co
mma
noun
Third Person
commas
1
the mark , used to separate items in a list or indicate a pause in a sentence
B2
A comma (,) is a punctuation mark used to indicate a pause or separation in a sentence. It helps clarify meaning by separating items in a list, such as "apples, oranges, and bananas," or by setting off clauses and phrases, like in "After dinner, we went for a walk." Commas are also used before conjunctions in compound sentences, as in "I wanted to go, but it started to rain." By organizing sentences and improving readability, commas play an essential role in written communication, ensuring that ideas are expressed clearly and effectively.
- Remember to place a comma after each item in a list to ensure clarity.
- She used a comma to separate the clauses in her complex sentence.
- The comma in the address helped avoid confusion when sending the letter.
- He forgot to add a comma before 'but' in his essay, which made the sentence confusing.
- Using a comma correctly can significantly enhance the flow of your writing.
2
a butterfly with hind wings marked on the underside by a small, curved line resembling a comma
- I spotted a comma resting on a nettle leaf.
- The comma's subtle marking helps distinguish it from other butterflies.
- Gardeners often see a comma fluttering in the late summer.
- A comma feeds on overripe fruit in the orchard.
- The naturalist showed us how to identify a comma in the field.
Synonyms: