Although commas seem minor, they wield a significant influence within punctuation. Their importance is especially profound in academic writing, where they are crucial for facilitating effective communication and maintaining clarity. By accurately conveying intended meanings, introducing necessary pauses, and separating distinct ideas, commas play a key role. Thus, understanding how to use commas is not just about adhering to the rules; it’s about enhancing precision and readability.
When to place a comma after “including”
Placing a comma after “including” can be tricky, as there are only a few distinct cases, where it is possible. Additionally, it depends on the specific context and sentence structure. When the information introduced by the preposition “including” is part of a parenthetical expression, commas before and after “including” are typically used to set off the parenthetical information. In a complex sentence, meaning a construct of several non-restrictive clauses or phrases introduced by “including,” a comma is placed before and after including to set each clause off and ensure clarity and emphasis.
Not using a comma after “including” is much more common in multiple scenarios, primarily driven by the aim to maintain clarity and continuity in a sentence. When “including” introduces a list, it is often placed as a pre-comma, but a comma after “including” is not necessary. Furthermore, when “including” introduces non-restrictive as well as restrictive information in a sentence, a comma after “including” is not due, although non-restrictive information may be set off by a preceding comma. Lastly, when “including” introduces a single item or example without necessitating a separation for additional clauses or items, a comma after it is omitted.
Comma
Parenthetical expression
Several non-restrictive clauses
No comma
Introducing a list
Restrictive clauses
Non-restrictive clause
Single item or example
Maintaining academic integrity and a consistent flow in your paper is essential in academia and formal writing. However, comma rules may vary depending on the Style Guide that is followed. Thus, be mindful about placing commas in sentence structures and stay uniform in your choices.
Comma after “including”
The rare occasions of placing a comma after “including” are when it introduces a part of a parenthetical expression or one of several non-restrictive clauses or phrases.
Parenthetical expression
A parenthetical expression refers to additional details or examples that provide clarification and could be omitted without changing the overall meaning or main point of a sentence. In this case, when “including” introduces a parenthetical expression, it is often set apart by a preceding and following comma from the rest of the sentence to indicate that this information is supplementary.
Examples
- The conference covers several topics, including, notably, climate change.
- Our project team, including, for instance, expert designers, worked hard.
- The canteen offers many options, including, for example, vegan and gluten-free.
Several non-restrictive clauses
When “including” is used within several non-restrictive clauses in a single sentence, commas are placed to enclose the word and separate these clauses for readability, and clarity, and to indicate that the information is explanatory or additional.
Examples
- The exhibition features artifacts, including, among others, from Egypt and Rome, which influenced modern culture.
- The update offers new features, including, but not limited to, improved security protocols, enhancing user experience.
- The course has various subjects, including, for example, mathematics, literature, and science, which contribute to a well-rounded education.
No comma after “including”
A comma after “including” is excluded when it initiates a list of items without any interruption, introduces restrictive information, integrates non-restrictive clauses, and introduces a single item or example.
Introducing a list
A comma after “including” is left out when the word begins a list of items without any interruption. This allows for a smooth flow into the list and a concise presentation of the information.
Examples
- The programme covers essential skills including teamwork, efficiency, and communication.
- Our travel package offers amenities including free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and an airport shuttle.
- The supermarket stocks organic products including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Restrictive clauses
When a clause or list that is introduced by “including” represents restrictive or essential information to the overall meaning of the sentence, it does not require a subsequent comma. In restrictive clauses, the information following “including” is crucial for understanding the specific context or scope of the statement. Thus, there should be no indication of a separation and no commas are placed.
Examples
- The policies apply to all devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets that are used in the office.
- We need volunteers for the event, including those who can help with the registration, setup, and cleanup.
- Any applicant with experience in areas including cybersecurity and data analysis will be given priority.
Non-restrictive clauses
Generally, a preceding comma is placed before the word “including” when it introduces a non-restrictive clause to separate it from the main sentence. However, when non-restrictive information directly follows “including,” there is no subsequent comma placed, aiming for seamless integration with the rest of the sentence.
Examples
- The library will be extending its hours during the finals, including Sunday, to accommodate more students.
- The new environmental policy will impact several industries, including manufacturing and transportation processes.
- All registered participants, including volunteers and organizers, will receive a specially designed t-shirt.
Single item or example
When “including” introduces a single item or example, a comma after “including” is typically not used, as the introduction flows directly into the specific detail or example that is added.
Examples
- Each participant receives a starter kit, including a guidebook on the basics.
- Our software package comes with customer support, including 24/7 assistance.
- The meal plan has various nutritious options, including a vegan alternative.
Test yourself!
Practice sheet
Put your knowledge gained from this article into practice and fill in commas or no commas after “including” in the sentences below. Check if you are correct in the second tab.
- Our budget has discretionary items, including for example, travel.
- The package offers several benefits, including but not limited to, insurance.
- The museum’s collections, including notably, rare items, were expanded.
- All members, including the new interns, must complete the programme.
- The policy affects all departments, including marketing and sales.
- The services cater to a range of clients, including small businesses.
- The timetable, including for instance, the keynote speeches, will be published.
- Her research interests include ancient civilizations, including Egypt.
- The renovation will impact various areas, including among others, the lobby.
- The course covers advanced topics including quantum computing.
- Our budget has discretionary items, including, for example, travel. (Comma)
- The package offers several benefits, including, but not limited to, insurance. (Comma)
- The museum’s collections, including, notably, rare items, were expanded. (Comma)
- All members, including the new interns, must complete the programme. (No comma)
- The policy affects all departments, including marketing and sales. (No comma)
- The services cater to a range of clients, including small businesses. (No comma)
- The timetable, including, for instance, the keynote speeches, will be published. (Comma)
- Her research interests include ancient civilizations, including Egypt. (No comma)
- The renovation will impact various areas, including, among others, the lobby. (Comma)
- The course covers advanced topics including quantum computing. (No comma)
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FAQs
A comma after “including” is due when you add an interrupter, such as a parenthetical expression, in the sentence. It may also be placed in a sentence containing several non-restrictive clauses for clarity and emphasis.
A colon after “including,” “such as,” “that is”, or “for example,” is never placed. A comma may be due to specific sentence structures and context.
The word “including” is typically used to add information to a sentence or introduce items or examples.
When essential information is introduced by including it in the form of a list, make sure that there is no comma placed before “including.” Generally, there is no comma placed after “including” when it introduces a list, unless an interrupter follows. This article gives a profound insight into using “including” correctly in a sentence.
