses that are joined by coordinating conjunctions: (i.e., and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.)

Example: He liked her, but he hated the way she dressed.

Because there is a natural pause after "but," an ESL student or just any student may struggle to figure out the appropriate place to put the comma. However, always remember, the comma always goes before the coordinating conjunction separating two independent clauses.

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Commas are among the most widely used punctuation marks in English writing. Care should be taken when using. Always consider the style guide of your target journal and always have a reference on hand to make sure that you are using it properly. Good luck with your research writing!

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Cite this EminentEdit article

Antoine, M. (2024, August 26). Quick Tips on Comma Usage.