The girl likes camping , hiking , and canoeing. A comma is used after an introductory word, phrase, or clause. If the sentence can be read without the introductory word, clause, or phrase and makes good sense, use a comma. On the first day of class , the students introduced themselves. Unfortunately , the students did not like to read their homework.
Commas separate an interrupting phrase from the rest of the sentence.
John carried the bag , which belonged to his mother , across the beach. John carried the bag that belonged to his mother across the beach. Commas are used in a direct address. John , please carry the bag across the beach. Please carry the bag across the beach , John.