Using Commas

Simple Tips for Using Commas

1. Commas in Long Sentences (Compound Sentences)

When you connect two complete sentences with a connecting word like and, but, or, or so, put a comma before that word.

• Jan went to the bank, and she went to the post office too.
• It was raining hard, but he stayed dry.

2. Commas with “Starting Words” (Complex Sentences)

When you start a sentence with words like although, because, when, or if, you must use a comma after that first part of the sentence.

• Although the test was canceled, John still studied at the library.
• Because the textbooks did not come, the test was canceled.

3. No Commas in the Middle

If the “starting word” (although, because, etc.) is in the middle of the sentence, do not use a comma.

• John still studied at the library although the test was canceled.
• The test was canceled because the textbooks did not come.