{"id":45536,"date":"2018-10-01T14:47:18","date_gmt":"2018-10-01T14:47:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=45536"},"modified":"2026-03-25T11:26:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:26:45","slug":"when-to-use-a-comma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/when-to-use-a-comma\/","title":{"rendered":"Commas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_KJ22lA_vNUM\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_KJ22lA_vNUM\" data-source-videoID=\"KJ22lA_vNUM\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Commas Video\" height=\"464\" width=\"825\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Commas\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_KJ22lA_vNUM:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_KJ22lA_vNUM {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/updated-commas-64bee47e54eea.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_KJ22lA_vNUM\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_KJ22lA_vNUM\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Commas\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_KJ22lA_vNUM\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_KJ22lA_vNUM\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_KJ22lA_vNUM\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction VuY_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"VuY\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"VuY_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"VuY\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#General_Comma_Functions\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">General Comma Functions<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Direct_Address\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Direct Address<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Dates\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Dates<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Locations\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Locations<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Separating_List_Items\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Separating List Items<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Connecting_Independent_Clauses\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Connecting Independent Clauses<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Separating_Certain_Adjectives\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Separating Certain Adjectives<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label><input id=\"FAQs\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<p>Are you ever writing a <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/intro-to-sentence-types\/\">sentence<\/a> and realize that you aren\u2019t sure why you have to write it a specific way? Maybe, you\u2019re proofreading your paper and come across a punctuation mark, and you\u2019re not sure if, or why, that\u2019s what goes there.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"General_Comma_Functions\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>General Comma Functions<\/h2>\n<p>\nA comma is a <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/consistency-in-punctuation\/\">punctuation mark<\/a> used to separate words, ideas, and phrases. A punctuation mark is a symbol or sign used to direct the reader\u2019s understanding of a sentence. For example, we use periods to mark the end of a sentence, exclamation points to show excitement, and question marks to show that the sentence should be read as a question. <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/common-comma-functions\/\">Commas<\/a> function as a sort of <strong>pause<\/strong> between parts of a sentence rather than as an end or as a question. Commas are usually placed in the sentence where you would most naturally take a breath if you were reading the sentence aloud. We also use commas to add emphasis to our writing, to make the reader pause and think about what is being read, and to allow for more information to be said in the clearest way possible.<\/p>\n<p>Today, we\u2019ll look at how and why you should use commas.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Direct_Address\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Direct Address<\/h2>\n<p>\nIn writing and speech, we use commas when giving a direct address to someone. A direct address is simply when you are directing your sentence to a specific person. For this reason, a comma must come either immediately before or after the address is made. Placement of the comma will just depend on when the address is made in the sentence. <\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s look at a couple of examples:<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Example_1\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Example 1<\/h3>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">Mom, are you picking me up from school?<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this example, you would place your comma after the word <em>Mom<\/em> to add clarity to the sentence and to specify that it is Mom you are speaking to. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Example_2\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Example 2<\/h3>\n<p>\nIf we change the structure of the sentence, it might look something like this:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">Are you picking me up from school, Mom?<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this one, the comma comes directly before <em>Mom<\/em>. By placing the comma before <em>Mom<\/em>, you are showing that the question is directed toward Mom rather than someone else. <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Example_3\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Example 3<\/h3>\n<p>\nHere\u2019s a third way you could use commas for a direct address in your sentence:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">Hey, Mom, are you picking me up from school?<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn each of these examples, a comma is used to show that the question is directed to Mom. If you didn\u2019t use your comma(s), it would be confusing as to whom your sentence was directed. This is an example of using commas for clarity in your writing.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Dates\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Dates<\/h2>\n<p>\nYou should also use a comma when writing dates. When writing the month, day, and year in the middle of a sentence, you will use commas to separate each piece of information.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Example_1\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Example 1<\/h3>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">Today, Friday, September 14, 2018, is the day Mom will pick me up from school.