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Uses of a Comma in English: Meanings, Examples & Practice Questions

 

Uses of a Comma (,) in English

A comma is a punctuation mark used to separate ideas, improve flow, and prevent confusion in sentences.

1. Comma in Lists (Series)

Meaning: Used to separate three or more items in a list.

  • She bought rice, beans, sugar, and milk.
  • The hall was filled with teachers, students, parents, and guests.
  • He enjoys reading, writing, singing, and teaching.

Practice

  1. I saw lions elephants giraffes and zebras.
  2. We need books rulers pens and chalk.

Answers

  • I saw lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras.
  • We need books, rulers, pens, and chalk.

2. Comma Before Coordinating Conjunctions

Meaning: Used to join two complete sentences connected by and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor.

  • I wanted to go, but it started raining.
  • She studied hard, so she passed.
  • He called me, and I answered.

Practice

  1. She was tired but she continued working.
  2. I prepared well so I felt confident.

Answers

  • She was tired, but she continued working.
  • I prepared well, so I felt confident.

3. Comma After Introductory Words or Phrases

Meaning: Used after words or phrases that begin a sentence.

  • In the evening, we prayed.
  • After the match, they celebrated.
  • However, he refused.

Practice

  1. After school we went home.
  2. Suddenly the door opened.

Answers

  • After school, we went home.
  • Suddenly, the door opened.

4. Commas for Non-essential Information

Meaning: Used to enclose extra information that can be removed without changing the main meaning.

  • My father, who is a teacher, lives in Meru.
  • Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is busy.

Practice

  1. My sister who lives in Nakuru is visiting.
  2. The boy who won the prize is my cousin.

Answers

  • My sister, who lives in Nakuru, is visiting.
  • The boy, who won the prize, is my cousin.

5. Commas Between Coordinate Adjectives

Meaning: Used between adjectives that equally describe a noun.

  • She wore a short, red dress.
  • It was a cold, rainy morning.

Practice

  1. He bought a big blue bag.
  2. She lives in a quiet peaceful village.

Answers

  • He bought a big, blue bag.
  • She lives in a quiet, peaceful village.

6. Commas in Direct Speech

Meaning: Used to separate reporting words from quotations.

  • The teacher said, “Read your books.”
  • “I am ready,” she replied.

Practice

  1. He said I am tired.
  2. Come here she shouted.

Answers

  • He said, “I am tired.”
  • “Come here,” she shouted.

7. Commas in Direct Address

Meaning: Used when speaking directly to someone.

Practice

  1. Teacher may I ask a question?
  2. Come here Peter.

Answers

  • Teacher, may I ask a question?
  • Come here, Peter.

8. Commas to Avoid Confusion

  • Let’s eat, grandma.
  • While walking, the phone rang.

Practice

  1. Let’s eat children.
  2. While walking the phone rang.

Answers

  • Let’s eat, children.
  • While walking, the phone rang.

9. Commas in Dates, Addresses & Numbers

10. After Yes / No / Well

  • Yes, I understand.
  • No, I don’t agree.
  • Well, let us begin.
Final Exam Tip:
If removing a comma changes meaning or causes confusion, the comma is necessary.

Happy learning!

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Uses of a Comma in English: Meanings, Examples & Practice Questions

  Uses of a Comma (,) in English A comma is a punctuation mark used to separate ideas, improve flow, and prevent confusion in sentence...