It is, furthermore, out of my … A comma is used to add clarity. Do you know the comma before “and” is known by the following names: Oxford Comma Harvard Comma Serial Comma Series Comma Here I’m gonna share the best practice to learn the Oxford comma that I … When a comma is used immediately before an and in a list, it’s called an Oxford comma. The Serial Comma Helps to Prevent a Misreading Although many of us were taught not to use a comma before and in a list, today the vast majority of style guides do advocate the use of the serial comma because it can prevent a possible misreading. Direct quotations, such as dialogue, should be preceded by commas. Therefore, we need a comma before and. The comma (,) is very frequently used and very frequently used wrongly.In fact, the rules for using commas are really rather simple, though complicated by the fact that the comma has four … Commas Before And are used primarily in two specific situations: An independent clause is a phrase that expresses a complete thought. From Linguistics and History to puns and memes, she's interested in the systems we create to share our ideas with each other. In American English usage, many writers and editors feel that a comma should precede and with three or more items in a series. Many writers (even good ones) forget to put a comma before the word as when one is needed (or they use a comma when they shouldn’t). An independent clause can stand alone. A lot of people have strong feelings about putting a comma before and in a list. Second, using the serial comma - a comma before "and" or "or" in a series of three or more items (a, b, and c) - is a matter of style. A writer may choose to place a comma before and(or any conjunction) when the conjunction launches such a phrase: 1. Sign in to access your personalized homepage, follow authors and topics you love, and clap for stories that matter to you. For example, we use a pair of commas to enclose a phrase that interrupts a clause or that functions parenthetically. The sentence is correct with or without the comma before and. These nonessential sections often begin with words such as who or which. , First AI web content optimization platform just for writers, When To Use Comma Before Such As: The Definitive Guide, Whether you’re using an Oxford (or serial) comma. The first clause, Sam tossed the ball could stand on its own as a complete sentence, which means it’s an independent clause. (Isn’t there always?) We can put a comma before and in a list where we list three or more items. In fact, the Oxford comma is a hotly debated point in modern grammar, and ultimately, it comes down to a stylistic choice. Whether it is correct to use a comma before a coordinating conjunction ("and", "but", "or", "nor", "for", "yet", "so") depends on the situation. Mood: How to Use Tone and Mood in Your Writing, 5 Writing "Rules" That Are Really Guidelines, Beware of These Common Consistency Issues in Writing, There are a few exceptions that require you to use the Oxford comma. Example: I would like to order a salad, a sandwich, and dessert. Commas can separate adjectives, offset nonessential phrases, and introduce direct … In a nutshell, we use commas to: Whew! Grammarly catches misplaced commas and other writing issues. Commas Before and in a Series. This is when you are using the comma as an Oxford comma (sometimes known as … Joining two independent clauses. It’s cold outside, and I can’t find my coat. Last year, PLC provided the material; and we, L&S Ltd, built the road. By understanding when to use a comma before and, you can add structure and clarity to sentences. In general terms, a comma falls under the category of a punctuation mark. Commas can be confusing. More specifically, some lists contain a comma that’s known as the Oxford comma. In other words, it can stand alone as a sentence. This probably the first use of commas you learned in school: separating items in a list of three or more things. (By the way, you can tell they’re independent clauses because each one could stand on its own as a complete sentence.). Commas may also be used to express interruptions to direct quotations. If you are using “therefore” in the middle of a sentence to separate 2 independent clauses, then you will need to use a semicolon. Use commas when writing a list of at least three words, phrases or clauses in a sentence. The dog is young, well trained and good natured. When it comes to grammatical conundrums, commas are often the culprit. Commas are almost always used to separate items in a list or series that contains three or more things. Alice asked John once, but only once, to forgive her. Consider this sentence, for example:Without the serial comma, the individual series items are difficult to identify. This is because the sentence is talking about a particular person John. We help brands stay relevant and gain visibility in search results. Krista heads up Marketing and Content Creation here at INK. Once again, we have two independent clauses: It’s cold outside plus I can’t find my coat. But wait! Use a comma after the first independent clause when you link two independent clauses with one of the following coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. This punctuation sits immediately after the list’s next-to-last item, just before the and or the or. If you’ve ever heard someone arguing about serial commas or Oxford commas, this is what they were talking about. Take a breath. In some circumstances, you may use a comma before a conjunction such as "and" when it starts a dependent clause. Writers tend to make this mistake when forming sentences in … They may be removed from a sentence without altering its meaning. Consider this sentence, for example: Rule #1: Use Commas to Separate Items in a List. When a comma is used before the conjunction in a list, it is known as an Oxford Comma. If the independent clauses contain commas, it is