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The comma

The comma is the most frequently used punctuation mark, as well as the one about whose usage many writers most often disagree. Following are the basic uses of the comma.

1. To separate the clauses of a compound sentence (one composed of two or more independent clauses) linked by a coordinating conjunction (and, or, nor, but, so, for, yet):

Both methods are acceptable, but we have found that the Simpson procedure gives better results.

In many compound sentences, the comma is needed to prevent the reader from mistaking the subject of the second clause for an object of the verb in the first clause:

The RESET command affects the field access, and the SEARCH command affects the filing arrangement.

Without the comma, the reader is likely to interpret the coordinating conjunction "and" as a simple conjunction linking "field access" and "SEARCH command."

2. To separate items in a series composed of three or more elements:

The manager of spare parts is responsible for ordering, stocking, and disbursing all spare parts for the entire plant.

The comma following the second-to-last item is required by most technical writing style manuals, despite the presence of the conjunction "and". The comma clarifies the separation and prevents misreading. For example, sometimes in technical writing the second-to-last item will be a compound noun containing an "and."

The report will be distributed to Operations, Research and Development, and Accounting.

3. To separate introductory words, phrases, and clauses from the main clause of the sentence:

However, we will have to calculate the effect of the wind.

To facilitate trade, the government holds a yearly international conference.

Whether the workers like it or not, the managers have decided not to try the flextime plan.

In each of these three examples, the comma helps the reader follow the lenience. Notice in the following example how the comma actually prevents misreading:

Just as we finished eating, the rats discovered the treadmill.

The comma is optional if the introductory text is brief and cannot be misread.

CORRECT

First, let's take care of the introductions.

CORRECT

First let's take care of the introductions.

4. To separate the main clause from a dependent clause:

The advertising campaign was canceled, although most of the executive council saw nothing wrong with it.

Most accountants wear suits, whereas few engineers do.

5. To separate nonrestrictive modifiers (parenthetical clarifications) from the rest of the sentence:

Jones, the temporary chairman, called the meeting to order.

6. To separate interjections and transitional elements from the rest of the sentence:

Yes, I admit your findings are correct. Their plans, however, have great potential.

7. To separate coordinate adjectives:

The finished product was a sleek, comfortable cruiser.

The heavy, awkward trains are still being used.

The comma here takes the place of the conjunction "and." If the adjectives are not coordinate—that is, if one of the adjectives modifies the combination of the adjective and the noun—do not use a comma:

They decided to go to the first general meeting.

8. To signal that a word or phrase has been omitted from an elliptical expression:

Smithers is in charge of the accounting: Harlen, the data management; Demarest, the publicity.

In this example, the commas after "Harlen" and "Demarest" show that the phrase ''is in charge of" has been omitted.

9. To separate a proper noun from the rest of the sentence in direct address:

John, have you seen the purchase order from United?

What I'd like to know, Betty, is why we didn't see this problem coming.

10. To introduce most quotations:

He asked, "What time were they expected?"

11. To separate towns, states, and countries:

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is the home of Lehigh University.

He attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the University of California at Berkeley.

Note the use of the comma after "Pennsylvania."

12. To set off the year in dates:

August 1, 1969, is the anticipated completion date.

Note the use of the comma after "1969." If the month separates the date from the year, the commas are not used, because the numbers are not next to each other:

The anticipated completion date is I August 1989

13. To separate thousands, millions, etc in numbers of four or more digits:

4,250 50,291 12,013,104

(European practice is to reverse the use of commas and periods in writing numbers: periods are used to signify thousands, and commas to signify decimals.)

14. To separate names from professional or academic titles:

Harold Clayton, Ph.D.

Marion Fewick, CLU

Joyce Camone, P.E.

Note that the comma also follows the title in a sentence:

Harold Clayton, Ph.D., is the featured speaker.

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