Punctuation: The Comma

To prevent the collision of the sentence and to prevent misreading we have to use comma. There are various rules to use comma, they are as follows:

·         Put comma before a coordinating conjunction like and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet. Coordinating conjunction helps to join the independent clauses. Comma directs the reader about the end of independent clause and the beginning of new clause.

·         A comma should be used after an introductory clause or phrase.  Here comma tells reader that introduction is over and the main part of the sentence is beginning. These introductory clauses usually answer the question when, where, how, why, or under what condition.

·         When three or more items are presented in series, those items should be separated using comma. We usually avoid comma for the last two items but it is better to use comma between last two items to avoid misreading.

·         While using two or more coordinate adjective in a sentence, we are suppose to use commas instead of and. However, while using cumulative adjective we are not suppose to use comma.

·         Comma should also be used to set off nonrestrictive elements, but for restrictive elements like adjective clauses, adjective phrases, and appositives comma should be avoided.

·         Comma is used to set off transitional and parenthetical expressions, absolute phrases and elements expressing contrast.

·         Comma is used to set off nouns of direct address, the words “yes and no,” interrogative tags, and mild interjections.

·         Comma is also used with expressions such as he said to set off direct quotations.

·         Comma is used with dates, addresses, titles, and numbers. Only if the date is inverted or the month and year are given, comma is not necessary.

·         To prevent confusion comma is used.

Before reading this chapter I use to think comma is use in only certain places to prevent long sentences. But now I have realized that use of comma is also a vast subject. Using comma between coordinating adjective is completely new thing to me. I have also learnt that we are supposed to use commas before coordinating conjunction.