Published on July 14, 2022 by Jack Caulfield. Revised on November 10, 2022. In English, you must put a comma before “and” when it connects two independent clauses. A clause is
independent when it could stand on its own as a sentence—it has its own subject and verb. But when “and” connects two verbs with the same subject, you shouldn’t use
a comma. In this case, Jagmeet is the subject who performs both actions (walking and arriving). You can recognize that you need a comma before “and” when you’re
connecting two clauses with separate subjects and verbs. This applies even when the second subject is a pronoun referring to the same person or thing as the first subject, or when the second clause repeats the same verb from the first. Examples: Comma before “and” connecting independent clauses
But it’s often better to simplify phrasings like these by omitting the second subject. This way, you remove the need for a comma and make the sentence less repetitive. Examples: Simplified phrasings with no comma required
Most style guides do make an exception for short sentences where the two independent clauses are simple and closely related. In these cases, the comma is optional. Example: “And” connecting two short independent clauses
When you don’t need a comma before “and”As a conjunction, “and” can also connect all kinds of different words: adjectives, verbs, nouns, and so on. When “and” joins two words like this, rather than joining two full independent clauses, it’s incorrect to use a comma. Example sentences: “And” connecting verbs, adjectives, etc.
However, at the end of a list of three or more items, a comma may be used before “and.” This is called the Oxford comma (or serial comma). It’s usually recommended to use it. When do you need a comma after “and”?As a general rule, you don’t need a comma after and. Even if you start a sentence with an introductory “and,” you should not place a comma after it.
The only occasion when a comma might appear after “and” is when the sentence is interrupted at that point by a parenthetical phrase set off by commas. Example: Comma after “and”
Worksheet: Comma before or after andDo you want to test your knowledge about when to use a comma before or after and? Use our practice worksheet below. Just insert commas into the sentences wherever you think they’re needed, and then check your work against the answers provided.
Sources in this articleWe strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below. This Scribbr article
Sources
Is this article helpful?You have already voted. Thanks :-) Your vote is saved :-) Processing your vote... What do we use before for example?A comma or a semicolon is placed before for example. A comma is placed after it. The example phrase is placed directly after the word it modifies.
Do you use a comma or semicolon after for example?Rule. Use a semicolon between independent clauses which are linked in meaning with a transitional word. This rule means that a writer may use semicolons between two complete sentences that are joined by transition words like however, meanwhile, next, similarly, therefore, for example, in addition, in conclusion, etc.
How do you write for example in a sentence?As stated above, e.g. is short for “for example.” The easiest way to remember this one is that it starts with an “e” and so does “example.” Here's how to use for example (e.g.) in a sentence: “There are many types of trees (e.g., spruce, oak, maple) in the study area.”
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