Punctuation - Commas

Sometimes it is difficult to determine when to use a comma, but here are some hints for us to follow every time we are in doubt.

• For separating words in a list of things
• Example: We will sell candy, water, cupcakes and popcorn.

• For setting a pause
• Example: Last Friday, while I was leaving the office, the phone rang. 

• For dividing the details of an address or a city from its country
• Example: Maingate Lane, Galleria Palms Kissimmee Hotel
• Example: Guayaquil, Ecuador

• For separating more than one adjective that modifies a noun or relative clauses from the rest of the sentence
• Example: The little, cute girl was standing right next to you.
• Example: Her mother, who works at the school, is also as pretty as her daughter.

• For mentioning other people's expressions
• Example: She told me, "We cannot allow this to happen."

• For separating the name of the person we are speaking to
• Example: "Ericka, please stop doing that." 

• For dates
• Example: He is leaving on Friday, 1st December.

• For separating expressions or transition words from the rest of the sentence  
• Example: Well, I just cannot understand your attitude.
• Example: We know you bought your ticket. However, there is no space for you at this bus.

• For separating numbers that exceed three digits
• Example: 51,256

The list of recommendations for this punctuation mark is a little bit long, but with practice it will become very easy. The following funny video can help us summarize the different punctuation marks we have reviewed until now. At the end there is a new punctuation mark, leave your thoughts about its use in the comments!