(Updated January 2026) Why do people struggle so with commas? It seems we either tend to over-do it or under-do it, and using commas correctly eludes us. Maybe that’s because the comma is so easy to use and so easy to leave out. It’s just a little bit of punctuation, lacking the hardness or a period after all, right? What harm can it do to guess?
Well, in my opinion, it can do plenty of harm if it:
- Gets in the way of clarity
- Makes you look dumb
- Or does both 1 and 2
So let’s talk about an easy way to know whether or not you need to use a comma when writing.
When to use a comma
Here’s a real-life sentence I came across. Can you find the comma error in it?
These questions are just some of the internal issues that arise when onboarding new customers, that can leave damaging and lasting effects on your clients, your team, and your bottom line.
Hold on! Did you try? Take a stab at it. I’ll wait….
The comma error unveiled
OK, here’s my answer: There isn’t any need for a comma after the word customers because the words that follow are part of that preceding clause.
I’m not going to get all punctuation technical on you, here, don’t worry. But I will clarify that yes, you use a comma between two independent clauses and the problem with the sentence above is that it’s not an independent clause, rather part of the same clause. The word issues goes with the words can leave damaging and lasting effects. They go together.
Sadly, this kind of error is common. And it’s the kind of error that gets in the way of communication when the reader has to re-read the sentence because the comma makes no sense. Plus it’s the kind of error that reflects on one’s credibility because it means the writer doesn’t know how to use a comma or the writer didn’t bother to proofread.
“So, Sharon, how do I know when to use a comma?!”
Well, I’m glad you asked! Because you can learn a lot about comma usage with this FREE Guide to Punctuation. Download it and learn about other common punctuation errors too.
In the meantime, here’s one easy way to know whether you need a comma or not: Read it out loud. (Yes, back to the read it out loud advice, but I’m telling you, it works!)
Read it out loud
If you read it out loud and there’s a pause, you need a comma. If you read it out loud and there is no need for a pause, skip the comma. Try it with the two sentences you just read: Read them out loud and you’ll notice you pause after the word pause in both sentences.
Does she really cook her family and her dog? Or did someone forget a comma?
It’s not a long, dramatic, drawn-out pause. It’s a split second one, but enough of a break to know something is needed.
If the designer of the magazine cover pictured here had taken two seconds to read the type out loud, they might not have made Rachel Ray out to be so brutal by saying she cooks her family and her dog.
Same with using a comma after someone’s name when addressing them, as in, “Sharon, how do I know when to use a comma?!” Notice the slight pause after my name when reading that sentence out loud? That’s how you know to use a comma.
Another example of comma craziness
I had an attack of acute gastritis a while back, although I didn’t know it at first. I thought I had a severely upset stomach, that’s all, although I was in a lot of pain and sleeping a lot. On the evening of the second day, I finally checked my symptoms with Dr. Google to learn it was acute gastritis.
As much as I appreciated finding the information I needed so I could treat the ailment, I was distressed to see this crazy use of commas on a medical website:
There are several different types of acute gastritis. This is due to the fact that the physical processes in the body that lead to a person developing it, can vary, as can the parts of the stomach affected.
Do you see the craziness? I see an extra comma between it and can. What the heck is that doing there? It should be written as:
There are several different types of acute gastritis. This is due to the fact that the physical processes in the body that lead to a person developing it can vary, as can the parts of the stomach affected.
Remember: If you’re ever unsure about when to use a comma—or leave it out—read your sentence out loud. If you pause, you need a comma.
If you read the original sentence with a pause for the comma, it would sound like:
“This is due to the fact that the physical processes in the body that lead to a person developing it (pause) can vary (pause) as can the parts of the stomach affected.” And that sounds weird!
The comma seems like an innocuous little bit of punctuation, but it exists for a reason. And there’s plenty of reason for using it correctly in your writing!
Photo by George Becker from Pexels
Do you need to brush up on your punctuation? Download the brand new and FREE Guide to Punctuation, and make sure you’re right when you write, or check out our FREE proofreading course.
Hello! I’m Sharon, and I’m glad you’re here! I love helping people improve their writing skills, so reach out with any questions. You can also find fun and easy classes like Writing to Persuade or Business Writing Basics at https://classes.betterfasterwriter.com/, or get free writing advice in your inbox by clicking the Writing Tips link above to sign up.