Punctuation Mark

The Comma (,)

 The comma is a symbol used to signal a
pause in writing. A comma is not a terminal
punctuation mark, so it is not used to end a
sentence.
 Uses of the Comma
1. It is used to separate items in a series.
Examples
i. We bought a pen, a book, two bags and a pair of compasses.
ii. Obi, Musa, Ayo and Itoro are Nigerian children.
iii. He came in, looked around the room, smiled to himself and walked away.
2. It is used to separate a message from the addressee.
Examples
iv. Come and eat, my daughter.
v. I have come to you, your majesty, for help.
vi. If you see my son, Amadi, bring him home.
vii. Have you called mum, Jude?
viii.Mr Gabriel, could you give us more examples?
3. It is used to separate a subordinate clause from the main clause
when the subordinate clause begins the sentence.
Examples
i. When the robbers heard the siren of the police car, they fled.
ii. If it doesn’t rain, we shall play football.
4. It is used to mark off an adverbial clause or phrase of concession in
a sentence.
Examples
iii. Emeka did well in the exam, although he didn’t study hard.
iv. Although I am not an Igbo man, yet I like the Igbo culture.
v. Despite the series of practices she was engaged in, Damilare could
not deliver the speech in an interesting way.
5. It is used to separate a reporting clause from a direct
speech.
Examples
i. He smiled and said, ‘Let me try.’
ii. When I wanted to switch on the TV, Mum told me, ‘Go
and read your books; your exam is fast approaching.’
6. It is used to mark off participial phrases.
Example
i. Having been defeated, he slunk away.