Mistakes with Commas
Comma Before a Dependent Clause
A dependent clause cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence. You should use a comma if the dependent clause comes before the main independent clause.
Correct: “Because I needed milk, I went to the store.”
Incorrect: “I went to the store, because I needed milk.”
Comma Before Conjunctions Between Independent Clauses
When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), you must place a comma before the conjunction.
Correct: “I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.”
Incorrect: “I wanted to go to the park but it started raining.”
Comma Between Independent Clauses
You cannot use a comma alone to join two independent clauses. This is a common error called a comma splice. Use a period, a semicolon, or a comma with a coordinating conjunction instead.
Incorrect: “The sun was shining, we decided to have a picnic.”
Correct: “The sun was shining. We decided to have a picnic.”
Correct: “The sun was shining, so we decided to have a picnic.”
Comma After an Introductory Phrase
Place a comma after an introductory phrase or clause that comes at the beginning of a sentence. This helps to separate it from the main part of the sentence.
Correct: “In the early morning, I like to drink coffee.”
Incorrect: “In the early morning I like to drink coffee.”
Comma and ‘if’
If an “if” clause starts a sentence, it requires a comma. If it comes at the end, no comma is needed.
Correct: “If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.”
Correct: “You can watch TV if you finish your homework.”
Comma Before ‘because’
Generally, you do not use a comma before because when it introduces a reason that is essential to the sentence’s meaning.
Correct: “She was tired because she had a long day.”
Incorrect: “She was tired, because she had a long day.”
Serial (Oxford) Comma
The serial comma is the comma placed before the final item in a list. Using it can prevent ambiguity and is recommended by many style guides.
Without comma: “The flag is red, white and blue.”
With comma: “The flag is red, white, and blue.”
Clearer with comma: “I’d like to thank my parents, Taylor Swift, and the President.”
Comma Around ‘etc.’
Use a comma before and after etc. when it appears in the middle of a sentence, and before it when it is at the end.
Correct: “The store sells apples, oranges, grapes, etc.”
Correct: “We packed clothes, food, books, etc., for the trip.”
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