The comma (,) is tiny, but it can make a big difference to meaning in sentences. So, it’s useful to become familiar with the comma rules.

Use commas

• 1. To separate words or phrases in a list: Nomsa went to the shop and bought milk, a newspaper, bread and jam. She forgot to buy salt and pepper, white cake flour and a tray of eggs. (Notice that there isn’t a comma before ‘and’.)
• 2. To separate names from the rest of the sentence: Her neighbour, Funeka, was also walking home.
• 3. before direct speech: Nomsa greeted her neighbour, ‘Hello, Funeka, how are you?’
• 4. To separate phrases and clauses: When Nomsa got home, her mother was irritated with her for forgetting the flour and eggs.
• 5. Before tag questions: ‘You are forgetful, aren’t you?’ she said crossly.

(Note: you can read more about phrases and clauses here) But if you don’t know what they are, a good idea is to read the sentence out loud and see where there is a natural pause. This is a place for a comma!

Not using a comma in the correct place in a sentence can result in quite a different meaning; for example, compare the sentences in these pairs:

• Don’t eat Jomo. Don’t eat, Jomo. Separating the name from the rest of the sentence can make a difference! In the first sentence Jomo needs to be nervous about the fact that people are interested in eating him… In the second it is clear someone is telling Jomo not to eat.
• She enjoys cooking her family and her pets. She enjoys cooking, her family and her pets. In this example, putting a comma between things in a list makes a big difference. (And her family will be pleased she doesn’t like cooking them!)