Blog about English
Using commas in lists, clauses, introductory phrases and other common situations.
Practice: build the sentences →Commas separate elements within sentences and help clarify structure, relationships, and pauses.
Common uses include lists, introductory elements, non-essential information, direct address, and some clause combinations.
We bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
Мы купили яблоки, апельсины и бананы.
Commas separate items in a list.
However, we decided to stay.
Однако мы решили остаться.
A comma follows the introductory word "However".
My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us.
Мой брат, который живёт в Лондоне, навещает нас.
Commas enclose a non-defining relative clause.
John, please sit down.
Джон, пожалуйста, сядь.
A comma separates the person being addressed.
I called him, but he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему, но он не ответил.
A comma precedes the coordinating conjunction "but".
Commas normally separate three or more coordinated items in a list.
For example, We bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
We bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
Мы купили яблоки, апельсины и бананы.
Commas separate three coordinated items.
She likes reading, writing, and painting.
Она любит читать, писать и рисовать.
Commas separate items in a list of activities.
The flag is red, white, and blue.
Флаг красный, белый и синий.
Commas separate the colours.
He packed a shirt, trousers, and shoes.
Он упаковал рубашку, брюки и туфли.
Commas separate the items packed.
We need flour, sugar, and eggs.
Нам нужна мука, сахар и яйца.
Commas separate the ingredients.
The comma before the final and or or in a list is optional in many styles but can clarify meaning.
For example, We invited John, Mary, and Sarah. Some style guides require or recommend the final comma, while others omit it.
We invited John, Mary, and Sarah.
Мы пригласили Джона, Мэри и Сару.
The comma before "and" is the Oxford comma.
We invited John, Mary and Sarah.
Мы пригласили Джона, Мэри и Сару.
Some styles omit the final comma.
I would like to thank my parents, Mother Teresa, and the Pope.
Я хотел бы поблагодарить моих родителей, мать Терезу и Папу.
The Oxford comma clarifies that the parents are not Mother Teresa and the Pope.
She bought bread, milk, and eggs.
Она купила хлеб, молоко и яйца.
The final comma is optional but clarifying.
The options are red, green, or blue.
Варианты: красный, зелёный или синий.
The Oxford comma can appear before "or".
Coordinate adjectives can be separated by commas when they independently modify the same noun.
For example, a long, difficult journey.
a long, difficult journey
долгое трудное путешествие
Coordinate adjectives are separated by a comma.
a bright, sunny day
яркий солнечный день
Both adjectives independently modify "day".
a cold, windy morning
холодное ветреное утро
Comma between coordinate adjectives.
a beautiful, peaceful garden
красивый тихий сад
Coordinate adjectives separated by a comma.
a simple, effective solution
простое эффективное решение
Comma between coordinate adjectives.
Commas are generally used between coordinate adjectives but not between cumulative adjectives that form a fixed sequence.
For example, a long, difficult journey but a small wooden box.
a long, difficult journey
долгое трудное путешествие
Coordinate adjectives take a comma.
a small wooden box
маленькая деревянная коробка
Cumulative adjectives do not take a comma.
a beautiful old house
красивый старый дом
Cumulative adjectives: "beautiful" and "old" form a sequence.
a big red ball
большой красный мяч
Cumulative adjectives without a comma.
a cold, dark night
холодная тёмная ночь
Coordinate adjectives with a comma.
Introductory words and short introductory expressions may be followed by a comma when they function as discourse markers.
For example, However, we decided to stay. Fortunately, nobody was hurt.
However, we decided to stay.
Однако мы решили остаться.
Comma after the introductory word "However".
Fortunately, nobody was hurt.
К счастью, никто не пострадал.
Comma after the introductory word "Fortunately".
Therefore, we must act now.
Следовательно, мы должны действовать сейчас.
Comma after "Therefore".
Meanwhile, the others waited.
Тем временем остальные ждали.
Comma after "Meanwhile".
Of course, you can join us.
Конечно, ты можешь присоединиться к нам.
Comma after "Of course".
A substantial introductory phrase can be separated from the main clause with a comma to clarify the sentence structure.
For example, After the meeting, we went home.
After the meeting, we went home.
После встречи мы пошли домой.
Comma after the introductory phrase.
In the morning, I go for a run.
Утром я хожу на пробежку.
Comma after the introductory phrase.
Before the storm, the sky darkened.
Перед бурей небо потемнело.
Comma after the introductory phrase.
With a smile, she accepted the gift.
С улыбкой она приняла подарок.
Comma after the introductory phrase.
During the night, it snowed heavily.
Ночью шёл сильный снег.
