B1 Lesson 2: Accurate Use of Commas
You already know how to use a comma1 in simple lists and before conjunctions like 'but' and 'so'. At the B1 level, we will improve your writing by learning two more advanced rules for using commas.
Mastering these rules will add variety and clarity to your sentences.
Quick Review: A2 Comma Rules
- In Lists: I like rice, fish, and chicken.
- Before a Conjunction: The movie was long, but it was very interesting.
B1 Rule 1: Comma After an Introductory Phrase
When you start a sentence with a phrase or clause that introduces the main idea (e.g., a time, a reason, or a condition), you must place a comma after it.
Time: Yesterday morning, I went for a walk by the river.
Reason: Because it was a public holiday, the shops were all closed.
Condition: If you want to pass the test, you must study hard.
Important: No Comma Needed at the End
If the introductory phrase comes at the end of the sentence, you do NOT need a comma.
Correct: The shops were all closed because it was a public holiday.
Incorrect: The shops were all closed, because it was a public holiday.
B1 Rule 2: Commas for Extra, Non-Essential Information
We use a pair of commas to add extra information about a noun. The sentence would still be grammatically correct if you removed the extra information.
Example 1:
Mr. Dara, my English teacher, is from Battambang.
(The main sentence is "Mr. Dara is from Battambang." The phrase "my English teacher" is extra information.)Example 2:
Kampot, a province famous for its pepper, is on the coast.
(The main sentence is "Kampot is on the coast." The phrase "a province famous for its pepper" is extra information.)🧠 Practice Quiz: Add the Commas
Rewrite the sentences below, adding commas in the correct places. Some sentences may need more than one comma.
1. Although the test was difficult I think I passed.
Answer: Although the test was difficult, I think I passed.
2. My sister who is a doctor lives in Phnom Penh.
Answer: My sister, who is a doctor, lives in Phnom Penh.
3. Last weekend I went to the market bought some food and cooked for my family.
Answer: Last weekend, I went to the market, bought some food, and cooked for my family.
📝 Homework: Create Complex Sentences
Get your notebook and pen. Combine the pairs of sentences into one single, more advanced sentence using the comma rule shown in the brackets.
1. The weather was very hot. We decided to go swimming. (Rule: Introductory Phrase)
Example Answer: Because the weather was very hot, we decided to go swimming.
2. My friend is named Leakena. She is a very good singer. (Rule: Extra Information)
Example Answer: My friend, Leakena, is a very good singer. (Or: Leakena, my friend, is a very good singer.)
3. I have to work on Saturday. I can meet you on Sunday. (Rule: Conjunction)
Example Answer: I have to work on Saturday, but I can meet you on Sunday.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Comma: (Noun) - ក្បៀស - The punctuation mark (,) used to separate parts of a sentence. ↩
- Introductory Phrase: (Noun Phrase) - ឃ្លាណែនាំ - A word or group of words at the beginning of a sentence that introduces the main idea. ↩
- Non-essential: (Adjective) - មិនចាំបាច់ - Not necessary; extra. The meaning of the sentence is still clear without it. ↩
- Clarity: (Noun) - ភាពច្បាស់លាស់ - The quality of being easy to see, hear, or understand.
- Advanced: (Adjective) - កម្រិតខ្ពស់ - More complex or difficult; not basic.