Comma Style Guide - AJC Publishing - Manuscript Editing Services

How to use commas in fiction and narrative non-fiction works

This guide is a work in progress and not an exhaustive resource (yet).

This guide provides explanations and examples of how to use commas with conjunctions in works of fiction or narrative non-fiction. It follows the premise that commas have a grammatical purpose: to aid clarity. It does not subscribe to the myth that commas are for breath pauses but acknowledges that some uses are a style choice.

Index

A – H

O – Z

once
so
so long as
such as
when
where
while

And

Comma before conjunction followed by introductory adverbial clause fronting an independent clause

They beat him, and though it hurt, he refused to cry.

Comma after conjunction when used parenthetically with a dependent (subordinate) clause

She bent and, praising the child, pinned a ribbon on her jumper.

Complex list

I asked if I could pay for the groceries later, and if she could please reserve a delivery time for me.

As

Time (simultaneous action – while/when)

The kitten purred as I stroked her furry head.
As I stroked her furry head, the kitten purred.

Result and cause (because/since)

I’m not having dinner, as I’ve already eaten.
As I’ve already eaten, I’m not having dinner.

Comparison or the way something is done (just like)

Sarah arrived on time, as instructed.
As instructed, Sarah arrived on time.

*Exception: use a comma for clarity where confusion may arise:

I left the room as Cleo was playing the bagpipes. (time)
I left the room, as Cleo was playing the bagpipes. (result/cause)

As long as / so long as

Provided that

You can go as long as you finish your homework.
As long as you finish your homework, you can go.

Provided that (informal use)

You can go so long as you finish your homework.
So long as you finish your homework, you can go.

Comparison or the way something is done (just like)

Sarah posted the letter, as she’d been instructed.
As we’d expected, Sarah was late again.

Because

Conjunction linking subordinate clause (reason or cause)

I drank it all because it tasted so good.
Because of the bushfires, we couldn’t go camping.
Some people stay in bed just because they can.

Tip: sometimes a comma is needed for clarity

When a negative statement introduces this conjunction

Incorrect: He didn’t drink it because it was cold – may mean the cold was irrelevant and there was another reason he drank it.
Correct: He didn’t drink it, because it was cold – clearly means the cold was the reason he didn’t drink it.

When the sentence becomes ambiguous:

Incorrect: I know Jenny makes the best risotto because her partner told me – does the partner’s opinion have influence on Jenny’s risotto-making skills? Or has Jenny’s partner simply expressed an opinion?
Correct: I know Jenny makes the best risotto, because her partner told me.

But

Comma before conjunction when followed by introductory adverbial phrase/clause fronting an independent clause

He lost the race, but on the flip side, he gained a new friend.

No comma when followed by a dependent (subordinate) clause

The sapling looked as if it would survive the storm but gave out and snapped at the base.

Comma after conjunction when used parenthetically with a dependent (subordinate) clause

The sapling looked as if it would survive the storm but, after two hours of thrashing winds, gave out and snapped at the base.

Once

Only takes a comma when used with an introductory phrase.

Adverb relating to time

I’m only doing this once.
It happens once a month.

Noun

Please stop doing that at once.
I wish you would come just this once.
For once in your life, own up to some responsibility.

Conjunction

I will respond once I have thought about your offer.
Once I’ve done the dishes, I’m heading to bed.

Since

Conjunction (reason)

Tip: only use a comma if the preceding clause is negated by the following clause.

I wouldn’t be sitting the exam, since it was being held two states away.
I think I’ll have a dessert since you’re going to.
Since you don’t seem to care, I’m leaving tonight.

Preposition (time)

I haven’t eaten a toffee apple since I was a kid.
He’s limped ever since the accident.

Adverb

She left in the night, and I haven’t seen her since.
I was bitten by a monkey and have hated them ever since.
I started chef school five years ago, and I’ve learnt a lot since then.

Further examples: Cambridge dictionary

So

Conjunction (therefore)

They didn’t have the flavour I wanted, so I didn’t buy any.
It was raining all day, so we stayed indoors.

Conjunction (reason)

I used a stool so [that] I could reach the shelf.
He married her so that he could stay in the country.

Conjunction (as introduction to sentence – with or without pause)

So, what do we do now?
So I couldn’t care less.
So, when we get there, let me do the talking.

Such as / including

Commas are only used where the phrase is non-restrictive (doesn’t change the meaning of the noun or noun phrase it is modifying).

Non-restrictive

I only like flavoured milk, such as chocolate or strawberry.
She taught me many things I didn’t know, such as the names for various shades of blue.
I looked at every building, including the local town hall, but couldn’t find the perfect venue.

Restrictive

Planes such as passenger jets are only piloted by highly trained crew members.
Books including offensive terms should content contain warnings.

Then

Adverb (time)

Then, the population was only around fifty.
Just then, I dropped my ice cream.

Adverb (next)

Then he stood and left.
She lifted baby from the floor, placed it on her hip, then continued to stir the soup.
If not, then when?

Adverb (indicating one thing affecting another)

If not now, then when?
If I arrive late, then go without me.

Adverb (with interjection)

Well then, I ain’t gonna do it.

Noun (time)

I had no reason to wait until then.
Since then, she’s never spoken to me.

Adjective

Before she died, the queen received the then prime minister.

Further examples: Britanica.com

Where

Subordinate conjunction introducing a nonessential clause

He climbed into the lower bunk, where he slept for the rest of the night.
They slithered along the floor beneath the smoke, where the air was the clearest.

Adverb (at what place or in what situation)

I’m wondering where I left my glasses.
I left her where the tall poppies grow.
I love the part where they capture the baddie.

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