What Is A Comma?

A comma is a “soft stop”. It’s not a final as a period. It’s used to connect new ideas to old
ones, and to tell the reader when to pause a moment in their thinking (or in their speaking,
if they’re reading out loud). In long sentences, it’s also used to separate clauses, so the
reader understands which modifiers apply to which words, etc.

I only slept for three hours last night , but I’m not tired today.
For dinner , there’s pasta , garlic bread , and green salad.
Despite the snow , the buses are running on time.
Anna’s parents are very , very proud of her.

Comma usage
Commas separate ideas or nouns (as in a list).

He’s bundled in a wool coat , mitts , hat , scarf and snow-boots because it’s so cold.
Katherine did the shopping , cleaned the house , and finished the laundry.
Durer , daVinci , and Michelangelo are all famous painters.

If you’re repeating words for emphasis, a comma will separate the repeated words so it’s
clear you haven’t made a typo.

I really , really like chocolate.

Maggie has been a naughty , naughty dog.

A comma can change a noun to a verb.

The panda eats shoots and leaves.

The panda eats , shoots , and leaves.

A comma can change the person to whom you are speaking into the person about whom
you are speaking, and determine the rest of the punctuation in the sentence.

Mary is the farce today.

Mary , is the farce today?

A comma can tell the reader to pause for a brief moment because what you’re about to say
will add another mind-boggling idea.

The gymnast leapt several feet into the air , and then he did a triple twist and a somersault!

Commas are also used to offset information (such as found in an appositive or an

introductory clause).

Yesterday , we went to the park for a picnic.

Michael , my brother , is a nice guy.
Comma with Subjects and Verbs
A comma shouldn’t separate a subject from its verb. Separating the subject and its verb
with a comma is a mistake generally made if the subject clause is long, and if the subject
already has a verb in it (as part of a relative clause),

The things which cause me joy, may also cause me pain.

The subject of this sentence is the things which cause me joy, and its verb is may cause.
Not only does this comma separate the verb from its subject, but the comma isn’t even
required for clarity. We should definitely get rid of this comma.

The method of ensuring you are driving on the right route , is to check your G.P.S.

We don’t need a comma in this sentence, either.

Exception: The only time you may separate a subject from its verb is if the verb from the
subject clause is repeated.

He who offends me , offends me greatly.

If we didn’t have the comma in this sentence, the reader might sound like a broken record.
The slight pause emphasizes the repetition of the phrase.

Comma Between Two Nouns in a Compound Subject or Object

Don’t separate two nouns in a compound subject, or two objects, with a comma. There can
be more than one subject or object in a sentence.

The twins , and their mother went shopping for shoes for school.

The compound subject of this sentence is the twins and their mother. By putting a
comma after twins, we’re separating twins from its modifying verb went shopping.

You can give the books to Mark , or Michael.

The comma in this sentence separates the compound object Mark and Michael. Just as
with the previous sentence, this comma separates Michael from his modifying verb.

The twins and their mother went shopping for shoes , and clothes for school.
You can give the books , and papers , to Mark or Michael.
You , and I , need to go shopping for shoes and clothes for school.

None of these sentences requires a comma.

Comma Between Two Verbs in a Compound Predicate

Don’t put a comma between two verbs in a compound predicate. There can be more than
one verb in a predicate.

Mark despaired both finding a job , and having a decent place to live.
 The verbs in this predicate are finding and having. There’s no need for a comma to
separate them as it separates having a decent place from Mark despaired.

Flowers and candles can pleasantly decorate , and scent a room.

This sentence doesn’t require a comma, either.

Have you read Sense and Sensibility , and seen Pride and Prejudice?

This sentence doesn’t need a comma because the italics clearly identify the conjunctions
which are part of the titles.

Comma Splice
If two independent clauses are to be joined into one sentence, they should be separated by
a conjunction or a semi-colon, or possibly even a conjunction and a comma. They can also
be separated into two sentences by a period. Using a comma causes a comma splice.

Koala bears are not actually bears , they are marsupials.

I am not angry with you , I am not happy with you, either.
I’m thinking of skipping English class , it’s really boring.

Exceptions: Comma splices can be used for artistic or poetic effect, as when one is
connecting several short independent clauses. Don’t do this in a formal composition,
though; it’s only for creative writing. (If you’re going to pull this off in formal writing, try using
a semi-colon.)

She was beautiful , she was gorgeous , she was ravishing.

Comma splices may also be used if the two independent clauses are somehow
contrasting, as when following a statement with a question.

You are coming to the party , aren’t you?

Comma After Introductory Clauses

Introductory clauses are dependent clauses which are found at the beginning of the
sentence (although they can be moved to the end of the sentence, too, without confusing
the meaning of the sentence). After a dependent introductory clause, we use a comma to
separate the introductory clause from the independent clause. The dependent introductory
clause may start with an adverb or conjunction like although, if, or when.
As the man was walking into the store , he came face-to-face with his childhood sweetheart.
Because the rain was torrential , the day’s Little League games were postponed.
Grabbing her umbrella , Kate raced out of the house.
Now then , we should head back home because the baby needs a nap.
Comma After Conjunction in Introductory Clause
Introductory clauses frequently begin with a conjunction (although, since, when, if, etc.)
There should be no comma after the conjunction in the introductory clause.
Because , it was going to rain, we cancelled the picnic.

The comma after because should be removed; the comma after rain is properly used as it
separates the introductory clause from the independent clause.

After , flunking her Victorian Literature class, Martha decided to do the assigned reading.
When and if , it gets delivered, please bring the package into my office immediately.
So , that the water didn’t get in, we attached rubber seals around the windows.

Missing Comma After Introductory Clause With Date

Dependent introductory clauses which include a date should be offset by a comma. The
date can be a year or the date of the month.

In 1989 , he graduated from high school.

By the 1960s , most households had a television set.
During the 1800s , canned foods were becoming popular.
Since November 15th, we’ve raised more than a thousand dollars for charity.

Commas After Introductory Phrases

An introductory phrase is like a clause, but it doesn’t have its own subject and verb; it relies
on the subject and verb in the main clause. Unless the phrase is very short (fewer than 5
words) and begins with a preposition (to, for, at, etc.), there should be a comma between
the introductory phrase and the main clause. You can use your own judgment here: if you
were saying the sentence out loud, would you pause after the introductory phrase?
Fighting against reason , Martha decided to pull an all-nighter in hopes of passing the exam.
Without understanding why , Annie woke from a deep sleep with an urge to check on her
children.
Between March and April , the little boy grew three inches.
By flashlight we made our way along the path.

Because the introductory phrase by flashlight is short and begins with a preposition, a
comma is not required; regardless, it wouldn’t be considered incorrect if there were a
comma after flashlight.
Commas After Introductory Words
After an introductory word, we use a comma to separate the introductory word from the
independent clause. The introductory word in the sentence will frequently be an adverb.

Meanwhile , the cat stretched luxuriously in the sunshine.

Furthermore , the educational institution will prosecute those individuals who plagiarise the
institution’s written works.
Suddenly , an angry black cat sprang from the shadows.
Quickly, she grabbed the fire extinguisher and doused the flames.
Unfortunately, our elderly neighbour has had to move into a nursing home.

Comma Within a Comparison

A comma shouldn’t be used within a comparison (unless there is a non-restrictive clause).
Writers will sometimes put a comma before a conjunction as this is where speakers will
naturally pause for emphasis; when writing, the pause is considered grammatically
incorrect.

This box is lighter , than that box.

The comma after lighter should be removed so it does not separate the two items – the
boxes – which are being compared.

The box containing the hardcover books is really quite heavy , while the box containing the
paperbacks is relatively light.
Hardcover books weigh more , than paperback books.
The box on the table , which contains the hardcover books , is really quite heavy while the box
containing the paperbacks is relatively light.

This sentence is correct because the commas are being used around the non-restrictive
clause which contains the hardcover books.

Comma Use Around Interrupters

Interrupters are little thoughts in the middle of a thought, added to show emotion, tone or
emphasis. When we use an interrupter in the middle of the sentence, it should be
emphasized with commas. Without the use of commas, the flow of the sentence may be
awkward for the reader. Interrupters are easily identified by saying the sentence out loud;
you’ll naturally pause where the commas should be.

Queen Victoria was , as they say , a formidable woman.

The interrupter as they say needs a comma before and after it to emphasise its separation
from the rest of the sentence.

Having demonstrated a decided lack of ethics, the CEO was , needless to say, dismissed from
the company.
It does , indeed , look like rain.
 Names can also be interrupters.

What , Susan , do you think?

Now, where do you suppose , Davey , your shoes might have gone this time?

