Rule 1: When “here” appears at the start of a sentence, it is optional whether to use a comma or not.
If you want to emphasize the word “here,” then use a comma; if not, do not use one.
- Correct: Here is where I train every day.
- Correct: Here, is where I train every day.
Rule 2: If “here” is the final word in a clause and another clause and a connector follow it, you should use a comma.
- Correct: My sister said she would be here, but she hasn’t arrived yet.
- Incorrect: My sister said she would be here but she hasn’t arrived yet.
Rule 3: On all other occasions when you use the word “here,” and it is in the middle of a sentence, you should not use a comma.
- Correct: I don’t think they have any chance of getting here on time.
- Incorrect: I don’t think they have any chance of getting here, on time.
In the rest of the article, we explain in more detail how to use commas with the term “here.”
When to Use a Comma After “Here”
To find out when to use a comma before “here,” you should refer to Rules 1 and 2.
Rule 1: You can use a comma before “here” when it is the first word in the sentence.
In these types of sentences, you can choose whether to use a comma or not. However, if you want to emphasize that something took place “here,” it is best to use a comma.
Here are some examples that show “here” at the start of a sentence with and without commas.
- Here, is where I ran into problems and couldn’t answer the question.
- Here is where I ran into problems and couldn’t answer the question.
- Here, you can find every type of toy imaginable.
- Here you can find every type of toy imaginable.
In these two examples below, it is best not to include the comma because the words after “here” are relevant to the meaning of “here.”
- Here it is. I knew we would find it eventually.
- Here is where I told you he would be hiding.
Rule 2: Use a comma before “here” when it is the final word in a clause and a connecting term such as “and,” or “but” follows it.
The clause can be independent or dependent, but if “here” is the last word before the second half of the sentence, you need to add a comma.
- She didn’t use to live here, but she moved in last month.
- He told me he would be here, although he is always late.
When to Avoid a Comma After “Here”
When Rule 3 applies, you should avoid using a comma after “here.”
Rule 3: When “here” is placed in the middle of a sentence, you should not use a comma.
For these types of sentences, “here” is usually a noun that indicates a place.
- If you won’t be here until 7 pm, we should order a takeaway rather than cooking.
- She said she would be here early, but she hasn’t arrived yet.
- I have never been here before, but I like it a lot.
Conclusion
It is optional to use commas after “here” when it’s the first word in a sentence. However, you must use a comma when “here” is the last word of a clause. Don’t use a comma after “here” on all other occasions.