Here’s a clear, detailed list of where commas can go in English sentences, with explanations and examples. I’ll go from the most common uses to more advanced ones.

1. In a list (series)

Use commas to separate three or more items in a list.

Example:

I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.

🔹 The final comma before and is called the Oxford (serial) comma. It’s optional in some styles but often recommended for clarity.

2. Between independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction

Use a comma before a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it joins two complete sentences.

Example:

I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.

❌ No comma if the second part isn’t a full sentence:

I wanted to go for a walk but not in the rain.

3. After an introductory word, phrase, or clause

Place a comma after introductory elements that come before the main clause.

a) Introductory words

Yes, I understand.
However, we decided to leave.

b) Introductory phrases

In the morning, we went hiking.
After a long day at work, she fell asleep.

c) Introductory clauses

When the movie ended, everyone clapped.
If you need help, just ask.

4. Around nonessential (extra) information

Use commas to set off information that isn’t necessary to identify the noun.

Example:

My brother, who lives in Canada, is visiting.

🔹 If you remove the extra information and the sentence still makes sense, it’s nonessential.

❌ No commas for essential information:

The brother who lives in Canada is visiting.
(This implies you have more than one brother.)

5. With appositives (renaming nouns)

Use commas when a noun or phrase renames another noun and adds extra information.

Example:

Paris, the capital of France, is beautiful.

❌ No commas if the appositive is essential:

The poet Robert Frost wrote many famous works.

6. To separate adjectives (coordinate adjectives)

Use commas between adjectives if they independently describe a noun.

Test: If you can insert and or change the order, use a comma.

Example:

It was a long, exhausting journey.

❌ No comma if adjectives build on each other:

She wore a small silver ring.

7. Before and after interrupting words or phrases

Use commas to separate phrases that interrupt the flow of a sentence.

Example:

That idea, in my opinion, won’t work.
The plan, however, was risky.

8. With direct address

Use commas when speaking directly to someone.

Example:

Can you help me, Sarah?
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.

9. In dialogue and quotations

Commas separate dialogue tags from quoted speech.

Example:

She said, “I’ll be there soon.”
“I’ll be there soon,” she said.

10. With dates, addresses, and titles

a) Dates

July 4, 1776, is an important date.

b) Addresses

He lives at 123 Main Street, Springfield, Illinois.

c) Titles

John Smith, PhD, will speak tonight.

11. To prevent confusion or misreading

Sometimes commas are used simply to clarify meaning.

Example:

To John, Sarah was the best friend.
Let’s eat, Grandma.
vs.
Let’s eat Grandma.

12. Between contrasting elements

Use a comma to show contrast or emphasis.

Example:

She was kind, not naive.
It was warm, yet uncomfortable.

13. With participial phrases

Use commas when a participial phrase adds extra information.

Example:

Smiling happily, she waved goodbye.
The dog, barking loudly, chased the car.

14. In conditional or dependent clauses (when they come first)

Dependent clauses often need a comma when placed before the main clause.

Example:

Although it was late, we kept working.

❌ No comma if the dependent clause comes after:

We kept working although it was late.

15. With absolute phrases

Use commas with phrases that add background information.

Example:

The weather being cold, we stayed inside.
Her arms folded, she waited silently.

Quick Summary Rule

👉 Use commas to separate, clarify, or pause where meaning could be misunderstood.

If you’d like, I can also:

Give a one-page cheat sheet
Provide practice exercises
Explain comma splices and common mistakes

Next up

Previous

Colon :

Description