Comma Before And | When to Use a Comma Before “AND”?

by

Comma Before And: Are you confused about using the comma? Don’t worry. We are here to solve all your queries on this topic. We have included all the suitable topics and points as well. After reading this article, you will understand well where to use commas and not to use them before “and”. So go through today’s article on when to use a comma before “AND” and get the complete details within minutes. There are many ways to use commas, but it’s not as easy as it seems. While using commas, we feel many complications, don’t we ?. So to resolve these complications, we have come back again with another informative article.

Comma usually separates clauses as well as written things that have been listed or written in a queue. It shows separation in any sentence and makes the reader more clear about written thoughts or ideas. It is also known for using it as a short pause to any sentences. There are many uses and rules of the comma, and we have to know its rules so that we may not make any mistake while putting it in a sentence.

Comma Using Before And

An Introduction To Comma

Comma appears in different languages and makes the writers’ articles or blogs clearer to their readers. It is punctuation and looks the same as a possession indicator/punctuation ‘apostrophe’. Comma also has the same shape as quotation marks (single closing).

If we talk about the difference, then it is that the comma is placed on the text’s baseline every time, but the apostrophe and the single quotation marks aren’t placed on the text’s baseline.

Uses of Comma

So, first, let’s roll our eyes to the major purposes or uses of commas in any text.

  • To separate the writer’s sentences/ texts.
  • Comma sets apart the quotations or dialogues. The comma is also used to move apart a parenthetical element.
  • If there are too many elements in the series, it’s used to separate them, making the sentence clearer.

The above examples confirm that the comma is responsible for removing the illegibility of sentences and making them perfect.

There are many ways to use it, but before using a comma, one must estimate the importance of that word. He must know what the purposes of using it in that sentence are.

Sometimes you have noticed the word “and”, which falls in the middle of the sentences. If you also want to know how and when to use a comma before “AND,” then keep reading this whole article.

“And”: Introduction

“And” is a word seen everywhere, and it becomes quite complicated to use it sometimes. So before knowing the uses of the comma before the word “and,” you should know about it first. You should know some of the major points so that you may understand their uses quickly.

Word “and” connects the two single words and any complete sentences as well. It is used for connecting two phrases, words and clauses as well. So these were some important things about the word “and”.

Comma Before And 2

When To Use A Comma Before “And”

Before using a comma, one must know about the necessity of this “and” word in any sentence. Because It will help you use the comma perfectly, let’s proceed to know more on this topic.

  • When you use the word “and” for connecting two independent clauses, you should use a comma before “and”.

When not to use a comma before “and”: overview

  • On the contrary, if this word connects two different words or phrases, don’t use a comma before it.
  • Don’t use a comma if “and” is the list and series’ part in any text.

Optional method of using a comma in the text

There are some optional uses of commas that are very crucial to know.

  • If “and” is used in a list to link the last two things, then a serial comma/ Oxford comma is required. AP Style doesn’t allow you to use a comma in such sentences.
  • If there are very short lengthed independent clauses and sentences are linked together with “and.” It’s optional to use a comma then.

So, these were some aspects of using a comma in any text as a dependent or optional.

Comma Before And 1

When To Use A Comma Before “And” in Two Independent Clauses

Firstly comes this rule which is very easy to use and understand. So when two independent clauses are linked together, there is a comma before the word “and” is a must to use.

Before using a comma, you must figure out whether both different sentences show any meaning or are they meaningless. If both sentences are independent and make sense, you have to use a comma there. With some of the examples, you’ll understand them clearly.

Examples Are Below

  1. “I ate the coconut biscuits, and I bought 7 packets of coconut biscuits.”

In the above examples, it can be seen that both sentences are individually making sense. Apart from that, “and” is connecting both independent causes.

There was a huge crowd at the party, and I met Miss Alisha there.

Ryana was upset, and she went to Texas to spend the holidays.

You can sell this home and go to Goa to settle there.

My mother gave me a piano, and I played it the whole day.

A group of our close friends went to a picnic, and all of us found it a very memorable picnic.

“Rihanna sang a new song in her Los Vegas concert in 2017, and that song was amazing.”

As you can see in example, the sentence “that song was amazing” is quite short, but that doesn’t mean we won’t put commas. We have to put commas here also because both the sentences express their different meanings.

Myara gave me a guitar, and I am very happy.

It’s too hot outside, and he can’t find his slipper.

On money, they’ll visit Disneyland, and on Wednesday, they will visit Tajmahal.

So these were some of the useful examples regarding this simple rule. We hope it helped you in some way to understand this rule. So let’s see some more rules and examples ahead.

When Not To Use A Comma Before “And”

  • Dependent clauses

Dependent clauses are the opposite of independent clauses. Dependent clauses are those that are dependent on another clause to make a sentence meaningful. so there is no use of comma if two dependent clauses are connected

Example

I saw the lion coming towards me, and I ran away.

  • When there are two phrases

The phrase doesn’t have a subject and a verb, and it’s a group of words normally.

Example of Phrases-

  • she might enjoy a trip.
  • Shyla was eager to go to dinner.
  • Wake and dance.
  • Go and walk now, buddy.

Well, don’t use a comma before “and” if there are two phrases in a sentence.

Examples-

I’ll buy a green jacket and a combo of socks.

Play the party song and dance till 2.

Pack of socks and pack of ribbons.

  • When there are two words

When “and” is connecting two single words, then don’t use a comma before it. See the below examples.

Example

“Kylie’s favorite chocolates are Cadbury and KitKat.”

  • Short sentences

Here comes the next one, where we don’t need to use a comma before “and.” When you see two very small sentences that are independent, don’t use a comma there before “and.”

Examples

She hates Emma and Rachel does not.

I like chocolate and milk not.

  • If there are any list

If the items in any list are dependent clauses, don’t use a comma and if it’s not, then put it.

Example

Miley and Ariana and Taylor, oh my!

Chocolate, sweets and candy, everywhere

In the above example, there are no independent clauses. That’s why we have to use a comma before the listed nouns/ things.

I like Arianna, and I like Miley, and I like Tayor as well.

We have used a comma before the word because there are independent clauses in the above example.

So these are some points that you have to keep in mind while putting a comma in any text.

FAQ’s on Comma Before And

Question 1.
What is the argument related to serial comma / Oxford comma?

Answer:
You must have heard or read about this argument somewhere. This is an argument about using a comma before “and,” which is optional.

Example-

Preeti is a smart, well behaved, and professional lady. (correct)

Preeti is a smart, well behaved and professional lady. (correct)

In the above examples, you can see that we have applied a comma, and in the second example, we have not because here, the comma is optional. Both are correct.

Conclusion on Comma Before And

Independent clauses always stand alone and keep their meaning individual. When it comes to using the comma before “and,” we must use it in this case. We have shown you other aspects, like where you have to use a comma and where not to.

We have mainly described two main aspects in this article, under suitable headings. Now you must have understood how and when to use a comma before “and.” We have also given many examples so that you can easily understand this topic. Thank you!

Leave a Comment