Commas

Commas provide clarity and make a document easier to read by letting the reader know when to slow down, pause, or continue. When writing, there are specific rules for inserting commas. The following section addresses when commas are required.

Independent clauses

When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, such as “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor,” “for,” “yet,” or “so,” you must use a comma after the first independent clause. For example, “She appreciated your hard work, but she already completed her report.”