Rule 1: You can put a comma after “plus” when you use it to link two clauses.
You will also need a semicolon before “plus” if you put a comma after it.
- Correct: You need to do your homework; plus, you must tidy your room before dinner.
- Correct: You need to do your homework, plus you must tidy your room before dinner.
Rule 2: You should always put a comma after “plus” when it starts a sentence.
- Correct: He is bringing food. Plus, he said he would get something to drink.
- Incorrect: He is bringing food. Plus he said he would get something to drink.
Rule 3: Do not use a comma with “plus” when it is essential for the meaning of a sentence.
- Correct: It will be me plus my brother who will pick you up at the airport.
- Incorrect: It will be me plus, my brother who will pick you up at the airport.
- Incorrect: It will be me, plus my brother who will pick you up at the airport.
Keep reading the rest of the page to learn more about using commas correctly with the term “plus.”
When to Use a Comma After “Plus”
When choosing whether to use a comma with “plus,” you should refer to Rules 1 and 2.
Rule 1: Use a comma after “plus” when it links two clauses in a sentence.
In this function, “plus” works the same as the word “and.”
Therefore, you have two choices of how to link the clauses with “plus.”
The first is with a semicolon before “plus” and a comma after.
- Everyone is coming; plus, they are all bringing a friend.
Or you can use a comma before “plus” the same way as you would with “and.”
- They said we should arrive at 6 pm at the earliest, plus I am working until 7 pm.
Rule 2: You should always put a comma after “plus” when it starts a sentence.
People often prefer starting a new sentence rather than linking clauses with “plus.”
Doing this can improve the clarity of the writing and ensure that the sentences are not too long and complicated.
- He works at Boeing. Plus, he used to work for Airbus.
- We went to the flower show. Plus, I entered a competition there and won!
When to Avoid a Comma With “Plus”
The following rule indicates when you do not need to use a comma with “plus.”
Rule 3: You shouldn’t use a comma with “plus” when it is essential for the meaning of a sentence.
In this context, the term “plus” can often mean “as well as” or “combined with.”
- Three plus three is six.
- It will be myself plus my wife attending the dinner.
When to Use a Comma Before “Plus”
The following rules show when to use a comma before the term “plus.”
Rule 4: Use a comma before “plus when it is the first word in a non-essential clause.
If “plus” starts a clause you can remove, you should put the comma at the start and end of the clause.
- Paul, plus his sister, passed mathematics with an average of above 90%.
- We are traveling to Greece, plus Turkey if we have the time, this summer.
Rule 1: Use a comma before “plus” when you use it the same way you use “and” to link clauses.
- They said the interview went well, plus I knew the interviewer from a previous company.
- We are going on vacation tomorrow, plus I will get to see my family again.
Conclusion
Use a comma after “plus” and a semicolon before when it links two clauses. You can also connect clauses using a comma before “plus,” the same way as “and.” Put a comma when “plus” starts a sentence. However, don’t put a comma when it is essential for a sentence.