Commas are essential in English grammar as they help to clarify meaning, separate elements in a sentence, and improve readability. Here are some key rules and examples to help you understand when and how to use commas correctly.
When to Use Commas
Separating Independent Clauses: Use a comma to separate two independent clauses when they are joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
- I was hungry, so I decided to eat.
- She likes to read, and he enjoys writing.
List Items: Use commas to separate items in a list.
- I bought apples, bananas, and oranges at the store.
Introductory Elements: Place a comma after an introductory phrase or clause.
- After the rain stopped, we went for a walk.
Appositives: Use commas to set off appositives (additional information about a noun).
- The author, J.K. Rowling, is famous for writing the Harry Potter series.
Nonessential Elements: Enclose nonessential elements (additional information that can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence) in commas.
- I saw a man (who was wearing a red hat) walking down the street.
Complex Sentences: Use commas to separate clauses in complex sentences.
- She was tired, but she continued working until midnight.
Examples
Here are some examples to illustrate the use of commas:
- I went to the store (to buy some groceries), and I saw my friend (who I hadn't seen in a long time).
- The movie (which was released last year) was fantastic, and I highly recommend it.
- She is not only (a talented singer) but also (a skilled pianist).
Related Resources
For more information on English grammar, check out our Grammar Basics guide.