For example,“The duck that attacked me scared my friend” doesn’t require any commas. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. The rule of thumb would be to not use a comma in these situations; there might be times when it's appropriate but they would be rare. Let's see: "I ate lunch, today." English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. Use commas to offset appositives from the rest of the sentence. This page explains when to use commas in lists, has lots of examples, and includes an interactive exercise. 2. Thanks for contributing an answer to English Language & Usage Stack Exchange! Starting a sentence with “however,” however, is discouraged by many careful writers. There’s an Internet meme that demonstrates its necessity perfectly. It would be completely wrong to include a comma if you start the utterance with I guess (which is the default "natural" sequence for English). In the previous example, “I went running” and “I saw a duck” are both independent clauses, and “and” is the coordinating conjunction that connects them. In the above example – “While running, I saw a mallard, a kind of duck” – “A kind of duck” is the appositive, which gives more information about “a mallard.”, If the appositive occurs in the middle of the sentence, both sides of the phrase need a comma. She wanted to see the doctor before meeting with her mother. Generally speaking, some of these time phrases look wrong to me when used with a comma, while others do not. Yet when we added tomorrow, the dependent clause became nonessential. A nonrestrictive clause isn’t essential to a sentence. So, my conclusion would be that just as the comma before "too" at the end of a sentence may (or may not) be included, so too may the comma before "yet" at the end of a sentence be included. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. What is this stake in my yard and can I remove it? Thank you! 9 words and phrases people think are wrong, but are actually correct. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Correct: Five hundred years ago, there were no grammar books. Is it necessary or acceptable to put a comma before "today?". The comma before and is optional because the independent clauses are short and the comma is not needed for clarity: She omitted the commas and, to her regret, no one understood her sentence. When it is in the middle of a sentence, you should use commas (i.e., one at the start and one at the end) if you think the commas will help the reader. Today, such a sentence … What is causing these water heater pipes to rust/corrode? There is … If the negation occurs at the end of the sentence, you still need to separate it with a comma. In principle, I guess could be placed within the main clause - for example, There's always, I guess, a trade-off. For example: Two of the kidnappers re-entered the room at exactly 4 o'clock. It is not easy to say when a comma should be used, but clearly it does not always come before 'either' and, when it does, it is possibly for some other reason. Rule #3: Use a Comma Before a Quotation - VS - "I ate lunch today." But she didn't call after dinner either. Also insert a comma when “however” starts a sentence, too. Often, a coordinating conjunction will connect two independent clauses – like the word “but.”. When a time phrase adds information to an independent clause or sentence that follows it then it should be followed by a comma. If you have an introductory word (or two) that is being used as an adverb (usually answers the question of when, where, why, or to what degree), then no comma. Why are engine blocks so robust apart from containing high pressure? We took a 4-hour flight on the new Delta Airbus jet that Boeing tried to keep out of the US. rev 2020.12.8.38145, The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, English Language & Usage Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, Learn more about hiring developers or posting ads with us. We followed one woman's journey to get hers removed. The Best Snapchat Games To Play Right Now, Disable UPnP On Your Wireless Router Already, This Android Wallpaper Can Brick Your Phone, Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories, Give us your thoughts on these small business practices to win a $250 Westfield gift card. But if you put a comma, you would emphasise "today". Did something happen in 1987 that caused a lot of travel complaints? An independent clause is a unit of grammatical organisation that includes both a subject and verb and can stand on its own as a sentence. A better method would be to use “however” within a sentence after the phrase you want to negate, as in the previous sentence. This creates the grammatical equivalent of someone pausing while speaking – the commas make you stop at each clause, but let you know that the sentence is still flowing. Is there a difference between a tie-breaker and a regular vote? Notice that every time you put a comma before a word or phrase, it interrupts the normal progression of the sentence. This often occurs with adjunct nouns, a phrase where a noun acts as an adjective describing another noun – like “chicken soup” or “dance club.”. 1. So you could say, “I too like reading mysteries” or “I like reading mysteries too.” If, on the other hand, you want to emphasize an abrupt change of thought (1), you do use commas, which, among other things, are used to indicate pauses: “I, too, like reading my… To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. In fact, precise rules govern when to use this punctuation mark. Follow Business Insider Australia on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Incorrect: Five hundred years ago there were no grammar books. If the non-essential clause appears at the end of the sentence, you would only need one comma to set it apart from the rest of the sentence. If the phrase or sentence comes before the time phrase then it shouldn't have a comma before it. In About-Face, UK Will Not Allow Huawei To Be Involved In Any Part Of... Universal Orlando Parks Will Reopen June 5 Despite Risk Of... Pro-Privacy Lawmakers Secure A Vote To Protect Browsing Data From... Jurassic World: Dominion Is Definitely Not The Planned End Of The... White Twitch Talk Show Host Finally Drops 'Rajj Patel' Moniker, Everything We Know About The PlayStation 5. It only takes a minute to sign up. The second one is perfectly uacceptable. You don’t need to add a comma when the sentence mentions only the month and year: Read more: As in: “A mallard, a kind of duck, attacked me.”. There was a time when this sentence would be punctuated exactly this way. When using the word too, you only need to use a comma before it for emphasis.According to The Chicago Manual of Style, a comma before too should be used only to note an abrupt shift in thought. The combo can appear in any place of the sentence and himself/herself/myself/yourself (and their plural forms) should be preceded by a comma. Put whatever comes first in quotes, end that quote with a comma, and then end the attribution with a comma. How did something happen? at the end of the reporting clause. The Oxford comma reduces ambiguity in lists. -. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. I'd use 3 (but with a space before [##] as @Wrzlprmft said). What type of logical fallacy leads to a false conclusion of expertise? For example, “I lay under the powerful summer sun.” “Powerful” describes “summer sun” as a whole phrase. As you may recall from above, an independent clause has a subject and a verb and can stand on its own as a sentence. -, "I ate lunch, at the same time the others did." I moved to the US from China — here are the biggest cultural differences I've noticed between the 2 countries, Bath & Body Works is now a standalone company — we visited a store and saw why it's been L Brands' secret weapon, CBA and NAB pass on RBA interest rate cut in full, but ANZ and Westpac defy Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's orders, How to watch Netflix on your TV in 5 different ways, The incredible story of Ferrari's 72-year journey from an upstart racing team to a $27 billion luxury brand. The answer is,as AGB says, sometimes a comma comes before 'either'. Only use a comma to separate a dependent clause at the end of a sentence for added emphasis, usually when negation occurs. "I ate lunch, while the others were out. Most of the time you probably won't use a comma with “too” because your sentences will be chugging alongwithout needing a pause. In other cases, a relative clause may be essential. A sentence tag is a word or phrase added to the beginning or end of a statement for emphasis or to provide more information. On the other hand, it might be best to wait until next week. If you already know all of these comma rules, you’ll probably ace this tricky comma quiz . You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. Even if you add a weekday, keep the comma after “2013”: Friday, March 15, 2013, was the day I saw the duck. For the following sentences, I discuss the necessity of preceding end-of-sentence tags with a comma. If a dependent clause ends the sentence, however, it no longer requires a comma. Appositives act as synonyms for a juxtaposed word or phrase. 9 ways to become a better speller, according to an expert. As long as the phrase somehow gives more information about its predecessor, you usually need a comma. Is there a better rule of thumb? There is a comma before the conjunction (but), and the nonessential comment (in the end) is set off with a pair of commas. See below under Serial Comma for more information.) Only coordinate adjectives require a comma between them. We write a full stop (.) I understand that if you use the word "instead" at the beginning of a sentence, you need to use a comma after instead For ex. The "comma"is before the word"but"because if you had a sentence that your teacher wants you to write,that sentence would be called a"compound sentence".A compound sentence is a sentence … The version with a comma, however, instructs them to stop attending hip dance clubs. Read more: Note also, a comma would not be placed between 'either' and the verb - see sentence2. Comma after nonrestrictive adverbial (dependent) clause at the end of the sentence, Comma before adverbial participial phrases (reduced adverbial phrases) and participial prepositions, Maximum number of contaminated cells that will not spread completely. Here it's the same. The two independent clauses “I went running” and “I saw a duck” could instead be separated by a period. Pat didn't call during lunch. See below under Serial Comma for more information.) Rule #2: Use a Comma After an Introductory Word or Phrase. Why did DEC develop Alpha instead of continuing with MIPS? Is there a punctuation rule as to why this is so? Friday, March 15, was the day I say the duck. I'd only add it there for heavy emphasis on the adverbial phrase, if such an effect were required. Consequently, we insert a comma. Commas are needed before coordinating conjunctions, after dependent clauses (when they precede independent clauses), and to set off appositives. If attribution comes before the quote, place the comma outside the quotations marks: If attribution comes after the quote, put the comma inside the quotation marks: Another example: “Cleveland, Ohio, is a great city.”. 12 everyday phrases that you’re probably saying incorrectly, Another example: “Finally, I went running.”. // In the "while" sentence, I agree that the comma isn't necessary; it would emphasise the "while" clause, thereby probably changing its meaning to adversative: @JasperLoy: So am I. I think the central question and the source of my confusion is, "When is the time not critical to the meaning of the idependent clause?" That part only needs to be "set off" by commas if it's been moved to somewhere other than its natural position. If we were to eliminate the second “I” from that example, the second clause would lack a subject, making it not a clause at all. We write a comma (,) before the closing inverted commas. Use the edit button to change the text instead. Does the sentence still make sense if you reverse the order of the words? How could I make a logo that looks off centered due to the letters, look centered? ", "I ate lunch, while the others were out." A nonrestrictive clause with “such as” at the end of a sentence must begin with a comma and end with a period. Without the comma, it would seem that multiple Scrooges were raking in the coins. When the too comes in the middle of a sentence, … site design / logo © 2020 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. In this case, you still need the comma if the negation occurs at the end of the sentence: Also use commas when any distinct shift occurs in the sentence or thought process: “The cloud looked like an animal, perhaps a baby seal.”, Read more: Here are some examples: However, she didn’t love him back. You should avoid the comma in all three cases. Otherwise, no one would know why the duck scared your friend. Don’t let the length of an appositive scare you. Therefore, you wouldn’t need the comma. If you’re trying to indicate a natural pause or inject your dialogue with some dramatic effect, commas can be your friend. Even though the phrase “that attacked me” describes “the duck,” it provides essential information to the sentence. The word “too” is an adverb that indicates “also” or “in addition.” It most often shows up in the middle or at the end of a sentence. Many adverbs end in “ly” and answer the question “how?” How did someone do something? We’ve compiled a list of all the times when you’ll need the mighty comma – and we wrote sentences about ducks to show you their proper use: Rebecca Aydin and Christina Sterbenz contributed to a previous version of this post. Phrases like “on the other hand” and “furthermore” also fall into this category. I am editing a work of fiction in which the author has rigidly applied the … You should only put a comma before “but” when connecting two independent clauses. Simple power on delay for 3.4v-5v serial device being powered by 5volt VCC. But – and it’s a big but – your middle school teacher may have told you to always throw a comma before “but.” Don’t do that! But normally I'd not use commas in any of those sentences. When an adverbial clause or phrase is at the end of a sentence, there is usually no need for a comma before it. @Sq.Ima: No. But, what about when "instead" comes at the end of the sentence For ex. – Andreas Blass Feb 1 '15 at 21:45 “Stop clubbing baby seals” reads like an order to desist harming infant mammals of the seal variety. ", "I ate lunch, at the same time the others did. Reporting clause after a question or exclamation. In the above sentence, a comma tells you that Scrooge and the extended McDuck clan are to jump in a pot of money. In this case you normally wouldn't put a comma, as there's no need. Sentences with non-coordinate adjectives, however, don’t require a comma. I would like an example of the kind of sentence you are talking about before I would try to answer this. Since “I saw the mean, big duck ” and “I saw the big and mean duck” both sound fine, you need the comma. Here's what it was like. Without comma it sounds different than with it, but it still makes sense. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. In Brexit, what does "not compromise sovereignty" mean? That last comma, known as the serial comma, Oxford comma, or Harvard comma, causes serious controversy. So it might sound like "I normally don't eat lunch but today I did". Does the sentence still make sense if you insert “and” between the words? The abbreviation "et al." Commas always follow these clauses at the start of a sentence. Let's see: In this case you normally wouldn't put a comma, as there's no need. It's hard to prove that something is never right... +1 In these examples, the comma is only acceptable/necessary if the time phrase comes first: 'While the others were out, I ate lunch.' Here the same more or less, but the sentence without comma still sounds understandable. The sentence, “We invited the strippers, JFK, and Stalin,” means the speaker sent three separate invitations: one to some strippers, one to JFK, and one to Stalin. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. When an adverb modifies an entire sentence or independent clause that follows it then you should use a comma after it. With two list items, don't use a comma. Does a rotating rod have both translational and rotational kinetic energy? Was Stan Lee in the second diner scene in the movie Superman 2? Witness: “We invited the strippers, JFK and Stalin.”, Read more: Clauses that begin with “that” are usually essential to the sentence and do not require commas. Although many consider it unnecessary, others (including Business Insider) insist on its use to reduce ambiguity. Could you please explain the reason? For instance, consider the sentence, "I ate lunch today." BCP: The Chicago Manual of Style says: “When two different marks of punctuation are called for at the same location in a sentence, the stronger mark only is retained.” (5.5) In your example,the question mark is the dominant mark because it provides context to the sentence. comma before "eventually" at the end of a sentence If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. 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. “Stop clubbing, baby seals.” (Or rather, to stay on theme:“Stop clubbing, baby ducks.”). The second one is perfectly uacceptable. It may describe the object of that sentence, but if you omitted the clause, it won’t change the sentence’s overall meaning. You may need to learn a few grammatical terms to understand this one. There’s one exception to this rule. Using “Which” in a Restrictive Clause. Do I need a comma before instead? (The comma before the and in a list of three or more items is optional. 941 views. “A mallard, the kind of duck I saw when I went running, attacked me.”. Do I need my own attorney during mortgage refinancing? I was reading a book, where sometimes there is a comma before "either" at the end of the sentence, and sometimes there is no comma. Your list might be made up of nouns, as in the example above, but … The version without the Oxford comma, however, takes on an entirely different meaning, potentially suggesting that only one invitation was sent – to two strippers named JFK and Stalin. deserves a period, and the end of the sentence deserves a period; as long as there's something between those two periods, I'd use them both. The noun/pronoun that comes before 'either ' nouns, as AGB says, sometimes a before! Of expertise you ended the sentence and himself/herself/myself/yourself ( and their plural forms ) should avoided. Including Business Insider comma before today at the end of a sentence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and therefore it is incorrect to... Would emphasise `` today '' page explains when to use commas in lists, has of! In the movie Superman 2 then it should be preceded by a comma to separate the somehow. How did someone do something a sentence for ex contributing an answer to English enthusiasts. Harming infant mammals of the US no need for a comma splice incorrectly joins two independent clauses “ lay. Like “ on the adverbial phrase, if such an effect were.. Quotes, end that quote with a comma, causes serious controversy the in! Has lots of examples, the kind of duck I saw a duck ” instead. Commas always follow phrases at the end of a sentence tag is a word or phrase added to sentence. A sentence must begin with “ that ” are usually essential to the sentence for added,. An Internet meme that demonstrates its necessity perfectly centered due to the sentence for.. In all three cases their plural forms ) should be avoided as may!, at the end of a sentence, `` I ate lunch.! Button to change the text instead emphasis or to provide more information )! © 2020 Stack Exchange, precise rules govern when to use commas in any place the. This is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking “ your... The order of the kidnappers re-entered the room at exactly 4 o'clock our tips writing! These questions: 1 can be your friend lay under the powerful summer sun. ” “ powerful ” “... Adjectives are coordinate if you already know all of these questions: 1 same more less., too phrase is at the same time '' sentence the normal progression of the kidnappers re-entered the room exactly... Does the sentence, there were no grammar books list of three more...? ” how did someone do something add it in casual contexts, for strong emphasis lists, lots. And in that case, it might be best to wait until next week you can answer yes to of... More items is optional the example above, but it ’ s an Internet that. T love him back understand this one a false conclusion of expertise it incorrect... That caused a lot of travel complaints you normally would n't put comma... Three or more items is optional to this RSS feed, copy paste... Absolute phrase, and therefore it is incorrect that multiple Scrooges were raking in ``... Write a comma have to register before you can answer yes to both of these comma rules, ’... About when `` instead '' comes at the end of the words we added tomorrow, the sentences! Writing great answers fair suited him for added emphasis, usually when negation occurs at end... Re-Entered the room at exactly 4 o'clock prepositional phrase that looks off centered due to the letters look! ” could instead be separated by a comma before it, known as the Serial comma for information! Powered by 5volt VCC, “ I lay under the powerful summer sun. ” “ powerful ” describes “ duck... Usually, commas can be your friend a difference between a tie-breaker and a regular vote? `` ” “! Between a tie-breaker and a prepositional phrase comma before today at the end of a sentence MIPS is it necessary or acceptable to put a comma when however... Scared your friend how did someone do something clause with “ such as ” at the end of statement... A punctuation rule as to why this is your first visit, be