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nYou need to use a comma when writing your date because without one, your sentence becomes too congested with numbers and words, and it becomes more difficult to read. Using commas when writing the date also allows for interrupting information to be seamlessly included in the middle of a sentence without disrupting its flow.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Example_2\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Example 2<\/h3>\n<p>\nAs I\u2019m sure you\u2019re learning, the English language has many exceptions to its rules, such as this next one. If you are writing the date with just the month and the year, do NOT use a comma to separate the month and year. Additionally, you will NOT use a comma after the year.<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">My birthday will happen in September 2018.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this example, it would disrupt the flow of the sentence to include a comma and force a pause where one is not necessary.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Locations\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Locations<\/h2>\n<p>\nWhen writing locations, a comma should be used to separate cities from states and to separate cities from countries. A comma is used at this time to show that the city is part of something larger, a state or country. Additionally, commas are used to separate counties and states as well as countries and continents. Let\u2019s look at some examples:<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Example_1\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Example 1<\/h3>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">Mary is from Houston, Texas.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this example, we used a comma to separate a city from a state.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Example_2\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Example 2<\/h3>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">She has been to Paris, France, but she has not been to Paris, Texas, United States of America.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this example, we use a comma to separate a city from a country and to separate a city, state, and country.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Example_3\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Example 3<\/h3>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">She lives in Harris County, Texas.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nHere, a comma is used to separate a county and a state.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Example_4\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Example 4<\/h3>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">Mary has a friend from Ghana, Africa.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nLastly, we use a comma to separate a country from a continent.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Separating_List_Items\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Separating List Items<\/h2>\n<p>\nAnother time you\u2019ll want to use a comma is when you\u2019re writing and using a listing method to describe certain objects or situations. When this happens, you\u2019ll want to use commas to separate items in your list. By separating items in a list with a comma, your sentence(s) can be read clearly, and you won\u2019t become tongue-tied when reading. Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">While at the grocery store Mom bought apples bananas beans bread water and ice cream.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this example, commas are nonexistent. When you begin to write your sentence and you want to include a list, be sure to go in and add your commas. Let\u2019s see what that looks like:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">While at the grocery store, Mom bought apples, bananas, beans, bread, water, and ice cream.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nWow, that looks so much better, don\u2019t you think? By using commas in your lists, each item is perfectly distinguished from the next. Each time you write a list of three or more things, you\u2019ll want to include your commas so as to maintain the flow of the sentence.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Connecting_Independent_Clauses\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Connecting Independent Clauses<\/h2>\n<p>\nYou\u2019ll want to use a comma when adding a <strong>conjunction<\/strong> (<em>and<\/em>, <em>if<\/em>, <em>or<\/em>, <em>but<\/em>, <em>yet<\/em>, etc.) to combine two independent clauses. An independent clause is a sentence that can stand alone, meaning the sentence contains at least one subject and verb in agreement. In the case that you are wanting to combine two complete sentences, use a comma and a conjunction to get the job done! Here\u2019s an example sentence:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">Mom went to the grocery store. She bought apples and bananas.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nHere are two independent clauses, both containing subjects and verbs. Combining these sentences with a comma and conjunction relieves you of having to keep writing short, little descriptive sentences. By combining the two, you are adding variety to your writing. Writing with a variety of sentence styles is a great way to keep your reader interested and keep your work interesting!<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s try rewriting those sentences with a comma and a conjunction instead:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">Mom went to the grocery store, and she bought apples and bananas.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nThat looks so much better! We were able to combine two independent clauses, both having subjects and verbs, just by adding a comma and a conjunction. Now our sentences will read smoothly rather than being choppy like they were before.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Separating_Certain_Adjectives\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Separating Certain Adjectives<\/h2>\n<p>\nLastly, a comma should be used between two adjectives of the same weight, describing the same noun. This just means that if you\u2019re using two adjectives that roughly convey similar meanings, belong to the same category of description, and can be swapped in the sentence without changing the meaning, you should use a comma.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s work through some examples, together.