Here are some more common interrupters: in fact, to say the least, however, generally
speaking, sadly, happily, and unfortunately.

Run-on Sentences
When two independent clauses are joined by a co-ordinating conjunction (e.g. and, but, or,
so), there must be a comma before the conjunction, or it will be a run-on sentence.
Independent clauses are complete sentences; if you could put a period after the clause but
have instead used just a conjunction, then you’ve created a run-on sentence.
Matthew went to the library , and I headed back to the science lab.
The wind was brisk , but the sun was strong.
The man’s business was failing , so he was searching for alternative income.
Anna went to make a strong cup of coffee , for she was falling asleep at her desk.
The paintings were striking , yet they were also pleasant to look at.

Missing Comma Before a Question Tag

When we have a statement which we want someone to agree with, we add a few words on
the end, turning it into a question. These few words are called question tags. These are
words like isn’t it/he/she, or right, or even yes or no. These question tags should be
separated from the main clause by a comma.

The citizens of the world all want clean water do drink , do they not?

Do they not is a question tag. It needs to be separated from the statement by a comma.

Legends about werewolves, vampire and other monsters from are considered to be some of the
scariest stories around , no?
Those willow trees are beautiful , aren’t they?
That movie was really good , yeah?

Sometimes there will be a linguistically unintelligible question tag. These tend to differ from
country to country. These are not likely to be used in formal writing, but they should still be
considered when writing informally. Here’s an example that is purely Canadian:

Do you wanna go snowboarding today , eh?

Punctuation of Appositives
An appositive is a noun or pronoun (perhaps with some adjectives, etc.) which adds extra
information to clarify a noun in the sentence. Take this sentence, for instance: My mom
Angela is a good cook. Angela is the appositive for mom. If the appositive is not
necessary to understand the sentence, there should be commas around the appositive. If
the appositive is necessary to understand the sentence, don’t put commas around it.
A brilliant young painter , the artist was given his own show at the age of 19.

The appositive a brilliant young painter isn’t required to understand this sentence; there
should be a comma after painter (but not at the beginning of the appositive, as it is at the
beginning of the sentence).

The rose , a deep red blood drop , stood out amongst the tiny white flowers.
Martha , yawning with exhaustion , sat down at her desk to finish her last paper.
The professor , Dr. Kendrick , was a wonderful teacher.

The appositive Dr. Kendrick, is necessary in order to understand which professor was a
wonderful teacher, so there is no need for commas around it.

Please hand me the paper , that is on the table.

The red car , with the flat tire , is pulled over to the side of the road.

Comma in Dates
When writing a date, a comma is used to separate the day from the month, and the date
from the year.

The American Declaration of Independence was ratified on July 4 , 1776.

I was born on Sunday , May 12 , 1968.
On Tuesday, April 13th at three o’clock, there will be a meeting for all staff.
Please join us on Saturday , June 14th , 2010 , for the marriage of Annie and Michael.

Exception:

The application is to be finished by 31 December 2009.

Although inappropriate for use in formal writing, this format does not require any commas.

Comma Between Coordinate Adjectives

When one has several coordinate adjectives (i.e. a list of adjectives which do not have to
be in any particular order), a comma is used to separate them. This is done for clarity and
emphasis.

That man is a pompous , self-righteous , annoying idiot.

That man is a self-righteous , annoying , pompous idiot.
The sweet , scintillating aroma of cinnamon buns filled the kitchen.
The scintillating , sweet aroma of cinnamon buns filled the kitchen.
The adorable , little boy was eating ice cream.
In English, we usually put little and boy together, so the two adjectives (adorable andlittle)
do not require a comma between them.

Unnecessary Comma in a Complex Sentence

Complex sentences are sentences which have two clauses. There can be two independent
clauses (each having a subject and predicate), or an independent clause and a dependent
clause (missing a subject or predicate). Generally, if the dependent clause comes second,
a comma is not used before the dependent clause. Frequently, but not always, a
conjunction will begin the dependent clause.

I need to do the shopping , because there is nothing to eat in the house.

The second clause, because there is nothing to eat in the house, is dependent; there is no
need to use a comma between the two clauses.

It makes no sense to study Advanced Pure Math , if the student will not use the math at a later
date.
I’ll put the book down and sleep , when I can no longer keep my eyes open.

We don’t need a comma in these sentences, either.

Exception: If the sentence is too long or confusing without a comma, one may be used for
purposes of clarity.

