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Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

When does a comma before “and” apply?

Asked by: Lauren Martin

The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. The proper place for the comma is before the conjunction. On Monday we’ll see the Eiffel Tower, and on Tuesday we’ll visit the Louvre.

Is it proper to add 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.

What are the 12 rules for commas?

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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 4 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.

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.


How do you know where to put a comma in a sentence?

Commas (Eight Basic Uses)

  1. Use a comma to separate independent clauses. …
  2. Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. …
  3. Use a comma between all items in a series. …
  4. Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses. …
  5. Use a comma to set off appositives. …
  6. Use a comma to indicate direct address. …
  7. Use commas to set off direct quotations.

Do I need a comma in this sentence?

Common Comma Uses



The following are the different circumstances that require a comma be used. Use a comma before any coordinating conjunction that links two independent clauses. Use a comma after a dependent clause that starts a sentence. Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence.

Can you have 2 commas in a sentence?

You can use two commas for three items, or if you’re like me you obsess over the Oxford Comma. That’s the little comma that can be arguable both necessary and unnecessary, and is after the last item listed in the series. I think it’s crucial. Example: Growing up I had goats, chickens, turkeys, and geese.

What are the examples of comma?

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.


Do you put a comma after okay?


Especially when it's linked by one of these words of four. And nor but or yet or so okay second example where you would use a comma is when you have a list of three or more items.



Is there a comma after yesterday?

If it is used at the beginning of the sentence as an introductory word, then a comma is necessary. If yesterday is used in the middle of the sentence, then a comma needs to be omitted after “yesterday.” If “yesterday” comes at the end of the sentence, it should not be followed by a comma either.

Is there a comma after on Monday?

When the day of the week is provided before the month, the day of the week should be followed by a comma. When the date appears in the middle of a sentence, commas should appear both before and after the year. The store closed its doors for good on Wednesday, October 15, 1958.

Is there a comma between tomorrow and date?

In the Middle or at the End of a Sentence



Occasionally, you can place these expressions between commas to add emphasis or interrupt the sentence flow. I want to ask her out, maybe tomorrow, on a date. But place a comma before the day of the month when using a date format. The meeting will be held tomorrow, November 16.

Do you put a comma after someday?

If you have an introductory word (or two) that is being used as an adverb (usually answers the question of when, where, why, or to what degree), then no comma. If it’s being used as a conjunction, then go ahead and use a comma. For example: “Someday, I’d like to go on a cruise.” — This is incorrect.

What words do you put a comma after?

Comma Use



  • Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. …
  • Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.