The main rule for the use of commas in English is: Keep your sentences clear. Too many commas might be distracting; too few might make the text difficult to read and understand.
Always check your texts on readability. This requires some practice, however, as first you must know which commas are necessary and which are optional.
The following chapters contain explanations on English comma rules. In our exercises you can practise what you've learned.
- Comma Rules
- Commas with Numbers
- Commas with Salutations
- Commas with Geographic Places
- Commas with “please”
- Commas with Affirmatives, Negatives and Question Tags
- Commas with Adjectives
- Commas with Adverbs
- Commas with Enumerations
- Commas between Main Clauses
- Commas with Conditional Sentences
- Commas with Direct Speech
- Commas with Introductory Clauses
- Commas with Additional Information
- Commas with Opposites
- Commas as Means of Readability