The Grammar Guide Comma Should I use a comma before "for"?

Should I use a comma before "for"?

When "for" is used as a preposition, it doesn't need a comma:

He made a cake for her.
We're away for two weeks.
It's not for me to complain.

Sometimes "for" can be used as a subordinating conjunction in place of "because". If it starts a dependent clause after the main clause, it shouldn't be preceded by a comma:

She bought more gloves for she was always losing them.

However, if the independent clause that comes before "for" contains a negative verb, you need a comma:

He didn't take his umbrella, for the rain had stopped that afternoon.

Common Questions about Comma

Should an introductory phrase be followed by a comma?

When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

How do I add commas to a number for clarity?

What is a comma splice and how do you fix it?

Do I need a comma after a subordinate clause?

Do I need a comma after a participle phrase?

How should I use commas with "not only... but also"?

Should I use a comma before a subordinate conjunction?

Do you need a comma in a compound predicate?

When is a comma unnecessary?

Why should you put a comma after prepositional phrases?

Do I need a comma when I omit a word for stylistic reasons?

Do you need a comma after an adverbial infinitive phrase?

Should I use a comma at the end of a quotation, before the closing quotation mark?

Should I use a comma before an opening quotation mark?

Should I use a comma before "which"?

Should I use a comma before and after an appositive?

Should I use a comma before "not"?

Do I need to use a comma with list items?

How do I use commas with parenthetical elements?

Should I use a comma between a city and a country/a city and a state?

Should I use a comma before and after vocative?

Do you need a comma to separate the day from the month, and the date from the year?

Do you need a comma before or after "too"?

When should I use a comma to separate numbers?

Should I use a comma before or after “please” in a sentence?

Is it grammatically correct to put a comma before "and"?

Is it grammatically correct to put a comma before "then"?

Should I use a comma after an introductory adverb like "apparently"?

Should I use a comma after a time phrase such as "in the meantime"?

How should I use a comma with a subordinate clause?

Should you use a comma before "whereas" and "although"?

Should you use a comma before "while"?

Should you have a comma before "because"?

Should I use a comma before "since"?

Should I use a comma between two adjectives?

Should I use a comma with a participle or gerund phrase?

When should a comma be used in a sentence?

Should I use comma before "which", "where", and "who"?

Learn more about Punctuation:

Should I use a comma before "for"?

Common Questions about Comma

Enjoy? Share with Friends