When to Use a COMMA (7 Ways)
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When to Use a COMMA
In addition to the obvious ways to use a comma, there are 4 additional times when using it are helpful. This video explains through the use of illustrated sentence examples.
Here is a transcript of the video:
Slide 1:
How to use a comma.
Slide 2:
The most common uses of a comma are
1. when writing a list:
e.g. The pens were available in blue, red, green, and yellow.
2. when writing a date:
e.g. January 1, 2020
3. when writing a large number:
e.g. 100,000
Slide 3:
However, there are other ways of using a comma that can make a big difference to how people understand what you write.
Note the following examples to add power and clarity to your writing . . .
Slide 4:
1. Use a comma to separate the two parts of a sentence where a question follows a statement.
For example . . .
Slide 5:
The picture shows the Eiffel Tower, looking up from ground level.
The sentence reads: We visited the Eiffel Tower on the first day of our holiday, or was it the second day?
Slide 6:
2. Use a comma to separate an introductory phrase from the main point of the sentence.
For example . . .
Slide 7:
The picture shows a woman holding an umbrella, waiting in the rain.
The sentence reads: In spite of the fact it was raining, she still went to meet her friend.
Slide 8:
3. Use a comma to separate words that are inserted to explain a preceding word or phrase.
For example . . .
Slide 9:
The picture shows a flight of marble steps.
The sentence reads: The steps were completely clear, apart from the danger cone on the first step.
Slide 10:
4. Use a comma to separate explanatory or unnecessary words, that, if left out, would not change the meaning.
For example . . .
Slide 11:
The picture shows a café with a closed sign.
The sentence reads: By the time we got there the café had closed, unfortunately.
Slide 12:
A word of caution – don’t pepper your writing with commas when they are not really necessary. This can irritate the reader.
A good guide is to read what you have written out loud, and take note of where you naturally pause. Probably that is where a comma is needed.
Slide 13:
Just remember the main function of a comma is to indicate which parts of a sentence are the most important, and which parts are supplementary, or not essential.
The comma is not there for ornamental purposes. Rather it is there to do a job, namely, to separate the various elements in a sentence to make the meaning clear.
That’s when to use a comma!
Slide 14:
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Go to: http://goodenglish.online
If you are interested in how to use punctuation correctly, be sure to check this page:
How to Use an Ellipsis
Image Credits Slide 1 & 5 - Eiffel Tower Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/6q5PQ5 Slide 7 – raining Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/cc81Hb Slide 9 - danger cone Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/brMWNa Slide 11 - cafe closed Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/YXhx8q Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode
