Aspiring grammar mavens! Ever felt torn between using that oh-so-important comma before the word “finally” in a sentence? If so, you’re not alone — it’s an age-old debate with no clear victor.
Here to help settle the score, we investigate all sides of this vexing punctuation puzzle.
From how to properly use a comma before “finally” to when commas are unnecessary, you’ll be a punctuation pro after reading our guide. Don’t miss out on mastering this tricky conundrum — join us as we explore the great ‘comma before finally’ debate!
Deciding whether a comma should appear before “finally” in a sentence depends on where it appears. If used at the beginning of a sentence, place a comma after it as in “Finally, the concert began” and “Finally, it stopped raining”.
However, if used in the middle or end of a sentence things become more complex.
For example, when “finally” is used to signify completion or express shift in thought, like “She finally arrived at the airport after a long delay” or “I’ve been waiting for this day for years, and finally, it has arrived”, you may place a comma before it.
Table of Contents
The Grammar Rule
Whether you should put a comma before “finally” in a sentence depends on where in the sentence “finally” appears.
If “finally” appears at the beginning of a sentence, use a comma after it.
Finally, the concert began.
Finally, it stopped raining.
Both sentences include a comma after “finally” to separate the transitional word from the main clause of the sentence.
If “finally” appears in the middle or at the end of a sentence, whether to use a comma depends on the context and meaning of the sentence.
If “finally” is used as an adverb to express the completion of a series of events, it typically does not require a comma.
She finally arrived at the airport after a long delay.
In the above sentence you skip the comma before “finally”.
However, if you use “finally” to express a shift in thought or emphasize a point, place a comma before it.
He studied hard for months, and finally, he passed the test.
I’ve been waiting for this day for years, and finally, it has arrived.
Both sentences use a comma before “finally” to set it off from the rest of the sentence and emphasize the importance of the transition.
The Debate
The debate over whether to use a comma before “finally” in a sentence has been raging on for years, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
The main reason for the debate is that “finally” can serve as both a transitional word and an adverb, depending on the context of the sentence.
This means that there are times when a comma is appropriate, and times when it is not.
Some style guides, such as the AP Stylebook, recommend not using a comma before “finally” in any context.
According to this style guide, “finally” is always an adverb and does not require a comma.
He finally finished the book.
This sentence skips the comma before “finally”.
On the other hand, other style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, recommend using a comma before “finally” when it is used as a transitional word.
According to this style guide, when “finally” is used to indicate a shift in thought, it functions as a transitional word and should be preceded by a comma.
She practiced daily for years, and finally, became a famous artist.
This sentence includes a comma before “finally”.
The reason for this disagreement between style guides is the dual nature of “finally” as both an adverb and a transitional word.
This means that the decision to use a comma before “finally” may depend on the context and meaning of the sentence, as well as the style guide being used.
Context Matters
One of the most important principles of grammar and punctuation is context.
Whether or not a comma is used before finally depends entirely on what precedes and follows it.
For example, a comma is appropriate if the sentence begins with “Finally,” as in the following example:
Finally, you can enjoy your vacation!
However, you shouldn’t use a comma if another part of speech precedes or follows “finally” — such as when it is used to mean “in the end”. Check out this example:
She finally ran the entire marathon.
Additionally, a comma should not be used if “finally” appears after an independent clause, as in:
He ran around the track quickly and finally crossed the finish line.
In this case, no comma appropriately separates the two clauses because they are closely related concepts.
Knowing when to use — or omit — a comma before “finally” requires recognizing both which type of phrase comes after it and what that phrase means in terms of structure.
Where to Put “Finally” in a Sentence
Determining the best placement for the word “finally” in a sentence can seem like an imposing task. However, there are many options available to you!
Before deciding which position is best, consider the intended tone and message. Generally, if you want to emphasize the conclusion of your statement, place “finally” at the beginning or end.
Finally, she took a deep breath and braced herself for whatever was to come.
She finally took a deep breath and braced herself for whatever was to come.
On the other hand, putting “finally” in the middle of a sentence will help its meaning blend with the text more naturally.
Perhaps you might say something like:
She looked around nervously before finally taking a deep breath.
All three options carry different levels of emphasis but accomplish the same goal—making it clear that this is what she did after previously considering her options.
At any rate, choosing where to put “finally” in your sentence(s) will depend on what outcome you wish to achieve with careful consideration of context.
Using “Finally” at the Beginning of a Sentence
“Finally” is a useful word to use at the beginning of a sentence.
It is primarily used to indicate that something has happened after an extended period such as waiting for something or a natural phenomenon. Or it can also be used to denote a conclusion made about something.
Finally, the rain stopped and we could go outside.
The sentence implies that the speaker was eagerly awaiting for the rain to stop.
Another example would be:
Finally, I finished my math homework.
The above sentence indicates that the event has been long awaited.
In both above instances, “finally” should be followed by either a comma or semicolon, depending on whether you are using two independent clauses in your sentence.
So, by using finally judiciously at the start of one’s sentences, writers can dazzle their audience with stories of determination and lengthy journeys.
What Comes Before “Finally”
When it comes to deciding where exactly to place the word “finally” in a sentence, it depends on the context of what you are trying to say.
Generally, if the outcome is being addressed, “finally” should come at the end of the sentence rather than within the midsection.
I worked hard throughout my schooling and finally received my diploma.
After speaking to my parents, finally I began to understand their perspective on life.
Likewise, “finally” can also be used in an introductory way to give emphasis, such as in sentences like:
Finally that billboard has been taken down.
Finally I have enough vacation time saved up for a trip.
In either situation, when using “finally” keep in mind its placement and meaning within your sentence for optimal clarity and impact.
Do You Put a Comma After “Finally” in a Sentence?
It can be confusing to know when to use a comma after transitional words and phrases such as “finally.”
The most important grammatical rule to keep in mind is that if the clause following one of these words or phrases is necessary for the sentence’s meaning, then the comma should not be used.
However, if it is not essential information, then a comma should be included.
He finally arrived home late last night.
The sentence does not require a comma because the phrase “late last night” provides additional context necessary for understanding the sentence.
But when the clause that follows is extra information and could easily be removed without changing the full meaning of the sentence, you need a comma after “finally”. Check out the below example:
Finally, he arrived home.
Therefore, you should put a comma before and after transitional words like “finally” only when it clarifies or adds emphasis to your statement.
Can You Put “Finally” at the End of a Sentence?
It is possible to use “finally” at the end of a sentence.
When used at the end of a sentence, “finally” typically marks the conclusion of a series of events or expresses an emphatic shift in thought.
It took weeks for them to decide, but finally they made their choice.
She had been struggling for months, but finally she succeeded.
Both sentences put “finally” at the end of the sentence as a conclusion.
In these cases, no comma is necessary before “finally” since there is no shift in thought or emphasis being expressed.
However, if you wish to add emphasis to this transition phrase by setting it apart from the main clause, then a comma should be used after “finally.”
He tried his best all night long, and finally, he fell asleep.
The meeting went on for hours and hours, and finally, it was over.
Both sentences take advantage of this comma for extra emphasis.
Conclusion
Crafting a sentence with the perfect punctuation sounds like an art form!
For those of us who have grappled to learn comma usage and grammar rules, we know that understanding English syntax isn’t always straightforward.
But never fear – mastering comma placement can help you communicate your message effectively in all sorts of writing projects! To take your linguistic skills even deeper, online classes or friendly communities discussing these topics are great resources – so let’s dive into making some wonderful words together!