Commas

This section provides a guide to the correct usage of commas. Commas are essential punctuation marks that help clarify the meaning of sentences. They can separate items in a list, link related clauses, or provide clarity in more complex sentences. Understanding when and how to use commas properly will improve the flow and readability of your writing.

Commas in Lists

Commas are commonly used to separate items in a list of things, making each element distinct. This ensures that readers can easily identify the items being mentioned.

Examples of commas in lists:

• The picnic basket contained sandwiches, apples, drinks, napkins, and plates.
• We visited France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Germany during our summer holiday.
• Her hobbies include painting, cycling, swimming, and photography.

Note that in British English, the comma before "and" (the Oxford comma) is optional, though it can be used for clarity in more complex lists.

Commas with Adjectives

When multiple adjectives are used to describe a noun, commas are placed between them. However, if the adjectives form a pair that modifies the noun together, no commas are needed.

Examples with commas:

• She wore a bright, colourful, patterned dress.
  (Each adjective is independent, so commas are used to separate them.)
• It was a warm, sunny day.
  (The adjectives 'warm' and 'sunny' work together to describe 'day', so no comma is needed.)

Commas in Complex Sentences

In complex sentences, a main clause is joined with one or more subordinate clauses. When these clauses are linked, commas are often used, especially if the subordinate clause comes before the main clause or interrupts it.

Examples of commas in complex sentences:

• Anna, who loves to read, finished the novel in just two days.
  (The subordinate clause 'who loves to read' is additional information, so it is set off by commas.)
• The museum, which opened last year, has already gained international recognition.
  (The clause 'which opened last year' provides extra details about the museum.)

Avoiding Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses (complete thoughts) are incorrectly joined by a comma. This can make sentences feel disjointed or confusing. Instead of using a comma, you can use a full stop, a connective, or a semi-colon to properly link the clauses.

Example of a comma splice:

• The rain started to pour, we decided to stay indoors.

This is incorrect because both parts of the sentence could stand alone as complete thoughts. The comma between them is a mistake.

Corrected versions:

• The rain started to pour. We decided to stay indoors.
  (Two independent sentences, separated by a full stop.)
• The rain started to pour, so we decided to stay indoors.
  (Use a coordinating conjunction, like 'so', to link the clauses.)
• The rain started to pour; we decided to stay indoors.
  (A semi-colon can be used to link closely related independent clauses.)

Practice Exercise: Identifying Comma Splices

Here is a passage with several comma splices. Identify the mistakes and correct them.

Passage:

I went to the market to buy some vegetables, I also needed to pick up some fruit. The weather was lovely, we walked to the park afterwards. My friend was waiting for me, she had already finished her shopping. I met my cousin at the café, she was reading a book.

Identifying and correcting comma splices:

1. Incorrect sentence:
   I went to the market to buy some vegetables, I also needed to pick up some fruit.

Correction:
I went to the market to buy some vegetables. I also needed to pick up some fruit.
(Separate the two independent clauses with a full stop.)

2. Incorrect sentence:
   The weather was lovely, we walked to the park afterwards.

Correction:
The weather was lovely, and we walked to the park afterwards.
(Use the conjunction "and" to join the two clauses.)

3. Incorrect sentence:
   My friend was waiting for me, she had already finished her shopping.

Correction:
My friend was waiting for me. She had already finished her shopping.
(Separate the two independent clauses with a full stop.)

4. Incorrect sentence:
   I met my cousin at the café, she was reading a book.

Correction:
I met my cousin at the café; she was reading a book.
(A semi-colon can be used here to link the closely related clauses.)

Tips for Using Commas Effectively

• Use commas to separate introductory elements: If a sentence begins with an introductory word, phrase, or clause, it’s generally followed by a comma. Example: After the meeting, we went for a coffee.
  (The introductory phrase 'After the meeting' is separated by a comma.)
• Avoid overuse of commas: While commas are important, too many can disrupt the flow of your writing. Only use them when necessary to avoid confusion.
• Commas for non-essential information: When additional information is added in the middle of a sentence (that isn't essential for the meaning), commas should be used to set it off. Example: John, my older brother, plays the guitar.
  (The phrase 'my older brother' provides extra information but isn't essential to the main point.)

By understanding the role of commas in lists, complex sentences, and clause separation, you can greatly improve the clarity of your writing. Proper comma usage will help ensure your ideas are presented in a logical and easily understandable way.