Comma is a punctuation mark (,) used to indicate a short pause within a sentence or to separate items in a list. It also clarifies meaning by pairing with conjunctions or setting off nonessential information. In pronunciation contexts, its name is pronounced with a short, unstressed first syllable and a clear second syllable, reflecting typical English word stress patterns.
- You may add extra duration to the second syllable or overemphasize the final vowel, making it KO-muh instead of ˈkɒmə. Practice a sharp 1-syllable release for the first vowel, then a brief, almost silent second syllable. - Another error is treating the first vowel as a long /oʊ/ sound; instead, use the short /ɒ/ (British) or /ɒ/ near-cot vowel without lengthening. - Finally, some learners fail to stress the first syllable; aim for clear onset with /k/ and a crisp /ɒ/ before the quick /mə/.
- US: /ˈkɑːmə/ or /ˈkɒmə/? In many US dialects, the first vowel can be /ɑː/ or /ɒ/ depending on region, but the common rhythm is strong first syllable with a light second syllable. - UK: typically /ˈkɒmə/ with a short /ɒ/ in the first syllable and a reduced second syllable. - AU: often /ˈkɒmə/ or /ˈkæmə/ depending on speaker, with non-rhotic tendencies in connected speech; the key is keeping the second syllable light and unstressed. Reference IPA for each region and practice with minimal pairs to tune vowel quality.
"- Please bring the following items: pencils, notebooks, and erasers, thank you."
"- She bought apples, oranges, and bananas."
"- After the meeting, we took a short coffee break, which lasted ten minutes."
"- The introductory clause, comma included, was easy to misinterpret at first."
Comma comes from Late Latin comma, from Greek komma meaning “a short clause or phrase,” and Latinized forms of Greek kos, meaning ‘a piece, segment.’ The term appears in English in the 15th century as a designation for marks used to indicate a pause and separation in text. Its usage evolved from scribal practice of marking breath and rhythm in manuscripts. The modern computer keyboard symbol (,) was standardized with typewriters and later digital fonts, but the core function—clarifying meaning via pause, separation, or grouping—remains tied to its Greek root. Over centuries, meanings expanded from a small pause to organize complex lists and clauses, and in programming the term comma is used in list literals, parameter separation, and function calls, retaining its basic sense of boundary and pause. First known usage in English literature traces to early editors who adopted Greek-derived terminology to describe punctuation marks used to indicate elision, grouping, and intonation in reading aloud. As printing and publishing advanced, comma conventions diversified by style guides, shaping rules for spacing, preceding conjunctions, and the treatment of introductory clauses. In contemporary usage, the comma symbolizes a momentary cutoff in thought, guiding rhythm, meaning, and logical clarity across writing and digital communication.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Comma" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Comma" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Comma" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Comma"
-oma sounds
-ama sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
Pronounce it as two syllables: KOM-uh, with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA US/UK/AU: /ˈkɒmə/. Start with a rounded o sound, drop the vowel quickly in the second syllable, and end with a soft schwa. Tip: keep the first vowel short and crisp, then relax into a light, unstressed second syllable.
Many learners insert extra vowel length in the second syllable or misplace the stress, saying KO-mə or ko-MA. Another frequent error is pronouncing the first syllable like ‘co’ as in ‘coat,’ instead of the short ‘ar’-like sound in ‘cot.’ Focus on a short first vowel and a quick, unstressed second syllable; keep the breathing light and avoid prolonging the final schwa.
In US/UK/AU, the first syllable remains stressed with a short rounded vowel, but the exact quality shifts: US /ˈkɒmə/ leans toward a broader, rounded /ɒ/; UK is similar but may be slightly crisper; Australian often opens the vowel a touch more and maintains a non-rhotic pattern in connected speech, though the word itself remains two syllables with a light final schwa.
The challenge lies in producing a clean, unstressed second syllable and avoiding a prolonged vowel or a clipped final sound. The primary stress sits on the first syllable, while the second syllable uses a quick, reduced vowel (schwa). Many learners also tense the mouth, causing a harsher ending. Relax the jaw, loosen the vowel, and glide smoothly into the schwa.
No, there isn’t a silent letter in comma. Both syllables are pronounced, with the second syllable containing a reduced vowel. The word’s two-phoneme structure /ˈkɒmə/ requires clear but quick articulation of /k/ + /ɒ/ in the first syllable, followed by a quick /mə/ in the second. Ensure you articulate the initial stop clearly and then relax into the unstressed vowel.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Comma"!
- Shadowing: listen to a native speaker say “comma” in context, then imitate in real time; practice with short phrases like ‘comma splice’ and ‘comma usage.’ - Minimal pairs: contrast /ˈkɒmə/ with /ˈkæmə/ and /ˈkɒmə/ with /ˈkomə/? Drill: k-oa vs ka- ma, keep the second syllable short. - Rhythm practice: reduce to a quick tare: /ˈkɒ.mə/ with non-syllabic second syllable; maintain 2-beat rhythm. - Stress practice: ensure primary stress placed on first syllable; practice sentences with introductory clauses followed by the word. - Recording: record your own voice saying “comma” in sentences, then compare with a native sample to adjust pitch and timing.
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