Question: How do I know where to put a comma and where not to put one?

Grammar: Punctuation

When do we use commas?

• In a list of things – A dog, a cat, a frog and a goat

• Before but, and, so and small conjunctions – I ran, but I missed the bus, so I took a taxi.

• After introductory elements – Running for the bus, I lost my shoe. Consequently, I had to go back home.

• In non-defining relative clauses – My sister, who is always late, missed her bus.

• Before quotes – She asked, “Why does this always happen?”

Common errors:

• No commas between subjects and verbs: One of the most valuable skills to learn during your university years, is typing. Incorrect

• No commas between two verbs with a common predicate: We danced for a while, and then went home. Incorrect.

• No comma after main clause but before subordinate clause: We missed the bus, because my sister was late. Incorrect.