Clear and effective writing often depends on punctuation to guide readers through complex sentences. One type of punctuation that plays a crucial role in this process is the parenthetical comma. These commas are not only used for pauses, but they also help separate non-essential information from the main part of the sentence. Understanding how to properly use parenthetical commas can improve your writing, making it more fluid and easier to understand.
What Is a Parenthetical Comma?
A parenthetical comma is a pair of commas used to set off additional information in a sentence that is not essential to its main meaning. This extra information, known as a parenthetical element, could be a word, phrase, or clause. The content enclosed by parenthetical commas can usually be removed without affecting the core sentence.
Here is a basic example
- My brother,who lives in Chicago, is visiting us next week.
In this sentence, who lives in Chicago is additional information. Removing it still leaves a complete sentence My brother is visiting us next week.
Why Use Parenthetical Commas?
Parenthetical commas serve multiple purposes in writing. They help to
- Clarify meaning by distinguishing extra details from the main point.
- Break up longer sentences for better readability.
- Add tone or voice without confusing the reader.
Correct use of parenthetical commas prevents ambiguity and gives the reader subtle cues about what information is important and what can be considered an aside.
Types of Parenthetical Elements
1. Appositives
An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it.
- Her father,a retired engineer, volunteers at the community center.
2. Transitional Words and Phrases
Words like however, therefore, moreover, and in fact are often set off with parenthetical commas.
- He was,however, too tired to continue the journey.
3. Nonrestrictive Clauses
These clauses add extra information but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
- The cat,which was adopted from a shelter, is very affectionate.
4. Direct Address
When addressing someone directly, their name or title is often enclosed in commas.
- I think,Sarah, you might enjoy this book.
Examples of Parenthetical Comma Usage
Correct Examples
- The movie,as you probably know, was a box office success.
- Our teacher,Mrs. Wilson, gave us a surprise quiz.
- These plants,native to South America, require little water.
Incorrect Examples
- The movieas you probably know, was a box office success. (Missing opening comma)
- Our teacher Mrs. Wilson, gave us a surprise quiz. (Missing comma before the appositive)
- These plants native to South America, require little water. (Missing both commas)
Notice how omitting one or both commas can change the tone or clarity of the sentence, making it harder for readers to interpret correctly.
How to Identify When to Use Parenthetical Commas
To determine whether you need parenthetical commas, try this simple test
- Read the sentence without the word or phrase in question.
- If the sentence still makes sense and is grammatically correct, it’s likely a parenthetical element.
Example
- The car,painted in bright red, stood out in the parking lot.
Without the parenthetical element The car stood out in the parking lot. The sentence is still complete, which means painted in bright red is a parenthetical element and should be enclosed with commas.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overusing Parenthetical Commas
Too many interruptions can make a sentence hard to follow. If you find yourself using multiple sets of commas, consider breaking the sentence into two.
- Confusing My dog, which I adopted last year, from the animal shelter, in downtown LA, loves to play fetch.
- Better My dog, which I adopted last year from the animal shelter in downtown LA, loves to play fetch.
Using Parenthetical Commas for Essential Information
Don’t use parenthetical commas for information that is crucial to the meaning of the sentence.
- Incorrect People, who exercise regularly, are healthier. (Implies all people exercise regularly)
- Correct People who exercise regularly are healthier. (Only those who exercise regularly are healthier)
Mixing Parentheses and Commas
Avoid combining parentheses with parenthetical commas. Use either, not both, depending on the tone and purpose of the insertion.
- Incorrect The results (which were surprising, to be honest,) shocked everyone.
- Correct The results, which were surprising to be honest, shocked everyone.
Parenthetical Commas in Formal vs. Informal Writing
In formal writing, parenthetical commas are especially important because they prevent ambiguity and maintain professionalism. In informal writing, such as blogs or emails, the use can be more flexible, but overuse should still be avoided.
Regardless of tone, consistency is key. Once you choose to use commas to offset a phrase, apply that rule throughout the document or paragraph.
Practice Makes Perfect
To master the use of parenthetical commas, try the following exercises
- Rewrite five sentences that include extra information, and use parenthetical commas to set it off.
- Read a newspaper topic and highlight sentences with parenthetical elements. Note how the commas are used.
- Take a long sentence from your own writing and identify if any parts are non-essential and could be enclosed in commas.
The parenthetical comma is a powerful yet often overlooked punctuation tool. By setting off non-essential information, it brings clarity, improves sentence flow, and enhances the reader’s experience. Writers should learn to identify when a phrase or clause adds extra but not essential meaning, and apply parenthetical commas accordingly. With regular practice, the use of parenthetical commas becomes intuitive, helping your writing become more precise and polished without sacrificing style or readability.