English Comma Usage
Commas are used
I) seperate independent clauses The following conjunctions (so-called coordinating conjunctions) are used in such case: and, but, for, nor, or, so & yet¹ | The students asked for a second chance to rewrite the exam, but the teacher did not grant it. |
| II) after introductory a) subclauses b) phrases c) words | a) If you leave the door open, the dog might run away. b) As a matter of fact, I’m going on vacation to Hawaii next week. c) Unfortunately, he was convicted of a crime and put into jail. |
| III) when a) subclauses b) phrases c) words appear in the middle of the sentence. | a) Jill, who was sitting behind her desk, gave Tim a smile. b) We, as a matter of course, will contact your former employer. c) We have, however, found several severe errors. |
IV) to set off three or more words, phrases or mainclauses in a serious. | She went into the living room, sat down, and played chess on the computer. |
V) to set off two or more coordinate adjectives, that is, the meaning does not change when the order is altered. | We had to travel over several narrow, winding, treacherous roads. |
VI) at the end of a sentence in order to indicate a pause. | He was merely ignorant, not stupid. |
VII) to set off a nonrestrictive (also non-defining) relative clause². | Theodore Roosevelt, who was leader of the famous rough riders, became president in 1901. |
VIII) when someone is addressed directly. | Susan, can you help me do the dishes please? |
IX) when a direct quotation is included. | Descartes said,“I think, therefore I am.“ |
| X) to show an appositive³. | Bill Clinton, former US president, is still very popular in Europe. |
XI) in dates. | Yes, July 17, 1972, was the date of his birth. |
XII) seperate identical words. | How it is, is how it’s always been. |
XIII) in front of tag questions. | Bring me the tools, will you? |
| XIV) after digits indicating thousands. | 10,000 9,999,999 |
| XV) after a a) salutation b) farewell in letters. | a) Dear John, b) Sincerely yours, |
¹ Note that ‘but’ and ‘and’ do not take a comma when both are relatively short.
² restrictive relative clause= they tell us which person or thing, or which kind of person or thing, is meant;
non-restrictive relative clause = they tell us more about a person or thing that is already identified.
³ When an appositive is only one word, no comma is needed.
Thanks to Kai.
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