Grammar: Punctuation
B2 Lesson 1: Advanced Comma Usage
Why It Matters: Clarity and Meaning
Using commas correctly is essential for clear, professional writing. A missing or misplaced comma can sometimes change the entire meaning of a sentence.
My brother who is a graphic designer lives in Battambang.
(This sounds like you have more than one brother, and you are specifying the one who is a graphic designer.)
My brother, who is a graphic designer, lives in Battambang.
(This means you have one brother, and you are simply adding extra information about his job.)
The Grammar Rules 📖
Rule 1: Commas with Non-Defining Clauses
A non-defining clause adds extra, non-essential information. It must be separated from the main sentence with commas.
The Phare circus, which is famous all over Cambodia, started in a refugee camp.
Rule 2: Commas with Appositives
An appositive is a noun phrase that sits next to another noun to rename it or give more information. Use commas to separate a non-essential appositive.
Mr. Dara, my English teacher, is very helpful.
We visited Wat Ek Phnom, an ancient 11th-century temple, on our trip.
Rule 3: Commas & Semicolons in Lists
Simple Lists: Use commas to separate simple items.
Example: I need to buy rice, vegetables, and fish.
Complex Lists: If the items in your list are long or contain their own commas, use a semicolon (;) to separate the main items for clarity.
The meeting was attended by Sothea, the manager from Phnom Penh; Dara, the head of sales; and Vanna, the new marketing assistant.
Practice Your Punctuation 🎯
Exercise: Add the Correct Punctuation
- My sister who lives in Australia is visiting next month.
→ My sister, who lives in Australia, is visiting next month. - We visited Angkor Wat a magnificent temple complex.
→ We visited Angkor Wat, a magnificent temple complex. - I have lived in three places Phnom Penh Cambodia Boston USA and Paris France.
→ I have lived in three places: Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Boston, USA; and Paris, France.
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Write Your Own Sentences
In your notebook, write your own sentences using these advanced punctuation rules.
- Write one sentence about a famous person, using a non-defining clause (who/which...).
- Write one sentence about a friend or family member, using an appositive to add more information.
Key Vocabulary
- Writing Mechanics The technical rules of writing, such as punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
- Appositive A noun phrase placed next to another noun to rename or identify it.
- Complex Series A list where the items themselves contain commas.
- Semicolon (;) A punctuation mark used to connect major sentence parts or separate items in a complex list.