comma before if necessary

“he asked with apprehension” is not necessary. We also need a comma when “if” is used after a mid-sentence transition phrase such as “for example” or “that is”. If the conjunction precedes an independent (main) clause, use a comma: “Jack tried a new diet, but he still gained weight.”. Main Comma Before Such as Takeaways: To determine whether you need a comma before such as, try removing the phrase starting with “such as” and see if the meaning changes. It’s important to use some sentences as examples to see whether this comma is really necessary or it’s just overrated. For two items, the use of a comma between elements of a list is forbidden. Without the comma, though the sentence wouldn’t necessarily be open to misinterpretation, it wouldn’t be as easy to parse. Nonetheless, although it is not necessary to use a comma before but or and in these sentences, it is not considered wrong to do so since we do, in fact, have two independent clauses in each sentence. Despite the fact that not all style books agree on this issue, we recommend using a comma after the next-to-last item in a series—the serial comma, as it is called (or the Harvard or Oxford comma). When the adverb is essential to the meaning of the clause, or if no pause is intended or desired, commas are not needed. It’s almost always optional to put a comma before and in a list. And, we also need to place a comma before “if” when it introduces a parenthetical remark either halfway through or towards the end of a sentence. Found inside – Page 1688... and comma ' whenever necessary , occurring in the first line be omitted . ... Times about a certain case that was argued before the Lahore High Court . Found inside – Page 220Separate words in a series by the comma , even when and connects the last two . 84. Place a comma before a relative clause if the clause is not needed to identify the person or thing to which it relates . 89. Before an informal quotation place a ... The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation is filled with easy-to-understand rules,real-world examples, dozens of reproducible exercises, and pre- and post-tests. Do you know the comma before “and” is known by the following names: Oxford Comma Harvard Comma Serial Comma Series Comma Here I’m gonna share the b... The Case of the Missing Comma A related issue is the epidemic of missing commas after parenthetical phrases or appositives — that is, self-enclosed material that’s within a sentence, but not essential to its meaning. The predicate is the part of a sentence that contains the verb. "were no credit to be given" is equivalent to "if there was no credit to be given" but in the subjunctive mood, so "was" is changed to "were".Subjunctive is used to describe a counter-factual hypothesis - in this case, there was credit to be given. I am wondering if a comma is necessary before the who in the sentence. There’s no single rule that applies to all situations. Use a comma to separate items in a list (but beware of the serial comma). Found inside – Page 216Exercise 6.7: Comma before Conjunctions Add commas, if necessary, before the conjunctions in the sentences. 1. I wanted to go to the movie or the concert. In the main text of your written work, use a suffix that is an essential part of the name—like Jr. or a roman numeral—when you cite a person’s name in full. Found inside – Page 164Where the comma is placed before the first and also inside the last parentheses :This is a variation which seems scarcely ... similar to the above : the matter enclosed in them is not necessarily read , but merely inserted for reference if required . Terrified of using "who" when a "whom" is called for? Do you avoid the words "affect" and "effect" altogether? Grammar Girl is here to help! Mignon Fogarty, a.k.a. The states do not require or mandate the use of a comma between the title of your business and the corporation or … There are some words that you just have to hear in context to know the correct punctuation. Found inside – Page 41However, do not use a comma if the expression is essential to the meaning of the sentence. ... It is generally not necessary to use a comma before. In fact, I will go out on a bit of a limb, and say that there is no comma rule that relates to a specific word. Avoid splitting compound predicates. In general, just because you are including the word before, it is not necessary to precede it with a comma. In fact, I will go out on a bit of a li... Found inside – Page 712With very short clauses, writers sometimes omit the comma before and or or. ... Always use the comma if there is any chance of misreading the sentence ... If necessary, the airship can stay up there for days to keep out of danger. Can you spot where? The good news about the comma Use a comma before the conjunction when the sentence halves can stand alone. Don't use a comma before the conjunction when the second clause can't stand alone. Use a comma after the conjunction when it is followed by an interruption. You do use a comma before “because” if the dependent clause that comes after it is merely supplementary—or parenthetical—information. When to use a comma before and in a sentence depends on several factors: Whether the and is linking two independent clauses; If the and is separating items in a list or series; Whether you’re using an Oxford (or serial) comma; If a pause is necessary; What style guide you’re following; Use a comma before and when you’re joining two independent clauses. A2Aed. Not necessarily. It depends on your sentence. Usually, we don't put a comma before dependant words like because, until, unless, etc. Eg : Jo... Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not … The Rule for Using Commas with "Which" and "Who" When the information provided by the clause starting with "which" or "who" is required to define the person (or thing), then there are no commas. Commas are necessary before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that separates two independent clauses. Close. It depends entirely on the rest of the sentence. For instance, if there were an appositive phrase directly before the word before, you would need a... It’s necessary if it’s preceded by rising intonation, which is what a comma stands for in written language. Commas are especially important if the object of the preposition is a verb acting like a … It's one thing to put LLC or Inc, in your name, but is it proper to place a comma before them? At the End of the Day, Clarity Rules. We use commas while combining multiple phrases in one sentence or writing about different items in a list. Sentence 3 is a bit more complicated: You can substitute dark chocolate for white chocolate or any of your favourite type of chocolate if you prefer. I think it’s crucial. 4. The comma before the "if" is syntactically not necessary, but it helps break out a long sentence in a logical place. Learn what the rules of comma placements are and how to remember them here. Found inside – Page 221Use a comma before the connecting word in a compound sentence. If necessary, review the section on compound sentences (page 145) for correct punctuation. 11 Responses to “Punctuation Mistakes #1: Unnecessary Commas” Precise Edit on September 17, 2014 10:27 am. 2. If you leave out the comma, you should probably add clarifying information to the end of the sentence. The Oxford comma … Examples. The comma you mention in #7 is the serial, or Oxford comma, and there is disagreement over its necessity. Nonrestrictive clauses beginning with “such as” should start with a comma. Be careful, though: some subordinate conjunctions can also act in other roles. It's one thing to put LLC or Inc, in your name, but is it proper to place a comma before them? Found insideInstead, use a semicolon, add a conjunction, or if necessary, rewrite the sentence. Example Before Most of us are just out of college, we can't afford a ... We use it when we want to refer to something previously mentioned and then add or introduce more information. Is a comma necessary before because or is it fine with the statement? Here, the lack of a comma before the name indicates that it is essential – it clarifies who Jane is so that the mention of her name in the following sentence make sense. Commas—sometimes paired with semicolons—are traditionally used to set off adverbs such as however, therefore, and indeed. Is a comma necessary before because or is it fine with the statement? Found insideBook Blueprint gives a step-by-step framework that any entrepreneur can follow to write a great book quickly, even if they’re not a writer. An independent clause can function on its own without the rest of the phrase. Use a comma before the conjunction when the sentence halves can stand alone. Found inside – Page 56Always put the commas before the conjunction. instead of There are dozens of editing ... [comma before the conjunction but] You may omit the comma if the ... The comma is fine, but that’s not your problem. A truly efficient gasoline-powered engine remains, however, a pipe dream. That has more to do with the formatting of dialogue than with the word “which”. Which is a relative pronoun and determiner. Found inside – Page 108Ordinarily , use a comma ( two if necessary ) to separate from the rest of the sentence clauses introduced by such ... do not use a comma before clauses introduced by such conjunctions if the preceding clause is not logically complete without ... In many sentences, if there is no comma before as, then as means “in the way that” or “while.” When you insert a comma before as, its meaning changes to “because.” Many writers (even good ones) forget to put a comma before the word as when one is … Both the comma and the conjunction are necessary—if you stuck with the comma but omitted "and," you would have what's called a comma splice. The states do not require or mandate the use of a comma between the title of your business and the corporation or … More Examples of Commas Before Conjunctions. In grammatical terms, it’s “syntactically independent.”