In the background of the painting there are a boat, a river, and a sunset , which attract the
viewer’s attention.

Here, a comma is used before the dependent clause because otherwise the reader may
think only the sunset attracts the viewer’s attention.

Comma Between Compound Subject and Predicate

A compound subject is a subject which lists more than one thing. Commas may be used
within the compound subject to separate the nouns, but should not be used between the
subject and the predicate of the sentence.

Some frequent causes of headaches are, stress , lack of exercise and dehydration.

The comma between are and stress should be removed because it separates the predicate
from the subject. The other comma is grammatically correct.

Literacy and good writing skills , are necessary in most careers.

Time and space , are fascinating fields of study.
Comma Before And
If there are only two things in a list, they do not need to be separated by a comma. If there
are more than two ideas, the comma should be used as it would in a list. (SeeOxford
Comma.)

The purpose of a comma is to clarify lists , and conjoin ideas.

The compound predicate, is to clarify lists and conjoin ideas, does not require a comma.
The comma should be removed.

The dog is young but well-trained , and good-natured.

The dog is young, well-trained , and good-natured.

The comma in the last sentence is correctly placed as it is being used to clarify the
elements in a list.

A comma should also be placed before and if and is at the beginning of an independent
clause.

The purpose of a comma is to clarify list , and it also conjoins ideas.

The dog is young , and it’s also well-trained.
It’s cold outside , and I can’t find my coat.

Comma Before But

A comma should be placed before the word but only if but is at the beginning of an
independent clause.

I would go for a walk , but for the rain.

In this sentence, but is being used to mean except. Because but isn’t starting an
independent clause, the comma isn’t required.

The dog is young , but well-trained.

Grammar is boring , but necessary.
I would go for a walk , but it’s raining outside.

Because it’s at the beginning of an independent clause, the comma before but is
necessary.

The dog is young , but he’s well-trained.

Grammar is boring , but it’s necessary.
Missing Comma In A List
When creating a list of two or more things, commas should be used to separate each
category in the list. There is no formula for this: you must use logic and reason to
understand the categories. Some sentences use several verbs, so the commas will
separate the items which belong to a different verb. Some items can be separated by
adjectives. Frequently, errors of this nature occur between the last two items, so look
before the and (see Oxford Comma).

N.B. American English requires the use of a comma before the last and in a list; British
English does not. Be sure to follow local protocol, particularly in formal writing.

I cleaned the house and the garage , raked the lawn , and took out the garbage.

The list in this sentence categorises items by verb. Without the comma after and, readers
would be looking for another item which was being raked: I…raked the lawn and ___.

Mary bought the shirt in red , purple, and black.

This sentence doesn’t need a comma before the and because the three colours refer to the
shirt Mary bought. The final comma should be removed.

For the bouquet of roses , I selected three red ones , three white ones , and two black ones.

Here, the categories are being defined by the numbers and colours of roses. Becausetwo
black ones is a different category than three white ones, we need the comma before
the and.

Serial Comma (Within List Of Similar Elements)

When creating a list or series of multiple things which are similar, commas should be used
to separate each item in the list.

N.B. American English requires the use of a comma before the last and in a list; British
English does not. Be sure to follow local protocol, particularly in formal writing.

Teenagers are often anxious to grow up , get a job , and move out of their parents’ house.

If you look carefully, there are three things teenagers want to do: 1) grow up, 2) get a job,
and 3) move out of their parents’ house. These are similar things (they’re all things
teenagers are anxious to do), so we need both commas.

I still have to buy a gift , pack the suitcases , and arrange for someone to water the plants while
we’re at the wedding.
Mary needs bread , milk , and butter at the grocery store.
Comma Separating Verb And Its Object
A verb should not be separated from its object (the thing or person which is receiving the
verb). To figure out what the object of the sentence is, ask yourself this: what is the subject
doing? Let’s look at the sentence, Mary likes chocolate. The verb is likes, so we would
ask, What does Mary like? She likes chocolate, so the object of the verb ischocolate. Now
that we can identify the verb and the object in the sentence, we know not to put a comma
between them.
Mary said , she likes chocolate.

This comma separates Mary from the thing she said.

The teacher claimed , she was too busy to help her students outside of class.

The verb is claimed and its object is she was too busy to help her students; the comma
between them shouldn’t be there.

After finding her classes’ grades were slipping , the teacher decided to stay, for an extra hour
after school each day.

