How to Use the English Comma

The comma is a very confusing little thing, especially in English. The biggest problemseems to be that there are very few firm rules about where commas must go. The main idea is to use a comma where there is a natural pause, but this can be tricky because the pause in speaking is quite different than the pause in writing. Students of English are not the only ones confused by the comma, native English speakers have trouble with them as well. Here then, for the student and native speaker alike, is a list of basic rules to help you put your commas in the right place.

For Separating Items in a List: This is probably the most well known and understood uses of the comma, though some people dont know all they should about it. Here is an example:

I can order beer in English, Spanish, Czech, German, and Italian.But wait, you say, why is there a comma after German? Were you taught there shouldnt be one before the word and? Well, usually it isnt necessary, so it is okay toleave it out, but in reality, it should be there. This comma is called an Oxford Comma, and though it is usually okay to leave it out, sometimes it isnt. Here is an example:

I went on holiday with Bob, Carol, Ted and Alice.Here, Ted and Alice are a couple, probably romantically involved. But with a comma (Bob, Carol, Ted, and Alice) they are not. Presto, one little comma can bring the end to a beautiful relationship!

Names and Dates: Commas are used in dates, for example: November 11, 1989, when writing a city and state (Prague, Czech Republic), and with names when a title comes afterwards (Jan Novak, Attorney at Law, Jan Novak, III, Jan Novak, Jr.). The comma in the last two examples is now no longer required, although the individual forwhom it applies may have a preference.

Combining Two Independent Clauses: Remember independent clauses? These are the parts of a sentence which can stand as sentences on their own. When you want to join two of them, you must use a conjunction (and, but, or, yet, etc.), and before the conjunction you must put a comma. For example:

The Prime Minister is a good runner, but he shouldnt have run for public office. There is a school of thought that says the conjunction is enough to join the clauses together, and that the comma here is not necessary. This works fine in short sentences, but in longer ones a comma should be used for clarity. Its best just to keep it in, as that way you cant go wrong. Remember also that almost never will there be a comma after the conjunction.

Joining a Dependent Clause to an Independent Clause: You know what an independent clause is, but do you remember what a dependent clause is? This is thepart of a sentence that cannot stand alone on its own. For example:

Finishing his beer, Joe left the pub, once again, alone. One of the most common uses in this case is to join introductory dependent clauses to independent clauses. For example:

Just before the Second World War, Churchill was a political outcast.

The dependent clause in sentences like this is used to set the time and/or place of the action.

With Non-defining Relative Clauses: I know you know what a non-defining relative clause is, so dont forget to put in the commas when you write one. For example:

The Czech Republic, which brews the finest beer in the world, will join the European Union in 2004.

But it is important to remember that you do not use them with defining relative clauses. For example:

The company that sold him the elephant is now bankrupt. No comma!

With Because: This can be quite tricky and misusage may lead to catostrophic results. Here are two examples:

President Bush knew the UN would be angry because of the unsanctioned war with Iraq.Here because tells us why the object of the sentence, the UN, would be angry.

President Bush knew the UN would be angry, because his advisors told him.Here because (after the comma) tells us how the subject of the sentence, President Bush, knew the UN would be angry. Here the comma is vitally important.

Showing Contrast: When wishing to show contrast within one sentence, it is necessary to use a comma between the clauses. Some examples:

The girl was very beautiful, however, her personality was terrible.The food was delicious, but very spicy.

Note that the word however usually uses a comma before and after, but this is a matter of taste and style, not grammar. It is okay to leave out the comma after however.

For Emphasis: If something is obvious, and you want to tell your reader that your know it is obvious, you can use words and phrases such as naturally, of course, and obviously. Commas are almost always used with these phrases. For example:

President Obama is, of course, an idiot.Naturally, President Obama is an idiot.Obviously, President Obama is an idiot.

These are the basic rules you will need to use the comma successfully. It is usually stated that when in doubt, use a comma, however, with Czechs, when in doubt, dontuse a comma. Now try your hand at the following excercises

Commas

Please put commas in the following sentences where necessary. Some sentences do not require a comma, but I wont tell you which ones

1. He was married to Julie Jill and Jennifer of course not at the same time.2. Liverpool who has recently signed Harry Kewell should have a fine season this

year.3. Liverpool should have a fine season this year because they have signed Harry

Kewell who is as you know one the best players in the world.4. I was born February 12 1962 in Houston Texas.5. Jane knew John had been home because he left an empty beer bottle on the

table.6. His business card read John Smith Ph.D.7. Naturally I was not fooled by his lie although I must say he seemed very

sincere.8. The four basic ingredients of beer are water hops malted barley and yeast.9. There are two basic types of beer lager and ale but there are many different

types within these two categories.10. While we agree with your proposal in general we must tell you our client

thinks you are an idiot.11.Set in Prague during communism the film is about a couple who spend thirty

three hours waiting in line for bananas only to find they are in the wrong line.12.The film was long but it was very interesting.13.Beer which is made from water hops malted barley and yeast has been

brewed for over 5,000 years.14. Not long after man climbed down from the trees he began to brew beer.15.She is a beautiful girl and she is a great cook.16.Pearl Harbor in what is now the state of Hawaii was bombed by the Japanese

on December 7 1941.17.Franklin Roosevelt who was the President of the United States at the time of

the bombing called the act dastardly and said the date would live in infamy.18.The next day December 8 Germany declared war on the United States.19.The United States became a member of the Allied Powers which also

consisted of Great Britain Russia and France though France had been defeated in 1940.

20. In the end everything turned out okay as the bad guys lost and the good guys won.

Commas