ENGLISH
REFERENCE

comma

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈkɑmə// UK //kˈɒmɐ// com·ma Archaic

n. a small mark (,) used in writing to separate parts of a sentence. It helps the reader know when to take a short pause.

n. a punctuation mark indicating a slight pause between parts of a sentence or separating items in a list.


SIMPLE

Please put a comma after the word 'yes'.

CONTEXTUAL

When writing a list of groceries like apples, bread, and milk, you should use a comma to separate the items.

COMPLEX

The placement of a single comma can fundamentally alter the meaning of a legal contract, leading to disputes that cost companies millions of dollars in unforeseen liabilities.

Origin

From Latin comma, from Ancient Greek κόμμα (kómma), from κόπτω (kóptō, “I cut”).

Usage

Commonly used before coordinating conjunctions in compound sentences or after introductory phrases.

Pitfall

I like coffee, I like tea.I like coffee; I like tea. / I like coffee, and I like tea.A 'comma splice' occurs when a comma is used to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

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