When is comma used before and

If both the independent clauses are short then some writers may choose to omit the comma before the "and", but you will never be wrong to use it. So if you're not sure then I advise you to include it. If I wrote instead: "He is great and works hard," this is an independent clause and a dependent clause, because "works hard" is not a complete sentence. A grammar guru, style editor, and writing mentor in one package.

Try it for free! In some circumstances, you may use a comma before a conjunction such as "and" when it starts a dependent clause. This is when you are using the comma as an Oxford comma sometimes known as a serial comma. The conjunction must split the third item of a list. I ate, slept , and dreamed of England. Read more about using an Oxford comma.

Correct: He ate dinner, slept all night, and awoke refreshed. Should I also include a comma after "and" when it joins two independent phrases?

If the word "and" is used to join two independent clauses, then there should be a comma before the "and" and never after it. You might want to include a comma after the "and", but this is never correct. For example, when "and" is followed by a phrase beginning with a preposition, such as "for example" or "as you will see", you might think to add a comma after the "and". This is because it might seem that there is a pause there.

However, as you have already included a comma before the "and" a comma here is unnecessary and even ugly. Incorrect: You will read this, and, as you will see, you will also understand it. Incorrect: You will read this and, as you will see, you will also understand it. Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase Rule: Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. When Evan was ready to iron, his cat tripped on the cord.

Near a small stream at the bottom of the canyon, park rangers discovered a gold mine. Use a comma between all items in a series Rule: Use a comma to separate each item in a series; a series is a group of three or more items having the same function and form in a sentence. We bought apples, peaches, and bananas today. Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses Rule: Use commas to enclose clauses not essential to the meaning of a sentence. Steven Strom, whose show you like, will host a party next week.

Use a comma to set off appositives Rule: An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames a nearby noun. Alexander Pope, the Restoration poet, is famous for his monologues.

Use a comma to indicate direct address Rule: When a speaker in a sentence names the person to whom he is speaking, this addressing of his audience is called direct address.

Use commas to set off direct quotations Rule: A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. For example when you should use a capital letter, and when you should use a full stop. Here are some key places you should or should not be using a comma. When you are introducing a sentence, you will most often use a comma. Here is an example:.

When the show is over, Richard will come home. Clutching her keys, Rachel ran out of the building. If the phrase is longer than four words, most often, there should be a comma. If you want to pause for effect, you can also add a comma. Before drinking the group said cheers! Before drinking, the group said cheers! As you can see, the lack of a comma here makes a significant impact on what is happening. A comma should not separate a subject and its verb.

There are some exceptions to this rule. My best friend George, has ginger hair. My best friend George has ginger hair. When speaking these sentences, you would most likely pause for impact. The longer the sentence, the more complex this can get. Driving through the rain, wind, snow, and darkness, is a horrible experience. The sentence is correct with or without the comma before and. There are a few exceptions that require you to use the Oxford comma in a list, but they are pretty rare.

Just be consistent. By the way, this rule only applies to lists of three or more items. The dog is well trained, and good natured.

The dog is well trained and good natured. Sam, and Sarah take excellent care of their pets. Sam and Sarah take excellent care of their pets.