Comma rules make punctuation a lot more sensible. The correct use of commas helps insert pauses in sentences. Commas are there to give a customary or brief pause.
How to Use a Comma?
Let us have a look at how to use a comma in different situations.
Rule 1
Use a comma when you are trying to separate different clauses.
Example-1:
You can go to grocery store with me, or you can go to watch a movie alone.
Rule 2
Try to use a comma after introductory phrase or clause.
Example-2:
Near the bank of the river, police found a secret tunnel.
Rule 3
Separate items in a series by the use of the comma.
Example-3:
We bought oranges, mangos, and bananas today.
Rule 4
Use a comma to emphasize a nearby noun, also known as an appositive noun.
Example-4:
Pakistan Cricket Team, the underdogs, surprised everyone by winning the 1992 world cup.
Rule 5
You can indicate directly addressing a person using commas.
Example-5:
I think, Ronny, you are wrong.
Rule 6
Use the commas for the nonrestrictive clauses.
Example-6:
Jeff Bobby, whose songs you like, will perform today at the Madison Square Garden.
Rule 7
You can use commas for indicating direct quotations.
Example-7:
John said, “I dislike buses because they make you late.”
Rule 8
The use of commas for dates, numbers, titles, and addresses.
Examples:
Dates:
The year separates from the rest of the sentence with a comma.
Example:
On March 23rd, 1940, Lahore Resolution was passed.
Numbers:
You can put a comma in numbers longer than four digits. However, it is optional to use a comma within a figure four digits long.
Examples:
- 4,500
- 200,000
- 7,000,000
Titles:
In titles, you need to separate the title from the name in the sentence.
Example:
Jack Thomson, MD, has been appointed to the board.
Addresses:
Separate elements of place or addresses.
Example:
Please send this letter to David Graham at 385 Autumn Street, Washington, IL 61570.
Does the comma go before or after but?
It gets confusing when we think about using a comma before as, which, but, so, while. You do not need to get confused about using a comma before as, which, but, so, while. Make sure to remember that we use a comma when joining two independent clauses. Therefore, you will be using a comma when joining two independent clauses together.
However, you do not need to use a comma before as, which, but, so, while if you are not joining independent clauses. We are talking about two separate clauses if both are talking about two different things
