Comma Usage In English

Commas are one of the most frequently used punctuation marks in English, and they can be used to serve a variety of purposes. Here are some of the most common comma rules:

• To separate independent clauses. An independent clause is a complete sentence that can stand on its own. When you join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), you need to use a comma before the coordinating conjunction. For example:

I went to the store, and I bought some groceries.

• To set off non-essential clauses. A non-essential clause is a clause that provides additional information about the main clause, but it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Non-essential clauses are typically set off by commas. For example:

The cat, which is black and white, is sitting on the couch.

• To set off appositives. An appositive is a word or phrase that renames or identifies the noun that it follows. Appositives are typically set off by commas. For example:

My friend, John, is coming over tonight.