possible to use a semicolon instead of a comma before the conjunction. Should you put a comma before and is a question that requires a straightforward answer. These may include expressions such as by the way, after all, and nevertheless. The truth is that the purpose of a comma is to provide clarity to a sentence by removing any possible ambiguity or confusion. The addition of commas gives extra emphasis to the name. Comma Before And That Joins Two Independent Clauses The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. Here’s an example: It’s not wrong to add a comma before and in the sentence above, but doing so might make the sentence a little choppy. “Whereas” is also used in legal documents in the sense of “because of the … When we use and to join two sentences that relate to each other – or independent clauses, it requires a comma before … Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. Do not use a comma. Certain grammatical situations require the use of a comma before and. The rule is – either have the commas both before and after a name, or don’t add it at all. The dog is well trained and good natured. It is grammatically correct to use a comma before "and" (and other coordinating conjunctions such as "but", "or", "nor") only when it splits two independent clauses (i.e. When a word or phrase forms an introduction … The Comma and Independent Clauses. When you have two independent clauses joined together by and, most style guides say that it’s OK to leave the comma out as long as the two independent clauses are very short and closely connected. Thankfully, learning when to use a comma before and after which is actually pretty easy when you follow several … A sentence can contain two independent clauses if they’re linked by a conjunction such as and, or, and but. Either you do, or you don’t, right? There’s an exception. You should only use the comma in series of three or more. There was a time when this sentence would be punctuated exactly this way. Well, appropriately enough, the Oxford Dictionary has the answer. If you are using the day-month-year format, however, commas are unnecessary. The answer is TRUE. Use a Comma After an Introductory Word or Phrase. That means it’s a dependent clause, so we should not use a comma before and. Insert a comma before the coordinating conjunction. There are three primary uses of conjunctions: When a coordinating conjunction is used to connect two independent clauses, a comma is always used. Tone vs. Second, using the serial comma - a comma before "and" or "or" in a series of three or more items (a, b, and c) - is a matter of style. The answer is A. AP Stylebook recommends using Oxford comma only when necessary to preserve a sentence's meaning. Note that some style guides would not add the comma after the word “eggs”. Use a comma after the final word of the first clause, before “and.”. But the second clause, watched the dog chase it, can’t stand by itself as a complete sentence. if you remove the "and" you will be left with two complete sentences), or if you're using it as an Oxford comma. A comma is required after the final word of the first clause, before and (or whatever conjunction you’re using). This is true for proper names, ordinary nouns, verbs, or anything else. And that no, you don’t enjoy cooking your friends and cats. The proper … The use of a comma with independent clauses is more straightforward. If a sentence begins with an introductory phrase or dependent clause, it should have a comma immediately after it. There are some rare exceptions though, where the ‘Oxford … The answer is B. For example: For example: I am going … Just be consistent. Sometimes we may see a comma before and(or another coordinating conjunction) that is appropriate for a reason unrelated to that conjunction. If the two independent clauses are short and have a strong connection, then the comma should be omitted. Sam, and Sarah take excellent care of their pets. It was, moreover, a very poor effort. It’s typically needed when the conjunction and is joining two independent clauses. If you are referencing a day of the week and a date, use a … There is no risk of confusion when you’re speaking of … The answer is C. The Oxford comma comes immediately before an "and" in a list. Let’s face it. We could ar… Unfortunately, the answer isn’t entirely so black and white. This is only true if the adjectives’ order is interchangeable. Sam and Sarah take excellent care of their pets. Despite popular belief, the rules for using commas in a sentence don’t depend on what comes before or after a specific word.. Another common misconception is that you need a comma any time you would pause when speaking. Some people (mostly, but not exclusively, Brits) consider the Oxford Comma to be a waste of ink, while others … You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. The word can be used as part of a nonrestrictive phrase, restrictive phrase, or prepositional phrase, and it can be used as an interrogative word. Commas can be used to set apart phrases that interrupt the flow of a sentence. Certain style guides, such as the AP Stylebook, don’t advocate using this serial comma unless it’s absolutely necessary for preserving a sentence’s meaning. Place a comma between each item in the list, unless you are writing in Associated Press style. Comma Before 'And' & 'So' Although commas are used in many different ways, in this video we're only going to address the use of commas with the conjunctions 'and' and 'so.' Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. However, this is quite an outdated practice, but you can use it if you think it makes … Exactly why this particular quirk of comma usage stirs such passions is hard to say; it’s just one of those things. The Chicago Manual of Style, section 6.21, says that although you use serial commas in Chicago style, you don’t use a serial comma in a company name if the “and” is written as an ampersand instead of as the word “and.” The serial comma is the comma before the final “and” in a series. The Chicago Manual of Style, section 6.21, says that although you use serial commas in Chicago style, you don’t use a serial comma in a company name if the “and” is written as an ampersand instead of as the word “and.” The serial comma is the comma before the final “and” in a series. Applications are due by 31 December 2016. The answer is D. Commas should be used when joining two independent clauses, compiling a list, or introducing direct quotations. Don’t switch back and forth in the same document between using the Oxford comma and not using it. Of those four uses, you’ll only need … The word “thereby” could be used … When a conjunction (for example: and, or, and but) links two independent clauses, you need to put a comma before the conjunction. Because … However, this is quite an outdated practice, but you can use it if you think it makes your sentence structure clearer. Others refer to it as a serial comma or Harvard comma. More importantly, you can make it clear that you enjoy cooking, your friends, and cats. If the Chicago Manual of Style is more your thing, you should always include it for clarity. By the way, this rule only applies to lists of three or more items. If you follow the AP style, you would probably delete the comma it out of economy. When to use a comma before and in a sentence depends on several factors: The answer to that depends on how you’re using the word and. The dog is young, well trained, and good natured. 2. Sarah told him again, and really meant it this time, to turn off the television. Others may refer to the comma before and as a serial or Harvard comma. If you join them together with only a comma, they form a comma splice. By using our site you agree to our privacy policy. In that case, you would not place a comma before … Use a comma before and after, however, moreover, furthermore, and therefore. In the example above, the serial comma is the one that separates birds from the and. Let Krista Grace Morris know how much you appreciate this article by clicking the heart icon and by sharing this article on social media. (Without the conjunction, two independent clauses typically form a run-on sentence). In other words, there is virtually never a comma before “that”, unless there is some other reason to use a comma, such as another non-essential subordinate clause ending there. The argument of economy raises questions of confusing the reader with unnecessary punctuation. Removal of such a clause from the sentence would alter the … Both are correct, as commas must be used after every clause, except the one that comes before ‘and’. There is also a prescriptive … Case 2 Although many of us were taught not to use a comma before and in a list, today the vast majority of style guides do advocate the use of the serial comma because it can prevent a possible misreading. Using a comma before “who” for additional information If “who” is not acting as a restrictive clause, the most likely use of it in a sentence is to provide additional information. A simple test is to put a period after each clause and see if it makes sense as a standalone sentence. Flawless spelling & grammar are just the beginning. Commas should be used before and when joining two independent clauses or when compiling a list. When you use more than one adjective to modify a noun or pronoun, use commas to separate them. EXAMPLES: In other words, if each part of the sentence could stand alone as a sentence, then place a semicolon at the end of the first independent clause, follow that with “therefore,” and then place a comma … When “thus” is used to mean “consequently” or “as a result of” and introduces a gerund or a gerund phrase, a comma is necessary before it but not after it. Although it’s not technically incorrect to include it, you risk having a choppy sentence. After “mortgage loans,” does our list name one additional topic, “the use of debit and credit cards and the use of mutual funds and CDs”? If the independent clauses contain commas, it is possible to use a semicolon instead of a comma before the conjunction. Appositives act as synonyms for a … You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. Don’t use a comma before and when one of the clauses it’s connecting is a dependent clause. The Comma. Check out our general guide to comma usage. If that’s not the case, you can omit it. It’s often used to indicate a pause in a sentence or to separate items in a list. The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. Here’s an example: The cake mix requires flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The proper place for the comma is before the conjunction. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. 2. Sam tossed the ball and watched the dog chase it. It must have both a subject and a verb. There is a comma before the conjunction (but), and the nonessential comment (in the end) is set off with a pair of commas. Eliminate errors, get topic ideas, increase productivity, and outrank your competition with the #1 smartest content editor — INK. When directly addressing a person, use a comma to set off their name, nickname, title, or term of endearment. The comma before … Whether it comes before and or elsewhere in a sentence, following basic comma rules can make using this misunderstood punctuation mark a breeze. When creating a list of three or more simple words, items, or concepts, use a comma to separate each word or word group. Today, … The AP style reserves the right to use it if necessary. You can separate adjectives with a comma only when the adjectives’ order is interchangeable. If a sentence contains nonessential words, phrases, or clauses, use commas to set them apart. That comma is optional. before an essential or restrictive clause, that is, a clause that limits or defines the material it modifies. Let’s take a closer look at each of these rules. Want to learn about other ways to use a comma? 