how to punctuate "of course"

by Prof. Dale Schowalter Sr. 10 min read

If found at the beginning of the sentence, “Of course” should be followed by a comma. If placed in the middle, it should be isolated by parenthetical commas. “Of course” can be used as an adverb, in which case a comma should follow it, as its purpose is to emphasize meaning.Apr 9, 2021

Full Answer

How do you use of course in a sentence?

In the example showcased above, “of course” is used as a polite way of giving permission. It emphasizes tone. A comma does not follow it because the flow of the sentence does not require it. This sentence structure won’t usually be used in a professional writing setting, but you might stumble across it in dialogue or casually.

Does “of course” have a comma after it?

When “of course” is used as a convention, there won’t usually be a need to introduce a comma after it, but it might be necessary to introduce one before it if another word precedes it. The below examples will help you realize how “of course” can affect meaning:

Is “of course” an adverb?

“Of course” typically functions as a sentence adverb. Adverbs are utilized to provide the reader with information about the circumstances of the activity set out by the verb. “Of course” is a sentence adverb because it acts as a comment, showcasing the speaker’s attitude towards the information provided.

Is there a comma before and after of course?

Though a comma can usually follow an introductory adverbial phrase like “of course,” such a comma is also usually optional (see CMOS 6.31). Of course, setting off a phrase like “of course” will emphasize the phrase itself. But to shift the emphasis to include the words that follow, you should omit the comma.

How do you end a sentence with of course?

At the end of a sentence 'of course' affirms a positive statement. "Everything was rainbow and roses, of course." At the beginning of a sentence it is often as conjunction to introduce a previous or pending contrast.

How do you use ofcourse?

You use of course as a polite way of giving permission. "Can I just say something about the game on Saturday?"—"Yes, of course you can." You use of course in order to emphasize a statement that you are making, especially when you are agreeing or disagreeing with someone. "I guess you're right."—"Of course I'm right!"

How do you use commas when learning?

Commas (Eight Basic Uses)Use a comma to separate independent clauses. ... Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase. ... Use a comma between all items in a series. ... Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses. ... Use a comma to set off appositives. ... Use a comma to indicate direct address. ... Use commas to set off direct quotations.More items...

How do you write of course?

"Of course" is always 2 words, and is a shorter form of "As a matter of course". Furthermore, Google Fight says of course wins at 75 900 000 vs ofcourse which has only 521 000.

Is of course a prepositional phrase?

What type of word is of course? As detailed above, 'of course' is an adverb. Adverb usage: Of course I'll go with you.

Is it off course or of course?

Of course is an informal way of saying 'yes' or to give someone permission to do something. Student: Can I have some extra homework? Me: Of course you can. Off course is used when a vehicle doesn't follow a planned, or intended, route.

How do you write course in a sentence?

We use of course to refer to things that are obvious or already known to the speaker and listener, or to everybody:A tropical climate is, of course, very humid, so we sweated all the time. ... Our car broke down on the way to the station so, of course, we missed the train and had to buy new tickets.More items...•

Is it of course or of coarse?

The correct variant is "of course".

How do I know if I need a comma?

Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. a. Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.

How do you know where to put the punctuation?

14:3831:34Learn how to use punctuation correctly - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf we always use a comma to separate the items in the list. An example of a : used before directMoreIf we always use a comma to separate the items in the list. An example of a : used before direct quote is she shouted gets back to class a comma can also be used before the direct quote.

What are the 12 comma rules?

ShareUse a comma to separate items in a list (but beware of the serial comma). ... Use a comma to join independent clauses. ... Use a comma to join a dependent clause and an independent clause. ... Use a comma following an introductory word group. ... Use a comma to interrupt a sentence or to provide additional information.More items...

Is there a comma after of course?

If found at the beginning of the sentence, “Of course” should be followed by a comma. If placed in the middle, it should be isolated by parenthetical commas. “Of course” can be used as an adverb, in which case a comma should follow it, as its purpose is to emphasize meaning.

What does the phrase but of course mean?

They are both saying that the answer should be obvious to the questioner. The "but" just adds emphasis to the response. "Are we going to dinner on my birthday?" "Of course" is the positive response. "But of course" expresses mild surprise that the question should even have been asked.

Does of course not have commas?

When “of course” is a simple adverb of agreement or emphasis—meaning “certainly,” “naturally,” “definitely,” and the like—it usually doesn't require commas. Of course you can go to the party! But sometimes it does need a comma. (In the second sentence, a period could replace the comma.)

Can we start a paragraph with of course?

Yes, of course, you can — if you like to break the most basic rules of grammar and punctuation.

