Comma: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in writing to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

• She bought apples, bananas, and oranges
• After the meeting, we went for lunch

A general term for symbols used to structure and organize writing.

• Periods, commas, and question marks are all types of punctuation marks

Utilized to describe something that divides or separates different elements, possibly within text, recipes, or more physical applications.

• In coding, a semicolon can act as a separator between statements
• Egg whites are used as a separator in some recipes

Used to describe something that separates different sections or units, can be physical or metaphorical.

• We used a room divider to create a small office space
• Opinions on this topic can be a real divider in the community

Used in writing to indicate a slight pause within a sentence or to separate different elements.

• I need to buy apples, oranges, and bananas
• Let's eat, grandma
• He lives in Paris, France

Refers to a temporary interruption or stop in an action, conversation, or process.

• She took a pause to gather her thoughts
• The show will pause for a few minutes

Refers to a short period of rest from an activity or interruption in a schedule. Can also mean to separate something into parts.

• Let's take a break before we continue
• He decided to break the chocolate bar in half

Usually applied to a short period of entertainment or a break within a performance or activity.

• The concert had a ten-minute interlude between the two sets
• During the movie interlude, we got some popcorn

Used in writing to separate parts of a sentence and clarify meaning.

• I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
• Without the comma, the sentence is confusing.

A short stop in speech or action to take a breath or think. Less formal and less defined than a break.

• He paused to think before answering the question.
• Please pause the video; I need to grab something.

Refers to taking a short rest from work or an activity. Can also mean a pause in an event.

• I need a break after working for three hours.
• Let's take a break and continue later.

Inserting a comment or statement abruptly into a conversation, often to provide additional information or an opinion. Can sometimes seem rude if not done politely.

• He interjected with a question while she was speaking.
• Sorry to interject, but I think we need to consider another option.