How to use commas | Year 4 English PDF Download

Using Commas for Clarity

• In writing, the correct use of commas is essential to ensure clarity. 
• Commas are not just punctuation marks; they play a crucial role in separating key information and dividing various clauses within a sentence. 
• Incorrect usage of commas can completely alter the intended meaning of a sentence.

Four Main Ways to Employ Commas

Writing Lists

• When creating a list, remember to place commas between each item and use 'and' before the final item instead of a comma. This format enhances readability and comprehension.
• For instance: "Today I need to buy milk, bread, apples, and potatoes."

Ensuring Clarity

• Adding or omitting a comma can drastically change the meaning of a sentence. It is crucial to position commas correctly to convey the intended message.
• Consider the example: "Let's eat Callum!" vs. "Let's eat, Callum!" The placement of the comma alters the interpretation of the sentence.

Including Additional Information

• In longer sentences, commas are utilized to set apart additional information, known as 'parenthesis,' thereby enhancing the sentence's readability.
• For example: "Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is famous for its castle."

Segregating Sentence Components

• A sentence comprises various clauses, each serving as a building block. Commas are employed to separate these clauses, facilitating easier comprehension of complex sentences.
• For example: When Albert saw the food, his tummy started to rumble.
  This sentence has a subordinate clause: 'When Albert saw the food'.
  Subordinate clauses do not make sense on their own because they need the main part of the sentence ('his tummy started to rumble') to be completely clear. When you have two clauses like these, they need to be separated by a comma.

Understanding the Use of Commas in Clauses

What is a Subordinate Clause?

A subordinate clause is a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete thought. It depends on the main clause for clarity. For instance: When Albert saw the food.

Importance of Comma with Subordinate Clauses

When you have two clauses, a main clause and a subordinate clause, they should be separated by a comma to avoid confusion. An example: When Albert saw the food, his tummy started to rumble.

When to Omit the Comma?

If both clauses are complete thoughts on their own, there is no need for a comma. In such cases, write them as separate sentences.
For example:

• Albert was excited about eating.
• He wanted to use a knife and fork.