Where To Put A Comma

Where Does The Comma Go?
A Guide For The Perplexed

The Basic Principle and Terminology

Commas are logical markers that separate one sentence element from another.

So . . .

Use commas only when you want to separate things.

Here's some basic terminology:

Main Clause

A group of words that can stand by themselves and make complete sense. A sentence is an example of a main clause, but two sentences can be combined into a single sentence with two main clauses.

Example: I liked Ike.

Dependent Clause

A group of words with a subject and a verb but which can't stand by themselves and make complete sense. A dependent clause always needs to be attached to main clause.

Example: When I liked Ike , I didn't like Mike.

An Introductory Element

A word or a group of words that comes before the main clause and introduces it.

Example: Once upon a time, I liked Ike.

A Non-Essential Element

A word or a group of words that can be removed from the sentence without changing its basic meaning.

Example: I, however, liked Ike.

Equal Things

Two words or two groups of words which are equally important to the meaning of the sentence. They are always joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Example: I liked Ike and Mike. I liked meeting Ike and greeting Mike.

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Comments and questions to akeller@uvic.ca
©Arnold Keller, 1996
This page updated on November 17, 1996.

Main Clause	A group of words that can stand by themselves and make complete sense. A sentence is an example of a main clause, but two sentences can be combined into a single sentence with two main clauses. Example: I liked Ike.
Dependent Clause	A group of words with a subject and a verb but which can't stand by themselves and make complete sense. A dependent clause always needs to be attached to main clause. Example: When I liked Ike , I didn't like Mike.
An Introductory Element	A word or a group of words that comes before the main clause and introduces it. Example: Once upon a time, I liked Ike.
A Non-Essential Element	A word or a group of words that can be removed from the sentence without changing its basic meaning. Example: I, however, liked Ike.
Equal Things	Two words or two groups of words which are equally important to the meaning of the sentence. They are always joined by a coordinating conjunction. Example: I liked Ike and Mike. I liked meeting Ike and greeting Mike.