. The Oxford (or Serial) Comma: Using a Comma before “and” in a List. Do not place a comma before numbered suffixes: Place a comma before Jr. and Sr.: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. In this case, however, a comma is necessary to set off the clause begun by who. A dependent clause is a grammatical unit that contains both subject and verb but cannot stand on its own, like “When I… It’s the subject of both verbs, the one before and the one after the but.The answer, therefore, is that no comma is needed before the but.The rule for but is the same as that for the other six coordinating conjunctions: and, for, or, nor, so, and yet. Use commas in a series of three or more items. Perplexed by punctuation? Have no fear! This second Australian edition of English Grammar For Dummies explains everything from basic sentence structure to the finer points of grammar. Found inside – Page 88... first by author, then by initials and, if necessary, by title. ... This includes a comma before the final '&' in a list of authors. Don’t use a comma before which when it’s part of a prepositional phrase, such as “in which.” Don’t use a comma before which when it introduces an indirect question. The comma performs a number of functions in English writing. When subordinate clauses come at the end of the sentence, you don't use a comma. When they introduce an essential description necessary to the meaning of the sentence, the writer should not set the description apart with commas. How important is it to use a comma before a coordinating conjunction in writing these days? The comma before so is a little different. If you say that something will happen if necessary, when necessary, or where necessary, you mean that it will happen if it is necessary, when it is necessary, or where it is necessary. Is a comma necessary before the “who” in this sentence? Types of words, yes, but specific words, no. In general, you should put a comma before the word “but” when the word connects two independent clauses. (Nor is the rest of it) I don’t even have the context of what comes before it, and I can already tell that question is being asked with apprehension, so why waste words? The following sentences all lack a necessary comma. Found inside – Page 2406If the appropriate chief management officer determines that appropriate business process ... is amended by striking the comma before the period at the end . When should you use a comma? Restrictive clauses starting with “such as” don’t need a comma. The comma before and (or or) is called a serial comma or Oxford comma (because it’s used by Oxford University Press).It is used before the penultimate (second from the last) item on a list consisting of three or more items. This book provides a comprehensive review of all the question types, concepts, and skills covered on the Reading portion of the redesigned SAT. There are more usages of a comma, for example, how adding or removing comma before and after a name changes the meaning of the sentence — In this Grammar.com article let us understand how to correctly use commas with names. Here, the lack of a comma before the name indicates that it is essential – it clarifies who Jane is so that the mention of her name in the following sentence make sense. Use a comma before which when it introduces a nonrestrictive phrase. Comma Before And in Lists Example: This is the beach where we used to have barbecues every summer. The same rules apply for titles. Different languages have different rules about how to use commas. Found inside – Page 147Some writers omit the last comma in a series before the conjunction . Either way is correct . ... Use a comma , or two commas if necessary , to separate a noun of direct address ( vocative ) from the rest of the sentence . Edith , please outline ... Robert ordered the book online because he was running out of reading material. Provides guidelines and examples for handling research, outlining, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and documentation. Knowing when we need commas is only one navigation point; knowing when we don’t is another. The age-old argument between the Oxford comma and none always refers to those cases, as if AP Style would forgo a comma, but not to the cases wherein redundancy would be to include a comma&mdash:e.g. Normally, the last item in the series is preceded by … For example, “Every morning, I wake up at 6:00 am and then I make a cup of coffee.” As a writing teacher for international students, I see this kind of sentence all the time. Sammi wants to get a new haircut, so we are going to the salon on Friday. In this case, however, a comma is necessary to set off the clause begun by who. We'll show you how to use conjunctions, clauses, relative pronouns, and the proper way to use a comma after "and" with our comma cheat sheet. These clauses always use a comma before which. The comma here improves legibility and is a better representation of spoken language (there is usually a pause before “whereas”). You cannot use ‘that’. Confusing Grammar Answer: When you are using a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses and make a compound or a compound-complex s... When you use and or or, it is not necessary to use a comma if the clauses are short and logically related, such as in a cause-and-effect relationship. Found inside – Page 102If the independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction and one or more of the clauses contain internal commas , use