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Commas are most likely one of the crucial complicated punctuation marks to make use of, and even I wrestle to seek out methods to assist my college students decide the place they belong.
Probably the most generally requested questions I hear surrounds whether or not to put a comma earlier than or after the phrase “and.” Sadly, the reply just isn’t fast or easy. Nonetheless, the comma guidelines in regards to the phrase “and” just isn’t obscure.
I’m going to start out easy and clarify how the phrase “and” is used after which present guidelines on punctuation surrounding comma utilization so you’ll be able to perceive the place they belong collectively. I’ve additionally offered loads of examples under.
Frequent Coordinating Conjunctions and Compound Sentences
Conjunctions are phrases that hyperlink phrases, clauses, and different phrases collectively. They can help you type compound-complex sentences to boost the circulation of your writing and speech.
Coordinating conjunctions embrace the phrases for, and, nor, however, or, but, and so. The information to comma utilization in relation to conjunction use are the identical for all of them, however the phrase “and” is extra used than every other selection.
Conjunctions can be a part of two impartial clauses or clauses that might work as stand-alone sentences.
For instance, the next two impartial clauses:
- Lara missed the bus. She was late for sophistication.
Turns into
- Lara missed the bus, and she or he was late for sophistication.
Conjunctions additionally be a part of an impartial clause with a dependent clause or clause that can’t stand alone as a whole sentence.
For instance:
- Lara wants to start out attending to class on time and ensure her homework is full.
Guidelines of Comma Utilization
There are six primary guidelines of comma use, however I discover it’s a lot simpler to show every rule independently of each other with loads of examples. Such is the case with commas and conjunctions.
Utilizing “And” to Be a part of Two Unbiased Clauses: Comma BEFORE “And”
When “and” joins collectively two impartial clauses, a comma must be positioned earlier than the “and.” Unbiased clauses are full sentences, however their conjoining makes a complex-compound sentence. The comma works to point this use.
For instance:
- I hate having to rise up early for work, and getting chores finished at the moment of the morning is exhausting.
- It hasn’t rained in our city or the encompassing areas, and the dearth of rain is beginning to make everybody very anxious.
- I’m so glad the tip of the week is nearing, and I can’t wait till I can sleep on this weekend.
Utilizing “And” with a Dependent Clause: No Comma
If you’re becoming a member of collectively an impartial clause with a dependent clause, you don’t use a comma.
For instance:
- Jenny and Celeste need to stroll into city and store on the new retailer.
- Wyatt needed to check Marine Biology and go to a summer time camp for extra expertise.
- Sarah obtained in large bother at college for combating and was suspended for ten days.
Utilizing “And” with Quick Unbiased Clauses: No Comma
Though they’re technically impartial, it’s acceptable to keep away from the comma for shorter sentences.
For instance:
- Emmett likes trains and Emily likes horses.
- Mary likes math and John likes writing.
- Javier likes soccer and Mark likes lacrosse.
Utilizing “And” with Listing Objects:
Relying on what number of gadgets it’s a must to checklist determines whether or not you utilize commas in lists with the “and.” There are additionally a number of methods to method whether or not you utilize a comma or not, which might trigger fairly a little bit of confusion.
Check out the examples under to find out which method works finest for you.
Two Objects: No Comma
When itemizing two gadgets, you don’t use a comma earlier than the “and.”
For instance:
- I must run to the shop for milk and butter.
- She couldn’t resolve between artwork and choir.
- He performed within the band and performed soccer.
Three or Extra Objects: Serial Comma BEFORE “And”
The usage of a comma earlier than the phrase “and” when itemizing three or extra gadgets has been a subject of sizzling debate for a few years. This quirk of comma utilization is named a serial comma – a comma utilized in a collection of things. It’s also referred to as the Oxford comma.
The Oxford comma’s guidelines state {that a} comma belongs between the final two gadgets in a collection of three or extra gadgets to keep away from ambiguity. The serial comma controversy is addressed within the the AP Fashion Information stating the Oxford comma is grammatically incorrect. However, linguists in every single place will agree it’s a grammatical possibility.
Actually, there was a lawsuit a couple of job description that supplied two completely different interpretations of an exception rule: on this case, whether or not extra time was owed. The decide dominated an Oxford comma was required to incorporate the final merchandise within the checklist regarding exception, however because it was not used, the merchandise was not a part of the checklist, and extra time was certainly owed.
I additionally train the Oxford comma as a way to guarantee readability and keep away from confusion. With out it, some fairly amusing conditions can happen.
For instance:
- Rachel finds inspiration in cooking, her canine and household.
- We went to the live performance with neighborhood associates, Grandma and Grandpa.
The primary sentence seems like Rachel cooks her canine and her household. Within the second sentence, it sounds just like the neighborhood associates are named grandma and grandpa.
As an alternative of unintentionally creating this confusion, merely use an Oxford comma to create readability.
For instance:
- Rachel finds inspiration in cooking, her canine, and her household.
- We went to the live performance with neighborhood associates, Grandma, and Grandpa.
When to Use Commas AFTER “And”
A comma is nearly by no means used after the phrase “and.” Nonetheless, there are a number of exceptions. Usually, don’t place a comma after “and” except the next is true:
“And” is Used to Introduce a Parenthetical Expression
A parenthetical expression is a non-essential phrase that’s offset from the principle sentence so as to add element or data.
For instance:
- I’ve to drive to Texas each two weeks for a physician’s appointment, and, if I’m fortunate, I’ve further time to perform a little purchasing.
“And” is Utilized in a Line of Dialog
Written dialog could require a comma following an “and” relying on the fashion and tone the writer is making an attempt to create with a personality.
For instance:
- “And,” Michael dictated, “it’s a must to be up two hours earlier than dawn if you wish to get there on time.”
Let’s Overview
A comma is nearly by no means used after the phrase “and,” barring a number of exceptions, however it’s generally used earlier than once you mix two full sentences right into a compound sentence or when itemizing greater than two gadgets.
It is very important use commas correctly to keep away from overuse and assist guarantee writing readability. Like I inform my college students, once you take a look at one grammar rule at a time and observe its utility, you’ll virtually all the time keep in mind its use.
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