Comma

The comma is one of the most widely used punctuation marks (after the full stop) in the English language. Student-writers often make mistakes in the use of the comma by either omitting it when it is essential or using it when it is not necessary. In order to be able to use the comma accurately in academic writing, it is important to understand its main uses:

  1. To separate independent clauses before one of the seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS), e.g.,
    RIGHT: The climb was hard and tiring, but he was determined to get to the top.
    WRONG: The climb was hard and tiring but he was determined to get to the top.
  2. To separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series, e.g.,
    RIGHT: The students are expected to use accurate, reliable, current, and authoritative sources to support their claims in the essay.
    WRONG: The students are expected to use accurate reliable current and authoritative sources to support their claims in the essay.
  3. After an introductory word, frequently an adverb, to separate that word from the rest of the sentence, such as However, Meanwhile, Furthermore, Suddenly, e.g.,
    RIGHT: However, some writers (Jones 2005, Smith 2001) questioned this view.
    WRONG: However some writers (Jones 2005, Smith 2001) questioned this view.
  4. After an introductory phrase or clause to separate that clause from the rest of the sentence. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include although, because, despite/in spite of, if, since, when, while, g.,
    RIGHT: Despite the lack of positive evidence, this approach has been proposed by several academics (Hughes 2003; Lucas 2006).
    WRONG: Despite the lack of positive evidence this approach has been proposed by several academics (Hughes 2003; Lucas 2006).
  5. After time phrases, such as at 10 o’clock, by 2015, at exactly midnight, e.g.,
    RIGHT: By the time of his retirement, Professor Jones had established an unchallenged reputation in his area of research.
    WRONG: By the time of his retirement Professor Jones had established an unchallenged reputation in his area of research.
  6. Before and after a quotation within a sentence, e.g.,
    RIGHT: The librarian said, “The book is on the second shelf by the wall”, and added, “but please, remember to return it in three days.”
    WRONG: The librarian said “The book is on the second shelf by the wall” and added “but please, remember to return it in three days.”
  7. In the middle of a sentence, to set off interrupter phrases, and words not essential to the meaning of the sentence, e.g.,
    RIGHT: The comma, possibly the most complex punctuation mark, is a necessary writing tool.
    WRONG: The comma possibly the most complex punctuation mark is a necessary writing tool.

 

For more information on the use of the comma, please refer to the following resources: