Commas Made Simple

These three easy rules can solve most comma problems.

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Many of us have been through it — the struggle to figure out, once and for all, how to punctuate correctly.

But commas don’t have to drive you crazy! The good news is that three simple rules will solve most comma problems. More good news is that you won’t need grammar gobbledygook.

Comma Rule 1

Use a comma when a sentence begins with an extra idea (in bold):

Because my grandmother has a swimming pool, I have always enjoyed swimming.

It’s easy to tell the difference between an extra idea and a sentence. A sentence begins with a person, place, or thing. Extra ideas begin with words like if, when, because, although and in, by, for, with, to, of.

Here are some examples:

Although I enjoy swimming, I never learned how to water-ski. COMMA

I never learned how to water-ski although I enjoy swimming. NO COMMA

When I approached the house, I saw an elderly man peering out the window. COMMA

I saw an elderly man peering out the window when I approached the house. NO COMMA

For most students, this rule is easy to learn.

This rule is easy to learn for most students.

Comma Rule 2

The good news is that only seven words can be used with a comma to join two sentences. These are the FANBOYS words: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. The even better news is that only two of them — and and but — really demand our attention. Most of the time, you don’t have to bother with the other five — for, nor, or, yet, so.

Here’s the rule: Use a comma with and and but when you’re joining two sentences.

I enjoyed the movie, and I want to see it again. COMMA

I enjoyed the movie and want to see it again. NO COMMA

The storm raged, but it didn’t spoil our fun. COMMA

The storm raged but didn’t spoil our fun. NO COMMA

Here’s one more useful tip: don’t try to use a non-FANBOYS word (however, then, therefore) to join two sentences with a comma. (It’s a common mistake.) Use a period or a semicolon instead.

Here are some right-and-wrong examples:

The storm raged, however it didn’t spoil our fun. INCORRECT

The storm raged. However, it didn’t spoil our fun. CORRECT

The storm raged; however, it didn’t spoil our fun. CORRECT

We ate breakfast, then we washed the dishes. INCORRECT

We ate breakfast. Then we washed the dishes. CORRECT

We ate breakfast; then we washed the dishes. CORRECT

Comma Rule 3

Use two commas with an interrupter (in bold). One comma takes your voice down, and the second comma brings it back up. Read the sentences aloud, and you’ll hear the change:

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to intercept the weapons shipment. CORRECT

Superman, disguised as Clark Kent, fights a never-ending battle for the American way. CORRECT

(If you want to have some fun with this rule, listen to the introduction to the classic Superman TV show. You’ll hear the announcer’s voice go down and back up: “and who, disguised as Clark Kent…”)

Pro Tip

Start listening and looking for these comma rules in your reading and everyday conversations. They’re everywhere! Listen for extra ideas, for example, and sentences where someone’s voice goes up and down.

You’ve been using these sentence patterns all your life. Remember, we live in a world of words! Take the extra step of paying attention, and you’ll quickly become an expert with these three rules.

© Jean Reynolds 1987