1. Separating Items in a List:
* Example: "I went to the store to buy milk, eggs, bread, and cheese."
* Explanation: The comma separates the items in the list. The final item before the conjunction "and" is often preceded by a comma.
2. Setting Off Introductory Phrases or Clauses:
* Example: "After the meeting, we went out for lunch."
* Explanation: The comma separates the introductory phrase "After the meeting" from the main clause.
3. Setting Off Non-Restrictive Clauses:
* Example: "My friend, who lives in California, is coming to visit."
* Explanation: The comma sets off the non-restrictive clause "who lives in California" which provides additional information about the friend.
4. Separating Independent Clauses:
* Example: "The sun was shining, and the birds were singing."
* Explanation: The comma separates two independent clauses (clauses that could stand alone as sentences) joined by a coordinating conjunction like "and", "but", or "or".
5. Setting Off Appositives:
* Example: "My dog, a golden retriever, loves to play fetch."
* Explanation: The comma sets off the appositive "a golden retriever" which renames or clarifies the noun "dog".
6. Setting Off Direct Address:
* Example: "John, come here please."
* Explanation: The comma sets off the direct address "John".
7. Setting Off Interjections:
* Example: "Wow, that's amazing!"
* Explanation: The comma sets off the interjection "Wow".
8. Setting Off Parentheticals:
* Example: "The meeting, which was supposed to start at 10:00, was delayed."
* Explanation: The comma sets off the parenthetical phrase "which was supposed to start at 10:00" which provides additional information.
It's important to note that:
* Comma usage can be complex and depends on the specific grammatical structure of the sentence.
* There are specific rules and exceptions to comma usage, and it's best to consult a grammar guide or style manual for a more comprehensive understanding.
If you provide a specific example of a sentence with a comma after a word, I can help you understand the specific function of the comma in that sentence.