Do you put a comma in a skepticism?

If you don't want to imply prior skepticism, you should probably be using a comma.

Is "of course" a comma?

Using ' of course ' without commas can imply a refutation of prior skepticism. In these cases, the speaker emphasizes ' course .'

Do you put a comma in "of course"?

When you use the phrase 'of course' you have to use a comma. It doesn't matter whether it is in the middle or at the beginning of a sentence. I'm completely sure that the first two sentences are right, but the last one seems wrong to me. Using ' of course ' without commas can imply a refutation of prior skepticism.

What Is The Correct Punctuation For “And Of Course”?

Correct punctuation for “and of course” is with a comma on either side of the phrase. If we start a sentence with it, we use a comma after “course.” If we put it in the middle of the sentence, commas come before and after the full phrase “and of course.”

What does "of course" mean in a sentence?

If you use “of course” as a parenthetical element, that means you include it as additional information for the sentence. However, if necessary, the sentence will still make sense without “of course.”

Is It Ever Correct To Use “Of Course” Without A Comma?

It’s never correct to use “of course” without a comma unless that’s the only phrase in a sentence. For example, if someone replied saying “of course,” then we would write it with no commas.

Can You Start A Sentence With “And Of Course”?

It’s possible to start a sentence with “and of course,” which we made apparent in the examples above. If you’re going to do this, it usually has to directly link back to the previous statement; otherwise, the “and” won’t work.

Do you put a comma before or after a phrase?

If you’re writing it in the middle of a sentence, it becomes a parenthetical element, and we need a comma before and after the phrase.

Do you put a period before or after "of course"?

Now let’s see how “of course” works at the end of a sentence. We use the comma before it this time, but there will be a period after it to make sure we’re following the grammar rules.

Should I Place A Comma After “Of Course”?

You should place a comma after “of course” in every case unless it’s at the end of a sentence (where a period is better). “Of course” is either an introductory clause to a sentence or a parenthetical element, both of which require commas after “of course.”

Why do you put a comma in a sentence?

There are three reasons to put a single comma: (1) To indicate a pause in speech, (2) to emphasize or draw attention to "beer", and (3) to indicate that "And of course" is an introductory phrase (as pointed out in comments by userr2684291).

Do commas affect grammatical grammar?

The commas may change how the sentences are read, but they do not affect the grammaticality of your sentences.

Do you use a comma for "of course"?

If I were to use a single comma, it would be either for (1) or (2). Yes, if you want to indicate a strong break in thought, use the pair of commas to set off "of course" as a parenthetical element in the middle of the sentence.

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Is A Comma Necessary After “Of Course?”

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Introducing a comma after “of course” will only be deemed incorrect if “of course” is located at the end of the sentence, in which case a period should be placed instead. If found at the beginning of the sentence, “Of course” should be followed by a comma. If placed in the middle, it should be isolated by parenthetical commas. “O…
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“Of Course” as An Adverb

  • “Of course” typically functions as a sentence adverb. Adverbs are utilized to provide the reader with information about the circumstances of the activity set out by the verb. “Of course” is a sentence adverb because it acts as a comment, showcasing the speaker’s attitude towards the information provided. “Of course” will not be used frequently in academic papers; you should be …
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“Of Course” as A Confirmative Noun

  • In the below example, “of course” will be used as a noun to replace “yes”: Since “of course” has not been followed by any other words, a comma here is unnecessary. “Of course” will only be used in the way shown above as part of a piece of dialogue. You won’t encounter a complex sentence that places “of course” in its introduction without being followed by other words. This is also why yo…
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“Of Course” as A Convention

  • Conventions are used to improve the readability of our writing. Commas themselves can serve as writing convention, as they hold the ability to emphasize tone and create flow. Includingconventions in your writing is a great way to help the reader understand the information at hand. “Of course” is a powerful convention because it emphasizes parts of the sentence, maki…
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“Of Course” in Relation to Tone

  • The examples below will showcase how placing a comma after “of course” can change the sentence’s tone, affecting purpose and meaning. Using “of course” without introducing a comma after it can suggest a misrepresentation of initial doubt: In this example, the second speaker is upset, and the tone comes off as rude and passive-aggressive. The lack of a comma after “of co…
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Conclusion

  • Hopefully, this guide has helped you familiarize yourself with the complex world of punctuation. “Of course” has multiple meanings depending on its function as an adverb or a convention, which changes based on comma placement. Mastering the complex art of punctuationis a harrowing quest to embark on, but the benefits of it will undoubtedly shine brightly on the quality of your wr…
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