Commas 1
Video (from Youtube): How to use commas correctly, from WaysAndHow (new tab). (Watching time: 5m:04secs)
This video provides an overview of 12 general rules for using commas. Take the ideas that are helpful right now, and do not worry about the others until you need them. You might not quite agree with the way this video explains commas, and that is okay.
Separating describing words
It is easier to distinguish between one describing word and the next when there are commas.
For separating describing words:
Commas are used for separating describing words, to make the sentence easy to read.
Note: there shouldn't be any comma between the last describing word and the thing it describes.
In 1939 there were dark, ominous, portentious clouds hanging over Europe.
Here is an example that uses two sets of lists within one sentence, and separates them with careful use of commas. Note: This writer does not use the Oxford comma (explained below).
Plato believed that democracy encouraged certain inferior and undesirable character traits in society, namely shallow, egotistical and acquisitive citizens, who justified their selfishness, cowardice, insolence and wastefulness with lexical slipperiness.
Grouping different types of words
The way you can group adverbs, adjectives and nouns in your sentence list by using commas
For simple lists:
Commas are used to separate list items in a simple list in order to make the sentence easier to read. Note: Often there is no comma between the last two items if you use an and between them, although at times it may be appropriate (The comma when used before the final and is called the serial or 'Oxford' comma. [Discussed in the next section])
Qualities needed to become a top sportsperson include perseverence, confidence, focus(,) and discipline.
The following may be symptoms of pavor nocturnus: confusion, disorientation, panic(,) and dislocation.
Here is the same sentence as the one immediately above, with some slight differences in commas and word combinations. This is an example of how commas can be worked for more subtle meaning.
She held one beautifully crafted, perfectly formed, new flower in her hand
The Oxford comma, also Known as (AKA) the Serial comma
How grammarians argue about whether there should be a comma before the final "and" in a list, or no comma there.
The Oxford Comma: AKA the 'serial' comma.
Should you include a comma before the final and in a list... or should you not?
It is interesting how flustered some grammar nerds get themselves over it!
Turns out it is a matter of preference between England and the USA, and between style in different contexts such as university publishers and newspaper publishers.
Sometimes it matters (because it changes the meaning), but often it does not matter.
We found this neat lesson from TED-Ed
TED-Ed: The Oxford comma debate. (Opens in a new tab)
Instructions: Hover or tap the questions below to see the reason for the answers given in the quiz.
1. True of false?
You should never place a comma before the word "and".
False ✔
Why: A comma is not needed before an 'and', but it can be used there to bring emphasis or to make the meaning clearer. See more about the "Oxford" comma (or "serial comma").
2. Write this sentence correctly.
He depicted political carnage social turmoil and moral disharmony.
He depicted political carnage, social turmoil, and moral disharmony. ✔
Why: This list of items uses two-word (adjective + noun) combinations, (but you could also use adverb + adjective combos). Also possible: He depicted political carnage, social turmoil and moral disharmony. ✔
3. Choose the sentence/s that use commas correctly to finish this sentence.
The programme's supporters claim that it promotes...
confidence, participation, stamina and well-being ✔
confidence, participation, stamina, and well-being ✔
Why: One of these answers uses the Oxford comma directly before the "and", and one does not. Both options are correct (just as long as the meaning is not compromised by either choosing to or choosing not to use it).
4. Select the sentence that has the correct use of commas.
She fell in love with a tall dark handsome stranger
She fell in love with a tall, dark, handsome stranger. ✔
Why: When using commas to distinguish separate items in a list, there is no comma after the final item in the list.
5. True or false
Not every describing word in a list in a sentence needs to have a comma after it.
True ✔
Why: No comma needed after the final item in a list, and no comma needed between word combinations working as one idea (for example "gentle, low impact exercise"... no comma needed after the word "low")