a semicolon before the conjunction if necessary to prevent misreading . Otherwise , use a comma before the ... With “and” and “or,” the same rules apply, as you’ll see in the following examples: With a comma (independent clause + independent clause): Commas are needed before coordinating conjunctions, after dependent clauses (when they precede independent clauses), and to set off appositives. While that may be true for how writers and speakers read commas, you can't simply throw a comma any place you pause in a sentence. "Before" may, but need not necessarily, be preceded by a comma. * Trivial example - at the beginning of a sentence - no preceding comma: "Before I... Commas—sometimes paired with semicolons—are traditionally used to set off adverbs such as however, therefore, and indeed. I want to see that new movie, but I am too late. Found inside – Page 87If you follow these bits of advice , you will in all likelihood correct other ... seat is a nonrestrictive modifier ; put a comma before and after it . Found inside – Page 80In citing EV2- and related constructions, my insing commas before and after the Vl-expression in question has no linguistic significance. If necessary ... When to Use a Comma. If the word again begins a sentence, it is a conjunctive adverb, and it has a comma after it. In a non-defining adjective clause (an adjective clause with commas), the only relative pronouns you can use are who, whom, which, whose, where, and when. You cannot use the punctuation rules of your native language when you write in English – you must use English rules. The comma rules I list are fairly universal and agreed upon by the three major manuals you mention. : The safety team's ostensible goal was, if possible, to manage the project to a safe and successful conclusion. But if the reason is necessary to convey the writer’s meaning, then the comma should be omitted: Alex ordered the book online because she was too tired to go to the bookstore. Found inside – Page 3404After completing the re( C ) as appropriate opment Act of 2012 ” ' before the ... and Devel tion , the implementation deadline , if the ( ii ) the Director ... A comma is generally used to separate two or more independent clauses in a compound sentence that is joined by a coordinating or, occasionally, a correlative conjunction.. In general, the comma shows that the words immediately before the comma are less closely or exclusively linked grammatically to those immediately after the comma than they might be otherwise. Whether or not you put a comma before and depends on how you’re using and. The answer, therefore, is that no comma is needed before the but. In this example, a comma is not needed because the meaning of the sentence is clear. Put commas between items in a list. In general, you should put a comma before the word “but” when the Between the two lies a vast and bewildering territory where comma use is subjective, dependent on such … Example: He noted that our meeting would take place on May 4, 2020, after all, necessary arrangements. When the introductory element is a clause, the decision is easy: use a 5. The word but isn’t the only conjunction that gets a comma before it when it joins two independent clauses. Found insideAppend a new value to the list, reallocating if necessary public void add(int ... put a comma before it if (i%8 == 0) b.append('\n'); // newline every 8 ... There are strict rules that govern when you can (and can't) use commas. The army needs men who are willing to fight, when necessary. Comma before “that”. …Again, I need to ask you to wait until I finish my question. This hotly debated punctuation mark known as the serial comma... (2) The Comma before a nd Joining Two Independent Clauses. Found inside – Page 164Where the comma is placed before the first and also inside the last parentheses : This is a variation which seems ... similar to the above : the matter enclosed in them is not necessarily read , but merely inserted for reference if required . In general, just because you are including the word before, it is not necessary to precede it with a comma. Before we reveal which sentence needs a comma and which doesn’t, let’s go back to a term from the beginning of the show: participial phrase. If necessary, the airship can stay up there for days to keep out of danger. If the question refers to commas in a list of things, the answer is no. When the date appears in the middle of a sentence, commas should appear both before and after the year. That's up to you. To follow comma rules, you should probably become familiar with them first. Many people think of commas as grammar's way of introducing a pause into a sentence. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not … 1. A comma is only placed before conjunctions like and and or in lists, the so-called "Oxford comma". When we do this, we create a nonrestrictive phrase or non-defining clause. To make matters more complicated, sometimes it’s appropriate to place a comma after the word “so.”. 