noun

comma

KO-muh

noun

The punctuation mark ( , ) used to separate parts of a sentence or items in a list.

"Remember to add a comma after the introductory phrase."

"She listed apples, oranges, and bananas, separating each with a comma."

A butterfly with a small comma-shaped mark on the underside of its wings.

"A comma butterfly landed on the fence post in the garden."

How to Use Comma

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe comma punctuation mark, or a species of butterfly named for the comma-shaped mark on its wings.

Common mistake

A comma splice — joining two full sentences with only a comma and no conjunction — is one of the most common grammar errors in English writing.

Common pairings

comma splice Oxford comma insert a comma

Word Forms

commaed past tense, comma'd past tense, commas plural, commata plural, commaes plural, commas singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Remember to add a _____ after the introductory phrase.

Etymology

From Greek kómma ("piece cut off"), from kóptō ("to cut") — originally referring to a short clause or "cut" of a sentence before it named the punctuation mark itself.

Rhymes for comma

momma

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