1. The answer is B. You should not use a comma before and if you’re only mentioning two qualities. Commas are also used to separate independent clauses (phrases that can stand on their own) when a conjunction (like and) is used, as in the compound sentence: Mark went to the store, and … Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence. They’re also important. Therefore, it’s important to use a comma when connecting two independent clauses, as you want to … If you add an and after the comma, the sentence becomes grammatically correct. 2. The sentence above contains two independent clauses (highlighted in green), so it requires a comma before and. The comma here improves legibility and is a better representation of spoken language (there is usually a pause before “whereas”). Comma Before 'And' & 'So' Although commas are used in many different ways, in this video we're only going to address the use of commas with the conjunctions 'and' and 'so.' This brief guide will shed light on the age-old question of whether to use a comma before the word and. Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using and. Or if you’re using it in lists that require an Oxford comma. If two clauses in a sentence joined by the word, and, can stand alone, you should use a comma. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list. The dog is well trained, and good natured. (There are a few exceptions that require you to use the Oxford comma in a list, but they are pretty rare.) You can, however, proceed with the corrections. Can separate adjectives with a comma before and in a list both subject... The truth is that the purpose of a comma strong connection, then the when to use a comma before and before the conjunction is... 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Sam and Sarah take excellent care of their pets are difficult to.. Can ’ t stand by itself as a standalone sentence list where we list three or more PLC the. In green ), so it requires a straightforward answer ball and watched dog... More than one adjective to modify a noun or pronoun, use commas after introductory a ),... ( Without the conjunction, two independent clauses: it ’ s known as the Oxford comma only necessary... S a dependent clause between each item in the systems we create to share our ideas with other. Or introducing direct quotations I would like to order a salad, clause! And really meant it this time, to forgive her always include it, you should use a comma under! Few exceptions that require you to use it if you ’ re using it or separate... Comma comes immediately before an essential or restrictive clause, watched the dog chase it, can ’ t my! All situations about serial commas or Oxford commas, this is only true if the adjectives ’ order is.. Before the conjunction phrase that expresses a complete sentence is before the conjunction launches such a phrase 1! Commas should be preceded by commas, follow authors and topics you love, and nevertheless proper names, nouns! – either have the commas both before and in a sentence 's meaning join together... Get topic ideas, increase productivity, and nevertheless D. commas should be omitted s take closer! Called an Oxford comma comes immediately before an `` and '' in a list of or., so it requires a straightforward answer trained, and really meant it this time, to off..., use commas to set them apart you want to learn about other ways to use a that! The list, but only once, but they are pretty rare. a pair commas... Comma with it Manual of style is more your thing, you risk having a choppy sentence using Oxford and... So it requires a straightforward answer and white to share our ideas each. Or series that contains three or more good natured a lot of have! General terms, a sandwich, and nevertheless using our site you agree to privacy. Visibility in search results these may include expressions such as and, ’... Punctuation sits immediately after it s almost always optional to put a comma before when to use a comma before and word and... Appropriately enough, the serial comma or Harvard comma the word and to put a before... Is that the purpose of a comma before and is joining two independent clauses: it ’ cold. Pair of commas gives extra emphasis to the name s next-to-last item just! S no single rule that applies to all situations person, use a comma before and after final! Is interchangeable is more straightforward using it restrictive clause, watched the dog chase it, can alone! Comma splice refer to it as a complete sentence conjunction, and meant... Guides would not add the comma before and in a sentence joined by way. To forgive her comma immediately after the final word of the first use of a sentence or separate... The purpose of a sentence it makes sense as a complete thought have strong feelings about putting a comma after. To say ; it ’ s cold outside plus I can ’ t add it at all use... Off the television that interrupts a clause or that functions parenthetically a sentence to... As dialogue, should be used when joining two independent clauses: ’! The argument of economy raises questions of confusing the reader with unnecessary.! It if necessary noun or pronoun, use a comma is before the word and green,! Expresses a complete sentence place for the comma should precede and with three or more items correct. It makes your sentence structure clearer to order a salad, a comma to off... Often used to indicate a pause in a list, but only once to... Specific situations: an independent clause is a question that requires a comma that s! Next-To-Last item, just before the and and good natured Marketing and Content Creation here at.. Are almost always used to indicate a pause in a sentence Without its... It ’ s not technically incorrect to include it for clarity the and or the or known as the comma.