Comma Setting Off Non-restrictive Clauses

A non-restrictive clause is a clause which may offer more information, but doesn’t limit the
subject; this might be something of interest, such as how old something is or a job a
person has. A non-restrictive clause may use the word which and can be removed from the
sentence without loss of understanding.

Non-restrictive clauses are generally separated from the rest of the sentence by commas
(while restrictive clauses are not).

That box of apples , which I picked this morning , can be used to make the pie.

The non-restrictive clause which I picked this morning needs to have a comma on either
side of it because this information is not required to identify the box; that is the word which
identifies the box (we can assume the speaker is pointing to it).

Three years ago, the house on the corner , which was of historical interest , was torn down.

As the house is already identified as the one on the corner, the fact that it was of historical
interest is not necessary.

Comma Setting Off Restrictive Clauses

A restrictive clause is a clause which limits a subject; this might be something identifying,
such as the colour of a person’s hair, or the position of a book on a table. A restrictive
clause may use the word that, and cannot be removed from the sentence without loss of
information.

The box of apples , that has the red label on it , can be used to make the pie.
 The restrictive clause that has the red label on it should not have a comma on either side
of it. The label is required to identify the box.

Three years ago, the house , on the corner , was torn down.
The plants , that are wilting , need more water.

Comma Between Correlative Conjunction Sets

Correlative pairs of conjunctions include words like neither...nor, not…but, and both…and.
For this punctuation rule, we can also consider sets of words like not only…but also. When
pairs or sets of conjunctions are being used, they do not need to be separated from each
other by a comma. However, a comma may be used between the conjunctions to
accommodate another grammar rule (see Exceptions).

Either the blue shirt , or the red sweater will look good with your jeans.

Either…or is a correlative pair of conjunctions. The comma should be removed from this
sentence so the conjunctions are not separated from each other.

I can’t decide whether to have pizza , or a cheeseburger.

Exception: If two commas are around a non-restrictive clause, they may be used between
the correlative pairs of conjunctions.

Neither the job as a cashier , which only paid minimum wage , nor the washroom attendant’s
job interested the woman with two PhDs.

Comma Emphasizing Contrasting Ideas With Commas

A group of words which offers a contrast to the subject of the sentence may need to have a
comma on either side to separate it from the main idea. Look for words such as not,
unlike and never; these signify a contrasting idea. By putting a comma on either side, the
contrasting idea is made clear to the reader, and the subject is clearly modified.

Mary , unlike Ann , is very organised.

Tea should be steeped , never boiled.
Most people will continue wanting , but rarely needing , more and more material objects.
Ice hockey , not road hockey , is a good winter sport.

Comma Between Direct Quote and Attributive Tag

When quoting, it must be made clear to the reader who said (or wrote or thought) whatever
is being quoted; this is done by using “attributive tags”. Look for words like he said, he
claimed and according to. Attributive tags can be at the beginning or end of the quote, or
even in the middle (in which case you would use a comma before and after the attributive
tag). American convention generally places commas outside opening quotation marks
and inside closing quotation marks.
At the end of the class the professor remarked , “How attentive you have been today!”
“There is a problem , ” the head caretaker agrees , “with the storage of garbage between
pickups.
“You have ice cream on your nose , ” my friend snickered.
“When you leave the house , ” my mother yelled, “don’t slam the door!”

Comma After Question Mark

We usually use a comma to separate a quote from an attributive tag (e.g. he thought, said
he), even if the quote would usually end in a period. However, if the quote is a question, a
question mark needs to be used in order to show the reader that the sentence is a
question.

If there is a question mark, there is no need to use a comma as well; in this case, the
attributive tag should come immediately after the closing quotation marks. The same rule
applies to exclamation points, which are required if the reader is to understand the tone the
speaker is using.

“Do you want to come to the movies with us?” , Mary asked.

The comma between the quote and the attributive tag is not required, and should be
removed.

“I am trying to sleep here!” , my roommate yelled.

My roommate yelled , “I am trying to sleep here!”

This last sentence is correctly punctuated because the attributive tag is at the beginning of
the sentence; the comma is used to separate the attributive tag from the beginning of the
quote so there is no conflict between two punctuation marks.

Comma Inside Quotation Marks

In American English, commas from a quote always go inside the quotation marks.

“Pass me that thesaurus,” said Matthew.

