Skip to main content

How To Use Commas with Discourse Markers | Learning English

English Grammar | Using a comma with discourse markers

To summarize, it's clear that renewable energy sources are vital for future sustainability. [correct]

To summarize it's clear that renewable energy sources are vital for future sustainability. [incorrect]

Considering for instance, the adoption of electric vehicles. [incorrect]

Considering, for instance, the adoption of electric vehicles. [correct]

Discourse markers

Discourse markers are words or phrases that help connect ideas in a text. They are usually set apart from the rest of the text with commas.

  • Typically, a comma follows a phrase or adverb that introduces a sentence.
  • Furthermore, many individuals experience discrimination in their workplace.
  • Conversely, the rate of unemployment has decreased.
  • In conclusion, it's necessary for local councils to evaluate the expenses associated with recycling programs.
  • Regrettably, all the tickets were sold out.
  • Likewise, animals that live outside are susceptible to infections.

Commas are also used to enclose specific words and phrases within a sentence:

  • This issue, however, isn't as straightforward to resolve.
  • In arid regions, like Africa, water scarcity is a significant problem.
  • In cold regions, for example, Iceland, people need to allocate more funds for heating their homes.

When an adverb modifies an adjective, commas are unnecessary:

  • This was accompanied by a similarly significant improvement in quality.
  • However diligent you are, mistakes can still occur.

See more common English grammar mistakes

Popular posts from this blog

Cambridge IELTS 11 Test 1 Writing Task 1 Question and Answer

Task 1 Question How to Answer Task 1 Questions Sample Answer Cambridge 11 Writing Task 1 IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic) tests your written communication skills - how well you can report/describe information. Cambridge IELTS Book 11 Test 1 Writing Task 1 IELTS Writing Test Task 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The charts below show the percentage of water used for different purposes in six areas of the world. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant Write at least 150 words. International English Language Testing System How would you answer this IELTS 11 Writing Task 1 question about water used for different purposes? IELTS 11 Writing Test 1, Task 1 Answer (useful vocabulary is highlighted ) The pie charts illustrates water usage in six different regions around the world. Notably , Europe consumes the greatest quantity of water for in
Read more

How To Answer Cambridge IELTS 8 Speaking Test 1

Content Cambridge IELTS 8 Speaking Test 1 How to give your opinion in English Here are some questions from Cambridge IELTS Practice Tests Book 8 Speaking Test 1. They include the IELTS Cue Card Describe a time when you were asked to give your opinion in a questionnaire . A native English speaker gave these sample answers to show you what someone might say. Remember, you can answer these questions in many different ways. Cambridge IELTS 8 Speaking Test 1 IELTS Speaking Tip Do NOT try to memorize full answers - this is unnatural and IELTS examiners are trained to identify memorized answers. Cambridge IELTS 8 Test 1 Speaking Questions & Answers Part 1 Topic | Neighbours How well do you know the people who live next door to you? I know them quite well because we’ve lived beside each other for a couple of years now. The people who live to the right of me, wel
Read more

Computers Speaking Part 1 Questions & Answers

How would you answer these example questions about computers from Part 1 of the IELTS speaking test? What examples would you give? What details would you need to describe? What vocabulary would you need to express yourself well? Tips for IELTS Speaking | IELTS Speaking Part 1 | Computers, computer skills, children and computers, how important are computers? Computer Speaking Part 1 Questions You can use these questions in your IELTS preparation to help you think about what you would say in response to them. Computers Speaking Part 1 Do you often use computers? Yes, I do, very often, in fact every day I use my laptop. I use it for studying, researching, entertainment and also for shopping sometimes. Do you often use a computer? Not very often, I guess I just don't really need one in my day-to-day life. I have a smartphone for email and social media, and I can do most of the things I need to do on my phone. Plus, I like having some time away from screen
Read more