Asked by: Paul Berry

You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list.

Is it grammatically correct to put a comma before and?

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. if you remove the “and” you will be left with two complete sentences), or if you’re using it as an Oxford comma.

Which are the 4 rules of comma usage?

Download or print a PDF of these rules which also include exercises.

• Use a comma to separate independent clauses. …
• Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. …
• Use a comma between all items in a series. …
• Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses. …
• Use a comma to set off appositives.

What are the 5 uses of a comma?

The five uses of the comma are:

• Separating the main elements of a sentence from each other.
• Setting off a parenthetical element from the rest of the sentence.
• Separating elements in a series.
• Setting off dialogs or quotations.
• Other uses of the comma.

What are the 6 rules of commas?

To better understand the use of the comma, begin by learning the following eight basic uses:

• USE A COMMA TO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. …
• USE A COMMA AFTER AN INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE OR PHRASE. …
• USE A COMMA BETWEEN ALL ITEMS IN A SERIES. …
• USE COMMAS TO SET OFF NONRESTRICTIVE CLAUSES. …
• USE A COMMA TO SET OFF APPOSITIVES.

Do we need comma before because?

Because is a subordinating conjunction, which means that it connects a subordinate clause to an independent clause; good style dictates that there should be no comma between these two clauses. An exception can and should be made when the lack of a comma would cause ambiguity.

What are commas examples?

2. Examples of Comma Use

• The pet store has cats, dogs, hamsters, fish, and turtles. Listing things.
• I really wanted cereal this morning, but I didn’t have any milk. Connecting clauses.
• Well, if you really want pancakes, I guess I can make them. Creating pauses.

What are the 12 comma rules?

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• Use a comma to separate items in a list (but beware of the serial comma). …
• Use a comma to join independent clauses. …
• Use a comma to join a dependent clause and an independent clause. …
• Use a comma following an introductory word group. …
• Use a comma to interrupt a sentence or to provide additional information.

What are the 3 comma rules?

Since I made such a stink about it, let’s start with this rule:

• Use a comma between items in a series or list.
• Use a comma between two independent clauses separated by a conjunction.
• Use a comma between two adjectives preceding a noun.
• Your Mission.