Comma Rules for the GED Essay: When (and When Not) to Use Them
Whether you’re separating ideas, listing examples, or connecting clauses, knowing GED comma rules can make your writing clearer and more professional. Misusing commas is one of the most common grammar mistakes on the GED Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) extended response.
This guide breaks down the most important comma rules to help you avoid simple errors and write with confidence.
1. Use Commas to Separate Items in a List
When listing three or more items in a sentence, commas help group and separate each element clearly.
✅ Correct:
Students need to read, plan, and revise their essays.
❌ Incorrect:
Students need to read plan and revise their essays.
Use commas between all items in a series. This ensures your sentence is easy to follow.
💡 Tip: The last comma before and (called the Oxford comma) is optional but recommended—it prevents ambiguity.
2. Use a Comma After an Introductory Phrase
Introductory phrases prepare the reader for the main idea. Adding a comma after the phrase improves flow and comprehension.
✅ Correct:
After planning your essay, start with a clear thesis.
❌ Incorrect:
After planning your essay start with a clear thesis.
Without the comma, your sentence can feel rushed or confusing. Always signal the main clause with a pause.
3. Use Commas to Join Independent Clauses with a Coordinating Conjunction
When two complete sentences are joined by a conjunction (like and, but, or, so, for, nor, yet), place a comma before the conjunction. This separates the two independent thoughts clearly.
✅ Correct:
The passage was persuasive, but it lacked strong evidence.
❌ Incorrect:
The passage was persuasive but it lacked strong evidence.
Here’s another example using so:
✅ Correct:
She studied every day, so she felt confident during the test.
❌ Incorrect:
She studied every day so she felt confident during the test.
Use the comma to prevent the sentence from feeling rushed or jumbled. Each half should stand on its own if the conjunction is removed.
4. Avoid Comma Splices
A comma splice happens when two complete sentences are joined by only a comma. This makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. To fix it, either use a coordinating conjunction (and, but, etc.) or separate the sentences with a period.
✅ Correct:
The argument was strong, and it convinced many readers.
The argument was strong. It convinced many readers.
❌ Incorrect:
The argument was strong, it convinced many readers.
Using proper sentence boundaries improves clarity, especially in GED RLA extended responses where grammar counts.
5. Don’t Use Commas Between a Subject and Verb
Never separate the subject from its verb with a comma. Doing so interrupts sentence flow and creates a grammatical error.
✅ Correct:
The main reason for the decline in scores is poor time management.
❌ Incorrect:
The main reason for the decline in scores, is poor time management.
Only use a comma between the subject and verb if another rule applies, such as inserting an interrupter or dependent clause.
Final Thoughts
The GED RLA essay doesn’t require you to write like a professional editor, but it does reward clarity and basic grammar accuracy. By mastering these simple GED comma rules, you’ll improve how your ideas flow and reduce distractions in your writing. For additional resources and tips to improve your essay writing, visit the Harvard College Writing Center website.
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