Commas may be small, but they have a big impact on clarity and meaning. Many English learners—and even native speakers—struggle to place commas correctly. Misusing them can confuse readers, change the tone of a sentence, or make writing look unprofessional. This article breaks down the top 8 common comma problems, with simple explanations and examples you can use in your infographic.
1. Missing Comma After an Introductory Phrase
A comma should follow most introductory words, phrases, or clauses to help readers understand the sentence flow.
Examples:
Wrong: After finishing the project I took a break.
Correct: After finishing the project, I took a break.
2. Comma Splices (Two Sentences Joined Incorrectly)
A comma splice happens when two independent sentences are joined with only a comma.
Examples:
Wrong: I love grammar, it helps me write better.
Correct: I love grammar because it helps me write better.
Correct: I love grammar. It helps me write better.
3. Unnecessary Commas Between Subject and Verb
Never separate a subject from its verb with a comma.
Examples:
Wrong: The main problem with the system, is unclear instructions.
Correct: The main problem with the system is unclear instructions.
4. Missing Commas in a List
Use commas to separate three or more items in a list.
Examples:
Wrong: I bought apples oranges bananas.
Correct: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
(Use of the final Oxford comma is optional but recommended for clarity.)
5. Misplaced Commas Around Essential Information
Essential (restrictive) information should not be surrounded by commas.
Non-essential (non-restrictive) information must be set off with commas.
Examples:
Wrong: Students, who study daily, improve faster. (suggests ALL students study daily)
Correct: Students who study daily improve faster. (essential info)
Correct: My laptop, which I bought last year, is still working well. (non-essential info)
6. Missing Commas in Compound Sentences
When and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet join two independent clauses, use a comma before the conjunction.
Examples:
Wrong: I wanted to go out but it started raining.
Correct: I wanted to go out, but it started raining.
7. Unnecessary Comma Before a Dependent Clause
If the second part of a sentence is not independent, do not add a comma.
Examples:
Wrong: I left early, because I was tired.
Correct: I left early because I was tired.
8. Overusing Commas for Style
Some writers add commas where they aren’t needed, breaking the natural flow.
Examples:
Wrong: The teacher, asked us, to rewrite the essay.
Correct: The teacher asked us to rewrite the essay.
Summary for Infographic Design
Here’s a simple breakdown you can place inside the infographic:
Intro commas ✔
No comma splices ✔
Don’t separate subject + verb ✔
Use commas in lists ✔
Essential vs. non-essential info ✔
Add commas before coordinating conjunctions ✔
No comma before dependent clause ✔
Don’t overuse commas ✔