Comma after the introductory phrase.
A subordinate clause placed before the main clause is commonly followed by a comma.
For example, When the meeting ended, everyone left.
When the meeting ended, everyone left.
Когда встреча закончилась, все ушли.
Comma after the introductory subordinate clause.
If it rains, we will stay home.
Если пойдёт дождь, мы останемся дома.
Comma after the introductory if-clause.
Although he was tired, he kept working.
Хотя он устал, он продолжал работать.
Comma after the introductory clause.
Because she was late, she missed the bus.
Поскольку она опоздала, она пропустила автобус.
Comma after the introductory clause.
While I was cooking, the phone rang.
Пока я готовил, зазвонил телефон.
Comma after the introductory clause.
A comma is commonly used before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses.
For example, I called him, but he did not answer.
I called him, but he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему, но он не ответил.
Comma before the coordinating conjunction "but".
She finished the report, and he sent it to the client.
Она закончила отчёт, и он отправил его клиенту.
Comma before "and" joining two independent clauses.
You can stay, or you can leave.
Ты можешь остаться или уйти.
Comma before "or".
I wanted to go, yet I stayed home.
Я хотел пойти, но остался дома.
Comma before "yet".
He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
Он усердно учился, поэтому сдал экзамен.
Comma before "so".
A comma should not normally be used alone to join two independent clauses.
For example, I called him, he did not answer is a comma splice; use a full stop, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction as appropriate.
I called him, he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему, он не ответил.
Comma splice: two independent clauses joined only by a comma.
I called him. He did not answer.
Я позвонил ему. Он не ответил.
Correct: use a full stop.
I called him; he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему; он не ответил.
Correct: use a semicolon.
I called him, but he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему, но он не ответил.
Correct: use a coordinating conjunction.
She was tired, she went to bed.
Она устала, она пошла спать.
Comma splice: needs a conjunction or other punctuation.
Non-defining relative clauses are normally separated from the main clause by commas.
For example, My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us.
My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us.
Мой брат, который живёт в Лондоне, навещает нас.
Non-defining relative clause enclosed in commas.
The book, which I bought yesterday, is very good.
Книга, которую я купил вчера, очень хорошая.
Non-defining clause with commas.
Paris, which is the capital of France, is beautiful.
Париж, который является столицей Франции, красив.
Non-defining relative clause with commas.
My car, which I bought last year, is reliable.
Моя машина, которую я купил в прошлом году, надёжна.
Non-defining clause set off by commas.
She introduced me to her friend, who is a doctor.
Она познакомила меня со своим другом, который врач.
Non-defining relative clause with commas.
Defining relative clauses are normally not separated by commas because they identify which person or thing is meant.
For example, The students who passed the test can leave.
The students who passed the test can leave.
Студенты, которые сдали тест, могут уйти.
Defining relative clause: no commas.
The car that I bought is new.
Машина, которую я купил, новая.
Defining relative clause: no commas.
The man who called you is my uncle.
Мужчина, который тебе звонил, мой дядя.
Defining relative clause without commas.
The book that you lent me was great.
Книга, которую ты мне одолжил, была отличной.
Defining relative clause: no commas.
The people who arrived early got good seats.
Люди, которые пришли рано, заняли хорошие места.
Defining relative clause: no commas.
Non-essential appositive information is normally enclosed in commas.
For example, Jane, my oldest friend, lives nearby.
Jane, my oldest friend, lives nearby.
Джейн, моя старейшая подруга, живёт поблизости.
Non-essential appositive enclosed in commas.
My brother, a doctor, works at the hospital.
Мой брат, врач, работает в больнице.
Appositive set off by commas.
The city of Paris, the capital of France, is beautiful.
Город Париж, столица Франции, красив.
Appositive with commas.
My dog, a golden retriever, loves to swim.
Моя собака, золотистый ретривер, любит плавать.
Non-essential appositive with commas.
Mr. Smith, our teacher, is very kind.
Мистер Смит, наш учитель, очень добрый.
Appositive enclosed in commas.
Commas can indicate whether additional information is essential for identifying the noun or is merely supplementary.
For example, My sister Sarah lives here differs from My sister, Sarah, lives here in possible interpretation.
My sister Sarah lives here.
Моя сестра Сара живёт здесь.
Essential information: Sarah identifies which sister.
My sister, Sarah, lives here.
Моя сестра, Сара, живёт здесь.
Non-essential information: the name is extra.
The writer Dickens was born in 1812.
Писатель Диккенс родился в 1812 году.
Essential information identifies which writer.
The writer, Dickens, was born in 1812.
