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Home - Grammar - Comma
Comma
 
 
 
 
Comma

In this lesson you will learn the definition of a comma and study the usage of commas.
Comma Definition
  • A comma looks like this:
,
  • A comma is used to:
  • separate elements in a sentence, introductory clause, words in a series, parenthetical phrase, or interjection
  • separate items in lists, and to present large numbers in a more readable form
  • when using commas in a number in English, the commas are placed before every third digit, starting from the right
  • commas can change the meaning of a sentence depending on placement
Comma Examples
  • Commas in numbers
  • "fifteen million" is written as "15,000,000"
  • "twelve thousand fifty-one dollars and seven cents" is written as "$12,051.07"
  • Commas changing the meaning of a sentence
  • "The teacher beat the scholar with a whip." (a simple description)
  • "The teacher beat the scholar, with a whip." (expression of outrage)
 
Grammar Tips
Can You Catch These Native Speaker Mistakes?
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An audio lesson to help with your understanding of common mistakes. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.