PUNCTUATION: COMMAS

IN ACADEMIC WRITING

Yarova Victoria,
31-АТ
 The comma ( , ) is a punctuation
mark that appears in several
variants in different languages. It
has the same shape as an
apostrophe ( ’ ) or single closing
quotation mark in many typefaces,
but it differs from them in being
placed on the baseline of the text.
Some typefaces render it as a small
line or slightly curved or straight
but inclined from the vertical.

 The comma is used in many

contexts and languages, mainly to
separate parts of a sentence such
as clauses, and items in lists,
particularly when there are three or
more items listed.
 Although the use of commas might
appear to be a small matter, in the
context of a formal piece of writing they
take on greater importance than normal.

 There is some flexibility in the use of

commas, and overuse can slow down the
reader.

 We will look at the rules for their use.

1. We can use them to separate two independent
clauses that are joined by words like and, but, or,
nor, so etc.

The climb was hard and tiring, but the women were determined
to get to the top.

The men packed up their bags and their tools, and the timber
was put away.
2. We use commas to separate a dependent clause
(introduced by words like as, because, since, when,
after, while etc.) from a main clause.

As it was still raining, the game was postponed. (dependent

clause followed by main clause)

After retiring, he started to write his autobiography.

(dependent clause followed by main clause)
3. Commas are used before an afterthought, or after
an introductory word or phrase.

She held her tongue that time, thankfully.

However, many writers questioned this view.

4. They are used to enclose an extra, inessential
element that interrupts the flow of the sentence.

My brother was, in some ways, the cause of his own problems.

She was, as far as I could see, the most talented artist amongst
them.
5. They are used where we use an appositive phrase
(i.e. an appropriate phrase) or add further
information about an individual or an object.

The fastest driver, Jim Clarke, was first to pass the chequered
flag.

John Stone, a living legend, was reduced to begging in the

streets.
6. To separate elements in a list.

The refugee group was composed of people from Afghanistan,

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Russia.
7. After time phrases

At 2 o'clock, I got up and left.

At exactly midnight, she left the dance.

By the time of his retirement, he had established an

unchallenged reputation in this area.
8. To balance contrasting phrases

She might change her car, but never the colour.

He might look, but he won't be able to touch.

The analysis was carefully conducted, but the result was the
same.
9. In direct speech

"It's very cold," she exclaimed.

"I'll always love you," he said.

The crowd waved their fists and cried, "No surrender!"

The candidate stood up and said, "Ladies and gentlemen! I'm

asking for your support!"
10. To avoid ambiguity.

As well as the hammering, rain was also falling noisily.

Outside, the car park was full.

I'm sick, and tired of reading this book.

I'm hot, and bothered about what to do with the children.

11. To show that words have been left out:

Cooked food is preferred by the majority; fresh food, by a

minority.

Car travel is the preferred option; train and bus, the main
alternatives.

Abstinence is encouraged; drunkenness, abhorred.

A hat is accepted; a full headscarf, preferred.