Punctuation

A collection of 138 posts

How to Use Commas With 'IF'

If a sentence starts with an if-clause, add a comma after the if-clause. Do not use a comma when the sentence starts with the main clause.

When to Use a Comma Before or After 'Too'

In the middle of a sentence, we normally use commas to set off the word "too". It is not necessary to place a comma before "too" at the end of a sentence.

Comma Use Before and After 'By the way'

Wherever the expression "by the way" comes (at the start, in mid-sentence, or at the end of a sentence), it must be separated by commas or other proper punctuation marks, such as a period, a semicolon, or an em dash.

Use of Comma With 'After all'

When interrupting the sentence flow, use a comma before and after the expression "after all" in the middle of a sentence. At the start of a sentence, "after all" must be followed by a comma when meaning "despite that" or "because".

Commas After 'Well', 'Why', or 'Hello' to Introduce a Sentence

Add a comma after the words well, why, hello, and hey to introduce a new sentence. Alternatively, you can use an exclamation mark to show emphasis, emotion, or surprise. An exclamation mark after these introductory words replaces a comma.

When to use a Comma Before 'Including'

Place a comma before "including" when introducing an example (or a series of examples) to illustrate what has been recently said.

Commas with 'For Example' and 'For Instance'

Use a comma before and after for example and for instance in the middle of a sentence. Replace the first comma by a semicolon to introduce a complete sentence with these expressions.