when do you use a comma

Commas are used in English to separate words or phrases in a sentence. The main uses of commas include:

To separate items in a list:

1. Example: "I need to buy apples, bananas, and oranges."

To separate two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction:

2. Example: "I love hiking, and I often go on long hikes in the mountains."

To set off introductory phrases or clauses:

3. Example: "After finishing my homework, I went for a walk."

To set off non-essential information or appositives:

4. Example: "My sister, who lives in New York, is a doctor."

To separate adjectives that modify the same noun:

5. Example: "She wore a beautiful, elegant dress."

To separate the name of a person being addressed:

6. Example: "John, can you please pass the salt?"

It is important to use commas correctly to ensure clarity and prevent confusion.