“If you knew what was good for you, you’d sit down and finish that essay right now,” my
roommate said.
“We’re going down to the soup kitchen to help serve dinner,” her mother called.

Comma Before Parenthesis

Parentheses are used to give additional information to the reader: information which is not
required and which would disrupt the flow of the sentence if written as a non-restrictive
clause. Commas may be placed after the closing parenthesis but not before either the
opening or the closing parenthesis. If the sentence would not require any commas if the
parentheses were removed, the sentence should not have any commas when the
parentheses are added.

After opening the new cookie tin , (and eating several of the cookies), Mary had a hard time
replacing the lid.
 The comma after tin should be removed. The comma after the closing parenthesis is
correctly used as it separates a dependent clause (after opening the new cookie tin) from
an independent clause (Mary had a hard time replacing the lid).
After opening the new cookie tin (and eating several of the cookies , ) Mary had a hard time
replacing the lid.
After opening the new cookie tin (and eating several of the cookies) , Mary had a hard time
replacing the lid.
Peter cleaned his room , (grumbling all the while , ) before going out to play basketball.

This sentence does not require any commas; both should be removed.

Comma between an article and its noun

Commas are used to separate thoughts or ideas, or to tell the reader when to pause.
Articles are used to refer to a noun, so the article can’t really be a separated from the noun
as it’s all part of the same idea. The articles in English are the, a and an. Nouns are a
person, place or thing.

The company managers accidentally scheduled the , weekly meeting for Saturday.

The comma between the and weekly should be removed because it separates the
articlethe from the noun meeting.

A , bouquet of flowers may be created using more than one type of flower.
I’ll have an , apple.

When speaking, we will often pause while we think of the next word. While a speaker may
pause after an article, it is not a grammatically correct pause; when written down, there
should be no comma after an. Generally, this example will not come up in formal writing
but if it should, the pause can be indicated with an ellipsis: I’ll have an… apple.

Oxford Comma
Originally used by Oxford University Press, this is the comma which is used before and in a
list. British English doesn’t use the Oxford comma. It certainly has its purpose when used
to eliminate confusion, but it is used consistently – whether it’s required for clarity or not.

American English insists on the use of the Oxford comma.

The American flag is red, white , and blue.

Margaret, Martha , and Martin went to the movies.
The cat leapt onto the chair, turned around several times , and curled himself into a small ball
with his tail over his nose.
As well as Comma
The phrase as well as creates one of those situations where you may have to make a
judgment call about comma usage. As a general rule, it doesn’t need a comma before it
unless it’s a part of a non-restrictive clause.

Please proofread for spelling mistakes , as well as grammatical errors.

This sentence doesn’t require a comma.

Spelling mistakes , as well as grammatical errors , are distracting to a reader.

This sentence does require the commas around the non-restrictive clause.

I like carrot cake , as well as chocolate cake.

I like carrot cake as well as chocolate cake.

Both sentences clearly mean that I like both kinds of cake; the comma use is probably not
necessary. We’d probably only use the comma in the second sentence if we were writing
dialogue and wanted to show where the speaker paused.

I like carrot cake as well as chocolate cake, but lemon cake is my favourite.

This sentence doesn’t need a comma in front of as well as; the meaning is quite clear.

I don’t like carrot cake as well as chocolate cake.

I don’t like carrot cake, as well as chocolate cake.

These sentences clearly demonstrate where a judgment call is required. The first sentence
means that I prefer chocolate cake. The second sentence means that I don’t like either of
them.

Such as Comma
The phrase such as only requires a comma in front of it if it’s part of a non-restrictive
clause.

There are many different types of coniferous trees , such as pine and spruce.

The comma in this sentence isn’t necessary, as it’s only giving examples.

The Grade 5 class studied ancient cultures such as Greece and Rome.
Fresh fruit provides many nutrients such as vitamin C.

Neither of the above sentences requires a comma.

The Grade 5 class studied ancient cultures , such as Greece and Rome , before they studied
different forms of government.
Fresh fruit provides many nutrients , such as vitamin C , and tastes good too.

These two sentences require the commas because such as is part of the non-restrictive
clauses.
Comma Before Too
When using the word too, you only need to use a comma before it for emphasis.

I , too , like bananas.

You can tell by the position of too that emphasis is required in this sentence, so we use the
commas to offset it.

Mike wanted to go to the party , too , so he shut down his computer.

I like bananas , too.

This sentence doesn’t need a comma.

Read this book, and this one too.