What is a Comma?

What is a comma? A comma is one of the frequent punctuation marks which is used in written English to indicate pause. The main function of commas is to signal pause by separating two words, phrases or clauses in a given sentence. The use of commas in written English is so significant that its absence leads to ambiguity and confusion in understanding the meaning of a given sentence.

Give this post a full reading in order to understand the comma definition, usage, rules along with example sentences.

This article covers:

• What is a comma? - meaning and definition
• Examples of comma in sentences
• What is an Oxford comma?
• Using a comma before certain words
• FAQs - What is a comma

What is a Comma? - Definition and Meaning 

What does a comma mean? The word "comma" comes from the Greek word "komma" which comes from the word "koptein" which means "to cut off". The word "comma" originally means to cut off or separate some item from another. Therefore, a comma in English grammar is defined as a punctuation mark which is used in writing to indicate pause.

Look at the below-given definitions given by different dictionaries.

1.  The Cambridge Dictionary defines the comma as "the symbol , used in writing to separate parts of a sentence showing a slight pause or to separate the single things in a list."

2. The Merriam-Webster defines the comma as "a punctuation mark, used especially as a mark of separation within the sentence."

3. The Collins Dictionary defines the comma as "a mark of punctuation (,) used to indicate a slight separation of sentence elements."

According to the definitions of the comma given above, the comma can be summarized the following way:

a. a comma means to cut off or separate.

b. a comma is a punctuation mark in English grammar.

c. a comma separates sentence elements.

d. a comma indicates a slight pause [stoppage}

Examples of Comma in Sentences 

A comma is used in several situations in writing such as separating the items in a list, independent clauses, introductory sentences, etc. Here are a few examples of commas in sentences:

a. I bought a laptop, a bike and a watch yesterday.

b. When I was a child, I used to play football.

c. John wants to go to the market, and he then wants to visit the famous mall.

Also read: Rules for using a comma

Using Commas Before Certain Words

Here are some of the certain words before or after which we use commas to separate some particular elements of the sentence. Go through the sentences carefully and try to understand why some words are followed or preceded by commas.

Comma before or after but 

If "but" is a conjunction and joins two independent clauses, then use a comma before it.

Examples:

a. He loves to have bananas with bread, but his friend loves to eat roti with chicken korma.

b. John wants his wife to write an essay in English, but his wife wants to write it in Hindi.

If "but" is a conjunction, and there's one interrupting word, then use one comma before "but" and one after it.

Examples:

a. James wanted to go to the library, but, unfortunately, he needed to drop the idea.

b. I wanted to learn French, but, unluckily, I couldn't learn it.

Comma before which

Use a comma before "which" when you're using it in a nonrestrictive relative clause. 

Examples:

a. My puppy, which is 5, is missing.

b. John's pen, which is red in color, has lost.

Comma inside or outside quote

Use a comma outside the quote.

Examples:

a. He said, "I will attend all the classes today."

b. John said, "I learned English within 9 months."

Comma before as well as

Don't use a comma before "as well as".

Examples:

a. John is a singer as well as a dancer.

b. He loves to speak in English as well as in Hindi.

 

Comma before because 

Use a comma before "because" if the sentence is a bit longer.

Examples:

a. He loves her, because he thinks that she is the best girl. 

b. I follow him, because his philosophies of life are outstanding.

FAQs - When to Use a Comma 

What is a comma?

A comma in English grammar is defined as a punctuation mark which is used in writing to indicate pause.

What is the oxford comma?

The comma used before the conjunction "and" is the Oxford comma as in "I bought, laptop, a watch, and a shirt."

Does the comma go before or after but?

The comma can go before and after "but".

When to use a comma before and?

A comma is used before "and", you follow the Oxford rule of comma.

Do you put a comma before but?

Yes, you can put a comma before "but"