Писатель, Диккенс, родился в 1812 году.
Non-essential: writer already identified.
My friend Tom is a teacher.
Мой друг Том — учитель.
Essential information: Tom identifies which friend.
A comma separates a person or group being directly addressed from the rest of the sentence.
For example, John, please sit down. and Thank you, everyone.
John, please sit down.
Джон, пожалуйста, сядь.
Comma separates the person addressed.
Thank you, everyone.
Спасибо всем.
Comma before the direct address.
Could you help me, Mary?
Не могли бы вы помочь мне, Мэри?
Comma before the name in direct address.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
Дамы и господа, добро пожаловать.
Comma after the direct address.
Good morning, class.
Доброе утро, класс.
Comma separates the direct address.
Omitting a comma in direct address can change or obscure the intended structure.
For example, Let's eat, Grandma! differs humorously from Let's eat Grandma!
Let's eat, Grandma!
Давай есть, бабушка!
Comma changes the meaning: addressing Grandma.
Let's eat Grandma!
Давай съедим бабушку!
Without comma: Grandma is the object.
I am calling, John.
Я звоню, Джон.
Comma addresses John.
I am calling John.
Я звоню Джону.
Without comma: John is the person called.
Thank you, everyone.
Спасибо всем.
Comma separates the direct address.
Yes and no are commonly followed by commas when they function as response words at the beginning of a sentence.
For example, Yes, I agree. and No, we cannot.
Yes, I agree.
Да, я согласен.
Comma after "Yes".
No, we cannot.
Нет, мы не можем.
Comma after "No".
Yes, please.
Да, пожалуйста.
Comma after "Yes".
No, thank you.
Нет, спасибо.
Comma after "No".
Yes, that is correct.
Да, это правильно.
Comma after "Yes".
Interjections and discourse markers can be separated from the rest of a sentence with commas.
For example, Well, I do not know. and Oh, I see.
Well, I do not know.
Ну, я не знаю.
Comma after "Well".
Oh, I see.
О, понятно.
Comma after "Oh".
Wow, that is amazing!
Вау, это потрясающе!
Comma after "Wow".
Hey, wait for me!
Эй, подожди меня!
Comma after "Hey".
Alas, we were too late.
Увы, мы опоздали.
Comma after "Alas".
Certain date formats use commas according to regional writing conventions.
For example, August 15, 2026 uses a comma in the common American month-day-year format.
August 15, 2026
15 августа 2026
Comma in American month-day-year format.
On August 15, 2026, we met.
15 августа 2026 года мы встретились.
Comma after the year when mid-sentence.
July 4, 1776 is Independence Day.
4 июля 1776 года — День независимости.
Comma between day and year.
January 1, 2025 is a holiday.
1 января 2025 года — выходной.
Comma in American date format.
The meeting is on May 3, 2025.
Встреча 3 мая 2025 года.
Comma after the day.
Commas may separate components of addresses when an address is written within running prose.
For example, She lives at 25 King Street, London.
She lives at 25 King Street, London.
Она живёт на Кинг-стрит, 25, Лондон.
Comma separates street and city.
The office is at 10 Downing Street, London.
Офис находится на Даунинг-стрит, 10, Лондон.
Comma before the city.
He lives in Paris, France.
Он живёт в Париже, Франция.
Comma separates city and country.
Send it to 5 Elm Road, Oxford.
Отправьте это на Элм-роуд, 5, Оксфорд.
Comma separates address components.
They met in Berlin, Germany.
Они встретились в Берлине, Германия.
Comma between city and country.
In common American full-date formatting, a comma separates the day and year when the month is written first.
For example, August 15, 2026.
August 15, 2026
15 августа 2026
Comma between day and year in American format.
On August 15, 2026, we met.
15 августа 2026 года мы встретились.
Comma after the year when mid-sentence.
July 4, 1776 is Independence Day.
4 июля 1776 года — День независимости.
Comma between day and year.
January 1, 2025 is a holiday.
1 января 2025 года — выходной.
Comma in American date format.
The meeting is on May 3, 2025.
Встреча 3 мая 2025 года.
Comma after the day.
Words and phrases such as however, therefore, in addition, and for example can be separated from the main clause by commas when used as sentence-level connectors.
For example, However, we decided to continue.
However, we decided to continue.
Однако мы решили продолжить.
Comma after "However".
Therefore, we must act now.
Следовательно, мы должны действовать сейчас.
Comma after "Therefore".
In addition, we need more time.
Кроме того, нам нужно больше времени.
Comma after "In addition".
For example, many learners make this mistake.
Например, многие учащиеся делают эту ошибку.
Comma after "For example".
Nevertheless, she continued working.
Тем не менее она продолжала работать.
Comma after "Nevertheless".
For example can be set off by commas when it functions as an inserted or introductory expression.
For example, many learners make this mistake. This rule applies to several cases, for example, in formal writing.
For example, many learners make this mistake.
Например, многие учащиеся делают эту ошибку.
Comma after "For example" at the start.
This rule applies to several cases, for example, in formal writing.
Это правило применяется к нескольким случаям, например, в формальной письменной речи.
Comma before and after "for example" when inserted.
Some languages, for example, French, use accents.
Некоторые языки, например французский, используют диакритические знаки.
Comma after "for example" within a list.
Many fruits, for example, apples and pears, are healthy.
Многие фрукты, например яблоки и груши, полезны.
Comma before and after the example.
For example, the word "however" needs commas.
Например, слово "however" требует запятых.
Comma after "For example" at the start.
Non-essential parenthetical expressions are commonly enclosed in commas.
For example, The plan, in my opinion, is too expensive.
The plan, in my opinion, is too expensive.
План, по моему мнению, слишком дорогой.
Parenthetical expression enclosed in commas.
She is, after all, only human.
Она, в конце концов, всего лишь человек.
Parenthetical "after all" set off by commas.
The results, as you can see, are excellent.
Результаты, как видите, отличные.
Parenthetical expression with commas.
He is, I believe, the best candidate.
Он, я считаю, лучший кандидат.
Parenthetical "I believe" enclosed in commas.
This, of course, changes everything.
Это, конечно, всё меняет.
Parenthetical "of course" set off by commas.
An introductory or non-essential participial phrase may be separated by a comma.
For example, Having finished the work, she went home.
Having finished the work, she went home.
Закончив работу, она пошла домой.
Introductory participial phrase followed by a comma.
Exhausted by the journey, they rested.
Истощённые путешествием, они отдохнули.
Participial phrase separated by a comma.
The children, excited by the news, ran outside.
Дети, взволнованные новостью, выбежали на улицу.
Non-essential participial phrase set off by commas.
Walking home, I saw an old friend.
Идя домой, я встретил старого друга.
Introductory participial phrase with comma.
The project, completed on time, was a success.
Проект, завершённый вовремя, был успешным.
Non-essential participial phrase with commas.
A comma does not fix a modifier whose understood subject does not logically match the subject of the main clause.
For example, Walking home, the rain started is structurally problematic because the rain cannot walk home.
Walking home, the rain started.
Идя домой, начался дождь.
Dangling modifier: the rain cannot walk home.
Walking home, I saw the rain start.
Идя домой, я увидел, как начался дождь.
Correct: the subject "I" performs the walking.
Having finished the report, the manager was pleased.
Закончив отчёт, менеджер был доволен.
Correct: the manager finished the report.
Having finished the report, it was sent to the client.
Закончив отчёт, его отправили клиенту.
Dangling modifier: "it" did not finish the report.
To improve your writing, commas should be used correctly.
Чтобы улучшить письмо, запятые должны использоваться правильно.
Dangling modifier: commas cannot improve writing.
A comma can separate contrasting or interrupting expressions depending on their syntactic position.
For example, The first option is cheap; the second, however, is faster. In prose, however, often requires surrounding punctuation.
The first option is cheap; the second, however, is faster.
Первый вариант дешёвый; второй, однако, быстрее.
Comma around "however" in a contrastive expression.
She is not angry, just disappointed.
Она не зла, просто разочарована.
Comma before the contrastive "just".
The plan is ambitious, but risky.
План амбициозный, но рискованный.
Comma before the contrastive "but".
He is, on the contrary, very generous.
Он, наоборот, очень щедрый.
Contrastive expression set off by commas.
The weather was cold, though sunny.
Погода была холодной, хотя солнечной.
Comma before the contrastive "though".
Vocative phrases are separated from the rest of the sentence with commas.
For example, Could you help me, John? and Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
Could you help me, John?
Не могли бы вы помочь мне, Джон?
Comma before the vocative "John".
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
Дамы и господа, добро пожаловать.
Comma after the vocative phrase.
Thank you, everyone.
Спасибо всем.
Comma before the vocative "everyone".
Good morning, class.
Доброе утро, класс.
Comma before the vocative "class".
Excuse me, sir.
Простите, сэр.
Comma before the vocative "sir".
When and joins two independent clauses, a comma is normally used before it.
For example, She finished the report, and he sent it to the client.
She finished the report, and he sent it to the client.
Она закончила отчёт, и он отправил его клиенту.
Comma before "and" joining two independent clauses.
