Punctuation Time: Comma Confusion

 Note: This article was originally published May 17, 2020 on my now-defunct website for AMA Creative Solutions. I have completed the most minor of edits, so what you see is what was published (barring a glaring and obnoxious error).

Commas are one of the most misused (and misunderstood) punctuation marks. Not only are comma rules complicated, they also have a great deal of stylistic variation.

1. How they are used has changed over time.

I love complicated sentences with many phrases offset by commas and semicolons because many of my favorite literary works are from 19th-century England. Some people prefer the shorter, more concise sentences seen in US writing since the mid-20th century. We often develop our writing styles and grammatical preferences from the writing we love, which can also cause a lot of consternation between people of different stylistic origins.

2. There is a lot of variation in regional, professional, and personal styles.

Comma usage changes depending on where in the world the writer is from (or where they learned English) and if the work is a translation from a different language. Professional style guides, such as American Psychological Association (APA) style or AP (Associate Press) style, have different rules for how to use commas. Most professional organizations and publishing companies have formal style guides that describe how commas are used.

3. They are a kind of grammatical multi-tool.

At their core, commas are used to separate closely connected ideas and clauses. Some writers will use them to reflect a verbal pause, especially in dialogue or when the writing style is intended to reflect a spoken cadence.

Here is a general outline of common comma uses and rules. I will have some resources at the end to reference other grammar rules and more complex or unusual comma rules. You should always check your organization’s style guide if you are writing professionally.

Dependent clauses

Dependent clauses cannot be made their own sentence without changing the structure. They usually start with although, whenever, if, since, when, and because.

1. Use a comma if the sentence starts with a dependent clause
Example: When he washed dishes, he wore gloves and an apron.

2. Do not need a comma if the dependent clause comes after the main clause
Example: He wore gloves and an apron when he washed dishes.

3. Commas are optional if (a) the dependent clause starts with a preposition or (b) the dependent clause is short
(a)Example: In the cupboard are three boxes of cookies.
(b)Example: When lost she opens her GPS.

4. Always use commas if it will clarify the sentence’s meaning.
Example: Last Tuesday, courses were canceled.

Independent clauses

Independent clauses can stand on their own if they are removed from the sentence.

1. You usually do not need a comma if the subject is not in front of the second verb, but you should use one if it makes the sentence easier to understand.
Example: She ate cake and drank milk.

2. Use a comma at the end of the first clause if you are linking two independent clauses with a connector, such as and, but, or.
Example: I want to go to the library, but it is storming.

3. A comma splice is when a writer uses a comma where a period should be. Usually, they are connecting two independent clauses without showing how they are related.
Example: I fed the pets, I went for a run.

>> Add a preposition to the second clause.
Example: I fed the pets, then I went for a run

>> Make them two separate sentences.
Example: I fed the pets. I went for a run.

>> Add a preposition before the first clause.
Example: After I fed the pets, I went for a run.

Lists

Commas are used to separate items in a list of three or more. There is some considerable debate over whether there should be a comma placed after the second to last item, which is called the Oxford comma or serial comma.
Example: Shelby wore a dress, boots and a scarf.
Example: Shelby wore a dress, boots, and a scarf.

1. If you are writing in a professional capacity, check your style guide. Most organizations will have a preference for the serial comma.

2. If you are writing without a style guide, your primary goal should be clarity. I prefer the serial comma in my personal writing, but many find it unnecessary.

Separating adjectives

You should use commas to separate interchangeable adjectives.
Example: She stared in apprehension and the dingy, old house.
Example: He was impressed by the amenities offered by the expensive summer camp.

Quotations & dialogue

Quotations and dialogue are used in different ways, depending on the kind of work you are writing. Always check your style guide to be sure you are offsetting your quotes correctly. Here are the general rules for comma use in dialogue and quotes.

1. Use a comma to introduce a quote.
Example: She said, “I want an apple.”

2. Use commas before and after a clause that interrupts a quote.
Example: “I’m not sure if you meant to,” he said, “but that hurt my feelings.”

3. Use a comma if the quote explanation is after a statement. Do not replace the punctuation if the quote is not a statement.
Example: “You’re welcome anytime,” Sam said with a smile.
Example: “What do you mean?” they asked.

4. Do not use a comma if the quote acts as a subject.
Example: I didn’t realize how badly “I dare you” would go.

Other clauses

1. Non-essential clauses describe a clearly identified subject, such as a unique person. They should have commas before and after them.
Example: John, my uncle, will be visiting next week.
Example: Alex, who uses a cane, might have trouble climbing the stairs.

>>In this example, Sarah being offset by commas suggests that the writer has only one sister. If Sarah is not separated by commas, her name is not non-essential information.
Example: My sister, Sarah, missed school today. (Sarah is the writer’s only sister)
Example: My sister Sarah missed school today. (The writer’s sister Sarah, as opposed to the writer’s sister Jane).

>>An essential clauses are phrases that describe non-specific subjects and should not have commas
Example: Someone who uses a cane might have trouble climbing the stairs.

2. Use a comma to separate a question from a statement.
Example: You fed the dog, didn’t you?

References
1. GrammarBook.com https://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/commas.asp
2. Purdue Online Writing Lab https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/commas/extended_rules_for_commas.html
3. The Punctuation Guide https://www.thepunctuationguide.com/comma.html