Commas
You already know how to use commas in lists. Now you will learn two more important ways to use commas: after introductory words and when speaking directly to someone.
What You'll Learn
- How to use commas after introductory words and phrases at the start of a sentence
- How to use commas when you address someone by name (direct address)
- How to apply all three comma rules together (lists, introductory words, and direct address)
When to Use
- In a list of three or more items: "We bought chicken, vegetables, and rice at the market."
- After an introductory word: "However, the shop was already closed."
- After an introductory phrase: "After the lesson, we went to the canteen."
- When speaking to someone by name: "Sarah, please pass me the book."
How to Form
Commas After Introductory Words
When a sentence starts with a word or short phrase that introduces the main idea, put a comma after it.
| Type | Introductory Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time | First, | First, wash your hands before eating. |
| Time | Then, | Then, set the table for dinner. |
| Time | Finally, | Finally, we can start eating. |
| Surprise | Fortunately, | Fortunately, the rain stopped before our sports day. |
| Contrast | However, | However, we still need to bring an umbrella. |
| Agreement | Yes, | Yes, I have finished my homework. |
| Agreement | No, | No, I have not seen your pencil case. |
Commas After Introductory Phrases
When a phrase at the start tells you when, where, or how something happened, put a comma after it.
| Introductory Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| After recess, | After recess, we had a spelling test. |
| In the morning, | In the morning, Father drove us to school. |
| During the holidays, | During the holidays, we visited our grandparents. |
| On Saturday, | On Saturday, my family went to East Coast Park. |
Commas with Direct Address
When you speak directly to someone and use their name, put a comma to separate the name from the rest of the sentence.
| Position of Name | Example |
|---|---|
| Name at the start | Ali, can you help me carry these books? |
| Name at the end | Please sit down, Mei Ling. |
| Name in the middle | I think, Mrs Tan, that the answer is correct. |
Key Rules
- Introductory words need a comma: Words like "first", "next", "however", "yes", and "no" need a comma after them when they start a sentence.
- Introductory phrases need a comma: When a phrase like "After school" or "In the evening" comes at the start of a sentence, put a comma after it to separate it from the main sentence.
- Direct address always needs a comma: When you call someone by name, use a comma to separate the name from what you are saying. This works at the start, middle, or end of a sentence.
- Two commas for names in the middle: If the name appears in the middle of a sentence, you need a comma before and after the name. "I believe, Kumar, that you are right."
- Lists still need commas: Remember the rule from P2 -- three or more items in a list need commas between them.
Common Mistakes
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First we lined up at the canteen. | First, we lined up at the canteen. | "First" is an introductory word and needs a comma after it |
| After school we played football. | After school, we played football. | "After school" is an introductory phrase and needs a comma |
| Amir can you open the window? | Amir, can you open the window? | "Amir" is a direct address and needs a comma after it |
| Please be quiet Siti. | Please be quiet, Siti. | "Siti" is a direct address at the end and needs a comma before it |
| I think Mrs Lee that we are late. | I think, Mrs Lee, that we are late. | A name in the middle needs a comma before and after it |
Clue Words
Introductory words (put a comma after these at the start of a sentence)
First, Next, Then, Finally, Also, However, Unfortunately, Fortunately, Yes, No, Well
Introductory phrase starters (put a comma after the phrase)
After, Before, During, In the, On, At, When, While
Direct address signals
Names of people (Ali, Mei Ling, Mrs Tan), words like "class", "children", "everyone"
Tip: Read the sentence aloud. If you naturally pause after the first word or phrase, that is where a comma should go. If you are calling someone by name, always use a comma to separate the name.
Practice Tips
- The pause test: Read your sentence out loud slowly. If you pause after the first word or phrase, you probably need a comma there.
- Name check: Whenever you write someone's name in a sentence where you are speaking to them, check that there is a comma separating the name from the rest of the sentence.
- Starter word scan: Look at the first word of your sentence. Is it a word like "First", "However", "Yes", or "No"? If so, add a comma right after it.
- Three-rule check: After writing, go through each sentence and ask: (1) Is there a list? (2) Is there an introductory word or phrase? (3) Am I speaking to someone by name? If yes to any, check for commas.
Quick Reference
| Rule | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Commas in lists | Three or more items | I packed my bag, shoes, and water bottle. |
| Comma after introductory word | Word like "First", "However", "Yes" at the start | However, the bus was late. |
| Comma after introductory phrase | Phrase like "After recess" at the start | After recess, we had art class. |
| Comma with name at start | Speaking to someone, name first | Wei Lin, please line up. |
| Comma with name at end | Speaking to someone, name last | Let us go, Ravi. |
| Two commas with name in middle | Speaking to someone, name in middle | I think, Priya, that you are correct. |