IELTS Writing Mistakes 4: How to use Commas

Learn how to use commas correctly and avoid IELTS Writing mistakes in only 7 minutes.

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Sentence: "The boy was happy, he had found his toy."

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IELTS Writing Mistake: How to use Commas

IELTS Writing Rule 1: Comma splices
Mistake: Using comma to connect two independent clauses.
E.g. The boy was happy, he had found his toy = INCORRECT
CORRECT = The boy was happy because he had found his toy. (complex sentence)
CORRECT = The boy was happy. He had found his toy. (2 simple sentences)

IELTS Writing Rule 2: Dependent clause in middle of sentence
We should use commas to separate dependent clauses in middle of sentence (as long as info is not crucial)
Examples:
I like dogs especially big ones and my mum says I can get one next year = INCORRECT
I like dogs, especially big ones, and my mum says I can get one next year = CORRECT

IELTS Writing Rule 3: Comma in Complex Sentences
Use comma when sentences starts with dependent clause.
Example: Even though they fought hard, they still lost the battle.
Even though they fought hard = dependent
they still lost the battle = independent
Correct Example: Since I am already here, I will stay for dinner.