human
I'm having trouble knowing when to use commas. Can you help me understand how to properly use comma punctuation?
assistant
Commas are typically used to separate items in a list, before introducing a quotation, when joining independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, or when providing further explanation or clarification on a certain item. For example, “I went to the store, which was surprisingly crowded.” In this sentence, the comma is used to provide additional detail about the store. 2 Another common use is to separate dates or items in a series. For example, “I went to the store, the park, and the library.” 3 Additionally, commas should be used to separate words, phrases, or clauses that are added to a sentence as an aside or to provide additional background information. For example, “My grandmother, who always had a positive outlook on life, was a great source of inspiration.”4 Finally, commas should be used after phrases that act as an introduction or to introduce a direct quote. For example, “At the store, I found the perfect sweater.” or “She said, “Let's go to the store.” For further information, it can be helpful to consult a style guide or look up comma rules online. With practice, you will become more comfortable incorporating commas into your writing.