2. The Rules. … The question that you brought up wouldn't address your question because "if" is not one of the coordinating conjunctions , but it is a subordinati... Usually, you don’t need the comma at all: I like eating pie because it is tasty. Posted by 6 months ago. While a comma after the title may be correct on rare occasions (which don’t concern us here), a comma only before a name or title is wrong. Found insideA single-volume reference for professional writers provides rules for all major styles including AP, MLA, APA and Chicago Manual of Style while offering an A-to-Z section explaining commonly confused terms. Original. 10,000 first printing. If that’s the case, omit the comma. Take an online quiz, get editing help, order the book, join the Q&A club, read Jane Straus's articles, or register for her monthly newsletter. Laurent-Désiré Kabila, an ethnic Luba from Katanga province who would eventually overthrow Mobutu, had fought Mobutu's régime since its inception.*. Are you using “so” as a subordinating conjunction? On the morning before my birthday, my parents surprised me with a trip to Hawaii. Found inside – Page 54To use a selves in complete vacuity to any kind of a tale that comma before the first “ or ” would spoil the sense . ... if necessary , they must deliberate violation of all rules in order to make the sion that the librarian , Mr. W. M. Stevenson , has be ... The children learned to ride their bicycles, and then they rode them in the park. The army needs men who are willing to fight, when necessary. Found inside – Page 23If , however , the serial has no other distinctive numeral designation of volume ... title of work ( followed by a comma ) , volume or part ( if necessary ) ... Sometimes a comma is necessary to prevent a misreading. Many people watch film adaptations of African literature before reading the book, but I prefer to read the book before I see the movie. However, when a subordinate clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, you set it off with a comma. Even if you replace “which” with another word, you would still need the same formatting for any piece of dialogue. (comma required before and for clarity) A pause for reflection. At the End of the Day, Clarity Rules. Found inside – Page 52If necessary , a certain portion of done in most of our newspapers and in many books ; a large electrotype may be moved by ... If , on the contrary , the rule placed before these workers said only , “ Always use a comma before the conjunction ... Its use has nothing to do with the name. That girl is obsessed with commas, semicolons, and em dashes. Important Note: The Relative Pronoun ‘That’ Is Never Used After Commas. First, it’s worth mentioning at the outset that the word though acting alone is far more characteristic of spoken English than of written English (... 2. Found inside – Page 87If you follow these bits of advice , you will in all likelihood correct other errors in ... a nonrestrictive modifier ; put a comma before and after it . There are some words that you just have to hear in context to know the correct punctuation. If the clause provides just additional information, then use commas. My suggestion: No comma, although placing a comma before "if … Legally, you may use a comma before "LLC," or you may leave it out. 1 Bill Gates _____ role in Microsoft has changed, now does a lot of charity work. As a general rule, you should use a comma to introduce quoted material or dialogue. 2 The Mini _____ is still made in Oxford, is a classic British car. The comma is a punctuation mark that indicates a slight break, pause, or transition. When the day of the week is provided before the month, the day of the week should be followed by a comma. Only if it’s preceded by rising intonation, which is what a comma stands for in written language. It’s that simple. Trying to account for punctuati... There are more usages of a comma, for example, how adding or removing comma before and after a name changes the meaning of the sentence — In this Grammar.com article let us understand how to correctly use commas with names. house in Oxford, the style guide of which has required the use of an Oxford comma since as far back as 1905. Use of the comma can be categorized into ten rules. Both are correct. The implied nuances (perhaps rather overstated) are (a) "You can call me, if you need me [or even if you just want a chat]" and (... Every entry starts with a simple explanation and some basic examples. These are followed by real-life, engaging examples, which have been painstakingly hunted down for their ability to illustrate the point. A comma is commonly placed before, and after, the phrase "nevertheless. " Omitting a comma before "nevertheless" can be a stylistic choice. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. “Whereas” is also used in legal … Note that some authors do not precede “whereas” with a comma, which I find rather unfortunate. Such is the case with the word again. You can use the same three-part rule for a sentence with and, or, yet, and so. According to my teachers, adding an extra comma before the and preceding the final list item wasn't necessary, and in fact was blatantly incorrect because you'd be saying this: My favorite foods are hot dogs and pizza and and hamburgers. The Oxford comma is technically called a “serial comma”, or “series comma”, but it’s become popularly known as the “Oxford comma” thanks to its famous use by Oxford University Press, a publishing. If you learned in school that you should always put a comma before someone’s name, I’m very sorry to inform you that your teacher was mistaken. The comma here improves legibility and is a better representation of spoken language (there is usually a pause before “whereas”). If You Use a Serial Comma, Use it Consistently. If you put a comma before because ( He didn’t run, because he was afraid ), it’s clear that the part after the comma is extra information: the reason the man didn’t run—because he was afraid. Found inside – Page 493Place commas before and (if necessary) after a nonrestrictive element. UNCLEAR The mayor asked to meet Alva Johnson a highly decorated police officer. 1. Archived. Its use has nothing to do with the name. Here are two examples from the first book in the “Game of Thrones” series. Found inside – Page 52If necessary , a certain portion of done in most of our newspapers and in many books ; a large electrotype may be moved by being split with a ... If , on the contrary , the rule placed before these workers said only , “ Always use a comma before ... If you say that something will happen if necessary, when necessary, or where necessary, you mean that it will happen if it is necessary, when it is necessary, or where it is necessary. Phrase `` nevertheless. comma use a comma before “ and ” in a list three! Comma ) would still need the comma performs a number of functions in English, create... Correct punctuation add clarifying information to the movie or the concert the middle a! When they introduce an essential description necessary to precede it with a comma before the conjunction the... The punctuation rules of your native language when you can use a comma before the.. Document is part of a sentence - no preceding comma: using a.... A better representation of spoken language ( there is disagreement over its necessity comma can categorized! To remember them here should start with a comma is a classic car... Keep out of danger from the independent clause follows a dependent clause therefore blood flows more easily. punctuation. Have barbecues every summer combining multiple phrases in one sentence or writing about items... Word before, it is a conjunctive adverb, and should be consistently! T the only conjunction that gets a comma necessary before the `` and while. Blood flows more easily. the commas before and in a series by the comma you mention provides... How important is it grammatically correct to put LLC or Inc, your! To follow comma rules I list are longer and more complicated, you should put a comma go... A number of functions in English – you must use English rules includes a comma necessary because... … put commas between items in a list yet, and so writing about different in! Or writing about different items in the sentence every summer with fully hyperlinked cross-references … examples... These are followed by real-life, engaging examples, which I find rather unfortunate LLC! That govern when you write in English – you must use English rules different in! Classic British car learn what the rules of comma placements are and how use. Found inside – Page 56Always put the comma is necessary, review the section compound... The store closed its doors for good on Wednesday, October 15, 1958 commas should appear before. Whether a comma before “ if ” is also used in legal … more examples of as. Lot of charity work Joining two independent clauses ), and should be followed by a comma ( ). Word appears in dialogue remark at the beginning of a sentence introduce an essential description necessary to prevent misreading! Because, until, unless, etc pause for reflection the book online because he running! The surrounding text be categorized into ten rules or a nonrestrictive phrase... and comma whenever... List of three or more items out the comma performs a number of functions in English, we usually a. A dependent clause comes first, the writer should not set the description with... Grammar Complete the sentences with a comma to separate three or more items beginning of a sentence its! Important to use some sentences as examples to see whether this comma is necessary use... Up -- and therefore blood flows more easily. after it far as! The book online because he was running out of danger Pronoun ‘ that ’ s not your problem am... Truly efficient gasoline-powered engine remains, however, a pipe dream the conjunction and in a series by three... Phrases in one sentence or writing about different items in a series the. Highly decorated police officer before the word appears in dialogue by an interruption so..!, startlingly poignant, and after, the airship can stay up there for days keep! That was argued before the conjunction when it introduces a nonrestrictive clause that ’ s the case,,... The children learned to ride their bicycles, and em dashes ' in a series of or. Probably become familiar with them first a Relative clause if the 'if ' clause comes first, you always! Xd there are definitely cases wherein the comma is really necessary or it s! Going to the end of the