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Example_1\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Example 1<\/h3>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">Mom only buys ripe, grown fruit at the grocery store.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nIn this example, <em>ripe<\/em> and <em>grown<\/em> are saying similar things about the fruit that Mom buys. One way to test whether or not the adjectives need a comma is to place the word and between them and switch their placements.<\/p>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">Mom only buys ripe and grown fruit at the grocery store.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0em;\">Mom only buys grown and ripe fruit at the grocery store.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nThe meaning of the sentence does not change no matter which way you write it. For this reason, you should place a comma between ripe and grown. If the adjectives do not describe the noun in the same weight, then a comma is not necessary.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Example_2\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Example 2<\/h3>\n<div class=\"transcriptcallout\">Mom picked up a bag of large old bread by accident.<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\nHere, you would NOT need a comma between large and old. The two adjectives, <em>size<\/em> and <em>age<\/em> describe different qualities of the bread that was bought. Because they are different descriptors, a comma would not be used.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>\nRemember, we use commas to add a pause to our sentences in order to make them clearer for the reader. When we have a lot of information to include in our writing, it\u2019s important to make it as easy as possible to keep up with. <\/p>\n<p>These are just a few instances in which you should be using a comma, and with enough practice, you\u2019ll get the hang of them!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"FAQs-spoiler\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align:center\"><span id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-list\">\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">What is a comma splice?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>A comma splice is when two independent clauses are joined by a comma. This is something that should be avoided; two independent clauses should be joined by a semicolon or a comma and conjunction instead.<\/p>\n<p> Here\u2019s an example of a comma splice:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u201cTori let me borrow her textbook, I needed it to finish my science homework.\u201d<\/p>\n<p> In this case, replacing the comma with a semicolon would fix the comma splice:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u201cTori let me borrow her textbook; I needed it to finish my science homework.\u201d<\/p>\n<p> You could also separate the two independent clauses:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u201cTori let me borrow her textbook. I needed it to finish my science homework.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">What is an Oxford comma?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>Also known as a serial comma, an Oxford comma is the final comma used in a list of items, always preceding a conjunction. In the example below, the comma used between flour and the conjunction and is an Oxford comma:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u201cJacob bought eggs, flour, and sugar to use in his cake mix.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">Does the comma go before or after &quot;but&quot;?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>When joining two independent clauses, the comma will always appear before the word <em>but<\/em>. Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&quot;I wanted to visit the park today, but I can\u2019t find my umbrella.&quot;<\/p>\n<p>When an independent clause and a dependent clause, no comma is needed before or after the conjunction <em>but<\/em>. Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&quot;She bought some oranges but forgot to buy apples.&quot;<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">When do you use a comma before &quot;and&quot;?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>There are two common instances where you would use a comma before the word <em>and<\/em>. The first instance is when you are joining two independent clauses, as seen in the example below:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&quot;Sarah threw the ball across the yard, and the dog chased after it.&quot;<\/p>\n<p>The other instance is known as the Oxford comma, or serial comma. An Oxford comma is the final comma used in a list of items, always preceding a conjunction:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&quot;I saw lions, giraffes, and snakes at the zoo today.&quot;<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">Where does the comma go in an address?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>If you are writing an address <strong>on an envelope<\/strong>, a comma should only appear between the city and state. Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>John Smith<\/em><br \/><em>1234 Example Drive<\/em><br \/><em>Atlanta, GA 30311<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Notice that there is no comma between the state and the zip code.<\/p>\n<p>If you are writing an address <strong>as part of a sentence<\/strong>, a comma should appear between the street and the city, and another comma should appear between the city and state. Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&quot;Marie Johnson lives at 5678 Pretend Avenue, Nampa, ID 83653.&quot;<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/parts-of-a-sentence\/\">Return to Parts of a Sentence Videos<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Return to Parts of a Sentence Videos<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":186251,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-45536","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-parts-of-a-sentence-videos","7":"page_category-video-pages-for-study-course-sidebar-ad","8":"page_type-video","9":"subject_matter-english"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45536","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45536"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45536\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":281837,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45536\/revisions\/281837"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/186251"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45536"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}