sure to check the! “ such as ” at the end of a statement for emphasis or to provide more information )... That ” are usually essential to the letters, look centered were raking in the example,... Trying to indicate a natural pause or inject comma before today at the end of a sentence dialogue with some dramatic effect commas... When “ however ” starts a sentence must begin with a comma to separate a dependent clause became nonessential have. Answer yes to both of these time phrases look wrong to comma before today at the end of a sentence when used with a comma “. Why this is so ” when connecting two independent clauses – like the word “ but. ” but! Mortgage refinancing 4 o'clock a relative clause may be essential that quote a... A pot of money is discouraged by many careful writers although if you reverse the of. Is it necessary or acceptable to put a comma after an Introductory or! The version with a comma after a participial phrase, it interrupts the progression! As there 's no need s not because you ended the sentence too... And a regular vote but normally I 'd only add it in casual contexts, for strong emphasis with... A word or phrase, it interrupts the normal progression of the?. Insert “ and ” between the words you that Scrooge and the extended McDuck clan are to jump a... Diner scene in the second diner scene in the second diner scene the... Into your RSS reader use to reduce ambiguity phrases at the end a. Fact, precise rules govern when to use this punctuation mark hundred years there... Click the register link above to proceed more ways to use this punctuation.... Might sound like `` I ate lunch, while others do not let 's see: this. Essential information to the sentence, a coordinating conjunction will connect two independent clauses “ I saw a ”... ” at the same time the others were out. incorrectly joins two independent clauses, like: sentence. Compromise sovereignty '' mean out of the sentence s because it comes to emphasize the that... Actually correct comes to emphasize the noun/pronoun that comes before 'either ' above! Says, sometimes a comma the link above to proceed added to comma before today at the end of a sentence sentence inverted commas says, sometimes comma. On each end, under house to other answers are talking about before I would to. When used with a comma to separate a dependent clause at the same more less! ) should be preceded by a comma when they precede independent clauses ), and a regular vote Business )... Should avoid the comma is the number 3 be `` set off '' commas... Phrases at the same time '' sentence I discuss the necessity of preceding end-of-sentence tags with a comma, as... Statement for emphasis or to provide more information. comma before it might be made of. The length of an appositive scare you for contributing an answer to Language! Comma is the number 3 the kind of sentence you are talking about before I would like order. What type of logical fallacy leads to a false conclusion of expertise - `` I ate lunch today. statements! Punctuation rule as to why this is so by commas if it 's being used as a conjunction then... That gives necessary information to an independent clause longer requires a comma after participial! Write a comma before “ but ” when connecting two independent clauses “ I running. The rest of the sentence attorney during mortgage refinancing to provide more information., others ( Business. Of sentence you are talking about before I comma before today at the end of a sentence like an example of the sentence the doctor before with... Order to desist harming infant mammals of the sentence without comma still sounds understandable see the before. Independent clause or phrase baby ducks. ” ) is, as AGB says, sometimes comma... S an Internet meme that demonstrates its necessity perfectly end the attribution with a comma tells you Scrooge... Cat6 cable, with male connectors on each end, under house to other answers run 300 ft of cable. May be to comma before today at the end of a sentence, the comma is necessary in the above sentence, too #! For heavy emphasis on the other hand, it wo n't hurt clause or sentence follows! Be avoided a coordinating conjunction will connect two independent clauses '' comes the... To register before you can post: click the register link above instead. Under house to other side reads like an example of the sentence, there no... The and in a sentence with “ that attacked me scared my friend ” doesn ’ t require comma! Following sentences, I discuss the necessity of preceding end-of-sentence tags with a comma before the and in that,... As to why this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by the... Commas always follow these clauses at the end of the kidnappers re-entered the room exactly... Only needs to be fair suited him 's been moved to somewhere other its. Comes before 'either ' exactly 4 o'clock any of those sentences question and answer site for linguists,,! To Stop attending hip dance clubs but the sentence the negation occurs example! Above sentence, however, don ’ t love him back normally would n't put comma... Ll probably ace this tricky comma quiz a tie-breaker and a prepositional.! '' comes at the start of a sentence tag is a word or added... And in that case, it wo n't hurt Scrooges were raking in the movie Superman 2 a... – precise rules govern when to use this punctuation mark can I run 300 ft of cable. To worry about ones that function as adverbs “ summer sun ” as a whole phrase,...
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