I called him, and he answered immediately.
Я позвонил ему, и он сразу ответил.
Comma before "and" with two independent clauses.
We can stay, or we can leave.
Мы можем остаться или уйти.
Comma before "or" joining independent clauses.
He studied hard, so he passed.
Он усердно учился, поэтому сдал.
Comma before "so".
She was tired, but she kept working.
Она устала, но продолжала работать.
Comma before "but".
A comma before a coordinating conjunction can sometimes be omitted in very short, closely connected clauses, depending on style.
For example, Come and sit down. versus Come, and sit down. The choice depends on structure and intended rhythm.
Come and sit down.
Подойди и сядь.
No comma in very short coordinated clauses.
Come, and sit down.
Подойди, и сядь.
Comma used for emphasis or rhythm.
I called and he answered.
Я позвонил, и он ответил.
No comma in short coordinated clauses.
I called, and he answered.
Я позвонил, и он ответил.
Comma can be used for clarity.
She smiled and waved.
Она улыбнулась и помахала.
No comma in short coordinated clauses.
An introductory if-clause is commonly followed by a comma, while a following if-clause often is not.
For example, If it rains, we will stay home. but We will stay home if it rains.
If it rains, we will stay home.
Если пойдёт дождь, мы останемся дома.
Comma after the introductory if-clause.
We will stay home if it rains.
Мы останемся дома, если пойдёт дождь.
No comma when the if-clause follows.
If you study, you will pass.
Если ты будешь учиться, ты сдашь.
Comma after the introductory clause.
You will pass if you study.
Ты сдашь, если будешь учиться.
No comma before the following if-clause.
If she calls, tell me.
Если она позвонит, скажи мне.
Comma after the introductory clause.
Relative clauses use commas according to whether the information is defining or non-defining.
For example, The car that I bought is new versus My car, which I bought yesterday, is new.
The car that I bought is new.
Машина, которую я купил, новая.
Defining relative clause: no commas.
My car, which I bought yesterday, is new.
Моя машина, которую я купил вчера, новая.
Non-defining relative clause: commas.
The students who studied passed.
Студенты, которые учились, сдали.
Defining relative clause: no commas.
The students, who studied hard, passed.
Студенты, которые усердно учились, сдали.
Non-defining relative clause: commas.
The book that you lent me was great.
Книга, которую ты мне одолжил, была отличной.
Defining relative clause: no commas.
Comma placement can change meaning, especially when it separates essential information from supplementary information.
For example, The students who studied passed identifies a subset, while The students, who studied, passed presents the studying as supplementary information.
The students who studied passed.
Студенты, которые учились, сдали.
Comma placement changes meaning: identifies a subset.
The students, who studied, passed.
Студенты, которые учились, сдали.
Non-defining: all students studied and passed.
My sister who lives in London is visiting.
Моя сестра, которая живёт в Лондоне, навещает.
Defining: identifies which sister.
My sister, who lives in London, is visiting.
Моя сестра, которая живёт в Лондоне, навещает.
Non-defining: extra information.
The employees who work hard are promoted.
Сотрудники, которые усердно работают, получают повышение.
Defining: only hard workers are promoted.
Commas should not be inserted merely where a speaker pauses in speech; their placement should reflect grammatical structure.
For example, The problem is that, we have no time is incorrect because the comma unnecessarily separates the conjunction from its clause.
The problem is that, we have no time.
Проблема в том, что у нас нет времени.
Incorrect: comma after "that".
The problem is that we have no time.
Проблема в том, что у нас нет времени.
Correct: no comma after "that".
She said, that she was tired.
Она сказала, что устала.
Incorrect: comma before "that".
She said that she was tired.
Она сказала, что устала.
Correct: no comma before "that".
I think, you are right.
Я думаю, ты прав.
Incorrect: comma after "think".
Use commas to mark appropriate grammatical boundaries, but do not separate a subject from its verb, a verb from its essential object, or two independent clauses with only a comma.
Common mistakes include comma splices, missing direct-address commas, incorrect commas in relative clauses, excessive commas after conjunctions, and confusing coordinate with cumulative adjectives.
I called him, he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему, он не ответил.
Comma splice: two independent clauses joined by a comma.
Let's eat Grandma!
Давай съедим бабушку!
Missing direct-address comma changes meaning.
The students, who passed, can leave.
Студенты, которые сдали, могут уйти.
Incorrect: commas change a defining clause to non-defining.
She said, that she was tired.
Она сказала, что устала.
Incorrect: unnecessary comma before "that".
a long, difficult journey
долгое трудное путешествие
Correct: comma between coordinate adjectives.