Uses of the comma
The comma is used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence.
Uses of the comma
Before and after words used in apposition to a noun
Winston Churchill, the statesman, was also an eminent writer.
Janaki, my sister, is an eminent cardiologist.
To separate two or more nouns, adjectives, or adverbs that come together
England, Russia and France formed an alliance.
To separate a participial phrase
Feeling tired, I went to bed.
Being fat, she couldn’t run fast.
To mark off a noun
James, can we bank on him?
Mary, have your meals.
John, come here.
After an introductory phrase or clause
To be honest, I have little interest in politics.
For God’s sake, leave me alone.
In the name of justice, be fair to that poor man.
To indicate the omission of a verb in cases where repetition should be avoided
My brother bought a watch and my sister, a camera. (= My brother bought a watch and my
sister bought a camera.)
Before and after words or phrases let into the body of a sentence
She had, surprisingly, paid for everything.
The boy had, in spite of all the hardships he faced, managed to succeed.
To separate a subordinate clause from the main clause
After he had finished his job, he went out.
When I opened the door, the cat jumped in.
The comma can be omitted when the subordinate clause goes after the main clause.