by Len Morse

Created on: June 12, 2009   Last Updated: April 13, 2011

We don't think about commas when we speak; natural pauses occur and we keep on talking. Unfortunately, a great many people forget about commas when they write, too. Like all punctuation marks, commas are of great assistance in any type of writing, and can easily do the following:

• Separate items in a list

• Separate two or more phrases

• Set off a phrase that is not essential to the rest of the sentence

• Set off quotes

In all cases, a comma shows a pause in the sentence, or a separation of two or more distinct ideas. Sadly, many documents and signs (both formal and informal) include either too many commas or not enough. At worst, the reader is totally confused and the original intent of the message is lost. At best, the reader must guess at the writer's meaning, based on the context of the sentence or paragraph.

For you business owners, commercial executives, or marketing advertisers, please remember that your punctuation is just as important as your spelling. If prospective customers think you've cut corners (intentionally or not) in your articles, ads, signage, or other written documents, who's to say you haven't taken shortcuts elsewhere? How can they expect to patronize your business with confidence and trust? Ensuring proper punctuation helps make your document easy to read and leaves your audience with no doubts about your message.

== Lists ==

One of the most well known uses of the comma is separating items in a list:

- I bought hats, streamers, lights, and candy for the party.

Some may argue that the last comma before the conjunction, known as the serial comma (also "Harvard comma" and "Oxford comma"), is not necessary. The sentence would therefore be read the same, but look like this:

- I bought hats, streamers, lights and candy for the party.

Depending on the style manual you use and your personal preference, this may vary. What matters most is that it makes the statement clear.

Lists can also contain phrases, not just single words:

- Laura plays the clarinet, paints nature scenes, and creates ceramic statues of Abe Lincoln.

Now just imagine if there were no commas in that last sentence. What a mess!

TIP: Always use the serial comma if the sentence is not clear without it.

== Conjunctions ==

Commas are almost always used with conjunctions, which connect words or independent clauses together. The three most popular conjunctions are "and," "but," and "or."

- The doors needed sanding, and the ceiling needed new paint.

- We can go

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