D. Commas
Chapter
Commas
Many students are uncertain how to use a comma correctly. This is likely because commas can be used in a variety of ways. Look at some of the following sentences to see how you might use a comma when writing a sentence:
- Introductory word: Personally, I think the practice is helpful.
- Lists: The barn, the tool shed, and the back porch were destroyed by the wind. (Note — the comma before “and” in a list is called an Oxford comma and is an optional style choice, but be consistent.)
- Coordinating adjectives: He was tired, hungry, and late.
- Conjunctions in compound sentences: The bedroom door was closed, so the children knew their mother was asleep.
- Interrupting words: I knew where it was hidden, of course, but I wanted them to find it themselves.
- Dates, addresses, greetings, and letters: The letter was postmarked December 8, 1945, in San Francisco, California.
- Modifying phrases: Sam focused on the detailed brush work, consisting as it did of many tiny dots.
Commas after an Introductory Word or Phrase
You may notice a comma that appears near the beginning of the sentence, usually after a word or phrase. This comma lets the reader know where the introductory word or phrase ends and the main sentence (usually beginning with the subject) begins.
Example 1
Without spoiling the surprise, we need to tell her to save the date.
In this sentence, without spoiling the surprise is an introductory phrase, while we need to tell her to save the date is the main clause. Notice how they are separated by a comma. When only an introductory word appears in the sentence, a comma still follows the introductory word, as in this example:
Example 2
Unfortunately, she already had plans for that day.
Exercise 1: Look for the introductory word or phrase. On your own sheet of paper, copy the sentence and add a comma to correct the sentence.
- Suddenly the dog ran into the house.
- In the blink of an eye the kids were ready to go to the movies.
- Confused he tried opening the box from the other end.
- Every year we go camping in the woods.
- Without a doubt green is my favorite color.
- Hesitating she looked back at the directions before proceeding.
- Fortunately the sleeping baby did not stir when the doorbell rang.
- Believe it or not the criminal was able to rob the same bank three times.
Commas in a List of Items
When you want to list several nouns in a sentence, you separate each word with a comma. This allows the reader to pause after each item and identify which words are included in the grouping. When you list items in a sentence, put a comma after each noun, then add the word and before the last item. However, you do not need to include a comma after the last item. Also, the comma before the and is known as an “Oxford comma,” and although it is optional, it can avoid ambiguity.
Example 3
We’ll need to get flour, tomatoes, and cheese at the store.
The pizza will be topped with olives, peppers, and pineapple chunks.
We could add some ba