Commas

Commas generally reflect pauses in speech and are used to separate words or expressions that interrupt the normal progression of a sentence.

The university does not use the Oxford comma; in a series, place commas after each item but not before the final and, or and/or nor.

For example: Students waited in line to buy their textbooks, notebooks, pencils and pens.

For example: Our students gain hands-on work experience through co-ops, internships and practicum placements. 

When a sentence includes the word and in a number of instances, use a comma to separate for clarity.

For example: The faculties of Engineering and Applied Science, and Social Science and Humanities tied for first place during Orientation Week’s Wild Goose Chase.

For example: Our students gain hands-on work experience through co-ops, internships and practicum placements, and offer fresh perspectives in the workplace. 

For direct quotes, place commas and periods inside the quotation marks.

For example: “Everyone at Ontario Tech University is tremendously proud of the members of the university’s Formula SAE team,” said Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.

When writing a specific date that includes a day of the week, place a comma between the day and the month.

For example: Lectures begin on Thursday, September 6.