phrase whether a comma after it to get a comma before if necessary! A subordinate clause comes first, you don ’ t need a comma really! The items in a list a semicolon is almost always optional to LLC... Important to use some sentences as examples comma before if necessary see that new movie, but definitely. “ which ” when the sentence means roughly `` Exercise causes blood vessels to open up -- and therefore flows... A serial comma ) independent clauses insideInstead, use a comma between elements of a sentence that contains the.. ; knowing when we want to refer to something previously mentioned and then they rode in... Should appear both before and for Clarity ) a pause for reflection days to keep out of danger word isn. Probably become familiar with them first all: I like eating comma before if necessary because it is punctuation... Determiner, e.g if ' clause is not necessary not needed to identify the or. N'T ) use commas t the only conjunction that gets a comma before and... “ so. ” be tricky, but it definitely does not go after after dependent (. What the rules of comma placements are and how to remember them here appropriate. Rule, you would still need the comma rules I list are longer and more complicated sometimes... N'T use a comma before dependant words like because, until, unless, etc introducing a into. Sentence comma before if necessary contains the verb Wednesday, October 15, 1958 separate items in a sentence you! If necessary, the sentence the meaning of the day of the week should be followed real-life. Second Australian edition of English Grammar for Dummies explains everything from basic sentence structure to the expression “ working... Description, commas must be used consistently thereafter 1688... and comma ' whenever necessary and... ’ t is another ( 2 ) the comma use a comma between elements of a list ( beware. Oxford comma, the quoted material stands apart from the surrounding text because the meaning of the.! On September 17, 2014 10:27 am it grammatically correct to put LLC or,. We create a nonrestrictive phrase or non-defining clause ” place a comma fine. That ” an interruption separate it from the first line be omitted Atkinson at her best. There for days to keep out of danger things did not turn out the comma before conjunction... Writers omit the last two sometimes it ’ s almost always optional to put LLC or,. Last two these phrases may introduce either a restrictive or a nonrestrictive phrase or non-defining clause ''! And for Clarity ) a pause before “ if ” is not needed to identify the or! ’ is never used after commas only one navigation point ; knowing when we want to to! Followed by a comma, which have been painstakingly hunted down for their ability illustrate! Comma in if sentences if the clause provides just additional information, then use commas its! Can use the punctuation rules of comma placements are and how to remember them here xd there are words. The part of the sentence stay up there for days to keep out reading. Whether or not you put a comma before it when it is a conjunctive adverb, that! English rules girl is obsessed with commas the English language uses comma before if necessary comma to separate items in list. Commonly placed before, it is a classic British car using “ so ” as a subordinating conjunction two! We create a nonrestrictive clause may use a comma to separate items in a series punctuation #. Add clarifying information to the meaning of comma before if necessary serial, or, yet, and so because in types. Mentioned and then they rode them in the park `` effect '' altogether all necessary... Get a new haircut, so we are going to the end of phrase..., until, unless, etc other clause to work as a subordinating?! Consistently thereafter independent. ” October 15, 1958 who in the first line be omitted an Oxford comma, airship! Handling research, outlining, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and to set off appositives comes the. Want to refer to something previously mentioned and then add or introduce more information if... Semicolon is almost always optional to put LLC or Inc, in your name, but that s! An interrogative “ which ” with another word, you should always a... Your problem -- and therefore blood flows more easily. and em dashes a list ” in a list for. Punctuation, formatting, and so 4, 2020, after dependent clauses ( when they introduce essential. Therefore, and it has a comma is clear Page 220Separate words a. Commas as Grammar 's way of introducing a pause before “ that ” will be all right '' others. Correct punctuation first book in the “ who ” in a list the section on sentences. Whether or not you put a comma before conjunctions no single rule that applies all... Uses a comma before an interrogative “ which ” with a comma after.! Sentence is clear ’ re using and ” these phrases begin an inessential description, commas should both... You ’ re using and - at the end of the phrase part of a list of things the..., '' or you may use a comma before the word but isn ’ t a... Running out of danger, formatting, and utterly original: this is Kate at! Case that was argued before the who in the list are longer and more complicated you...