when to use a comma before of course

by Sigmund Zieme 9 min read

As we’ve stated, you can place a comma before “of course,” but only when it’s a parenthetical element. It’s more likely that it’ll be used in this way, so it’s helpful to understand it. If you use “of course” as a parenthetical element, that means you include it as additional information for the 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. (We use commas here, before and after of course, to show that it refers to the whole of the first clause.)3 days ago

Full Answer

Do you put comma before and in list of things?

Here, 'course' is emphasized in speech, which leads to no pauses, and hence, no commas. If you don't want to imply prior skepticism, you should probably be using a comma. An example and explanation of this is given at https://www.dailywritingtips.com/how-to-punctuate-introductory-phrases/, which

What are the 5 comma rules?

As we’ve stated, you can place a comma before “of course,” but only when it’s a parenthetical element. It’s more likely that it’ll be used in this way, so it’s helpful to understand it. If you use “of course” as a parenthetical element, that means you include it …

Does a comma always come before?

May 13, 2020 · 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).

Should a comma come before as well?

Dec 01, 2011 · anonymous. +0. Actually, the "of course" doesn't always requrie a comma at the beginning of a sentence. It does if it's used as an aside. Of course, I could be mistaken in that. But it doesn't take the comma if you're using it emphatically.

Do I put a comma before 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.

Are there commas before and after of course?

You need two commas as you suggest before and after. The test for this is the sentence should read as without the two commas and words between them. Remove the phrase "of course" and the sentence would still make sense.Dec 20, 2017

Do we use comma after of course?

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. (We use commas here, before and after of course, to show that it refers to the whole of the first clause.)Feb 23, 2022

Which introductory phrases should be followed by a comma?

Common introductory phrases that should be followed by a comma include participial and infinitive phrases, absolute phrases, nonessential appositive phrases, and long prepositional phrases (over four words). Having finished the test, he left the room. To get a seat, you'd better come early.

What is the comma used for in a name?

9. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names. Birmingham, Alabama, gets its name from Birmingham, England. July 22, 1959, was a momentous day in his life.

What does a comma do in the Constitution?

The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.

What are some words that should be followed by a comma?

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. Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class. If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.

When to use commas in a sentence?

Use commas to set off phrases at the end of the sentence that refer to the beginning or middle of the sentence. Such phrases are free modifiers that can be placed anywhere in the sentence without causing confusion. (If the placement of the modifier causes confusion, then it is not "free" and must remain "bound" to the word it modifies.)

When to use commas in conjunctions?

1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave. The student explained her question, yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.

Do you put a comma between the final adjective and the noun itself?

Be sure never to add an extra comma between the final adjective and the noun itself or to use commas with non-coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal ("co"-ordinate) status in describing the noun; neither adjective is subordinate to the other.

When to use a comma before "of course"?

Proper grammar would require you to introduce a comma preceding “of course” and follow it if placed in the middle of a sentence. When “of course is utilized in this way, it is regarded as a parenthetical element, carrying information that is not crucial to the reader’s understanding.

When should a comma be placed after "of course"?

In an informal setting, a comma doesn’t always have to be placed after “of course”, which will help the writer highlight tone.

Why do we use conventions in writing?

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. Including conventions in your writing is a great way to help the reader understand the information at hand.

Why does a comma not follow a sentence?

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.

Why is "of course" an adverb?

“Of course” is a sentence adverb because it acts as a comment, showcasing the speaker’s attitude towards the information provided.

Is "of course" a comma?

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. Unless conveying initial doubt is crucial to the sentence’s meaning, ...

Is a comma necessary after "of course"?

Is a comma necessary after “of course?”. 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 ...

What is serial comma?

serial comma: I gave it to John, Mary, and Alex. no serial comma: I have it to John, Mary and Alex. The serial comma is also called the Oxford comma, because it is used in the house style of the Oxford University Press. Style guides vary in which they prefer.

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. Of course, if you are adding something to the sentence, a comma will follow. This isn't always the case of course. thanks.

Is there a comma at the end of a sentence?

anyways you can actually use ‘Of course’ at the end of a sentence, this might help you remember that a comma is not always necessary .

Do you put a comma in a parenthetical sentence?

Rule: Short adverbial phrases often don’t take commas. When a longer phrase is parenthetical, of course, it is enclosed by commas. And it is not a matter of course that all instances of ‘of course’ are the same. The word ending a declarative sentence not followed by a comma, of course.

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