Understanding and Using English Grammar: A Lesson in Comma Usage

Both native speakers and foreign learners struggle at some point with English grammar. And, most of the time, the reason for this struggle stems from one underlying assumption: English grammar makes sense. The truth is that it doesn't make sense. The rules of English grammar are based on the rules of Latin grammar. The result is a nonsensical system of grammar usage that is primarily rule-based. Therefore, learning, understanding, and using English grammar depends less on a person's ability to make sense of it than it does their ability to memorize the rules of English grammar.

One of the most frequently abused elements of English grammar is the use of the comma. This stems partially from the comma myth: use a comma every time you'd pause if you were speaking rather than writing. This myth has been spread by both elementary school teachers and parents who were taught this rule when they were in school. However, not only is this not a rule of the comma, it also produces grammatically-incorrect writing and over-usage of the comma.

Comma usage is entirely rule-based. If you can memorize these rules and remember them when you're writing, you'll have mastered comma usage. The rules of the comma are:

1. Use a comma to separate two independent clauses that are separated by a coordinating conjunction.

Tip: An independent clause contains both a subject and a verb and constitutes a complete sentence.

Tip: It will help to memorize the coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor

Example: The dog barked, and the little girl was scared.

2. Use a comma to separate a series of words.

Tip: This rule has recently changed based on common usage. Many people were taught in grammar school that a comma between the last two items in a series is unnecessary, but it is now considered grammatically correct to include that last comma.

Example: I am going to the grocery to buy cheese, crackers, and bread.

3. Use a comma to separate three or more adjectives that do not build upon each other.

Example: The woman was young, thin, and pretty.

Not: She wore a light pink silk dress.

4. Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.

Tip: This includes introductory dependant clauses and prepositional, participle, and infinitive phrases, but it does not include introductory gerund phrases.

Examples:

-- With a cup in her hand, Amanda sat down at her kitchen table. (Prepositional Phrase)

-- When she was younger, Amanda had enjoyed reading books. (Dependant Clause)

-- Swimming quickly, Amanda was winning the race. (Participle Phrase)

-- To find out the truth, Amanda consulted her history book. (Infinitive Phrase)

5. Use a comma to set off a section of a sentence that is not necessary.

Tip: Determining whether or not a piece of information is necessary to the overall meaning of a sentence is largely determined by the author.

Example: Minimum wage, the lowest amount of money that an employer can pay an hourly employee, is barely enough money for a single person to afford groceries and gas.

Understanding and using English grammar doesn't have to be a nightmare. Memorize these rules and then come up with your own examples. Soon enough, you'll be on the road to using commas like a pro!