“Of Course” – Easy Comma Guide + Examples (All Variations)

When we use “of course” in sentences, it might be tricky at first for you to understand comma placement. This article will give you an easy guide to how the commas work before and after, “of course,” so you don’t have to worry about making any more mistakes with it.

Should I Place A Comma After “Of Course”?

You should place a comma after “of course” in every case unless it’s at the end of a sentence (where a period is better). “Of course” is either an introductory clause to a sentence or a parenthetical element, both of which require commas after “of course.”

If introducing a clause with “of course,” you will only need a comma after it:

• Of course, this isn’t always necessary if you know what you’re looking for.

If you’re writing it in the middle of a sentence, it becomes a parenthetical element, and we need a comma before and after the phrase.

• This will, of course, change how the world sees things.

To remember how parenthetical elements work, we can remove “of course” from the above example. Once removed, the sentence still makes sense, showing that “of course” is in parentheses and only adds extra information to an otherwise complete sentence.

When Should I Place A Comma Before “Of Course”?

As we’ve stated, you can place a comma before “of course,” but only when it’s a parenthetical element. It’s more likely that it’ll be used in this way, so it’s helpful to understand it.

If you use “of course” as a parenthetical element, that means you include it as additional information for the sentence. However, if necessary, the sentence will still make sense without “of course.”

Parenthetical elements are simply additions to the already present information. Take the following example:

• He will, of course, make sure everyone is up to par.

If we remove the parenthetical “of course,” we’re left with:

• He will make sure everyone is up to par.

As you can see, both sentences make sense. “Of course” makes it seem like his task is obvious, and he will be required to do it, which is why we might sometimes want to include the extra information in our writing in this way.

Is It Ever Correct To Use “Of Course” Without A Comma?

It’s never correct to use “of course” without a comma unless that’s the only phrase in a sentence. For example, if someone replied saying “of course,” then we would write it with no commas.

It is never correct to use “of course” without a comma. The only time you’ll see it where a comma isn’t used after “of course” is when it comes at the end of a sentence. However, in this case, the comma must be included before “of course.”

We can look at the following example:

• I’ll be there for you, of course.

Here, we use a period at the end of the sentence, which comes directly after “of course.” However, we still need to include a comma before “of course,” so there’s never a time where “of course” has no commas.

Examples Of How To Use A Comma After “Of Course” At Beginning Of Sentence

We’ll first look at some examples of using “of course” at the beginning of a sentence. We think this will help you understand the phrase a little better. It’s an additional clause, which helps to show that something is quite obvious.

1. Of course, I could tell you my plans, but that would be cheating!
2. Of course, you can’t just walk away from this.
3. Of course, you have to understand where I’m coming from before you move on.
4. Of course, you shouldn’t do that.
5. Of course, I know what I’m doing.
6. Of course, this isn’t the only option you’ll have.
7. Of course, I could take this pain away for you.

“Of course” at the start of a sentence always has a comma after it. This is because we’re introducing a new idea with the “of course” clause, showing that the following statement is obvious from the context.

It’s possible to remove “of course” at the start, and the sentence will still be grammatically correct.

Examples Of How To Use A Comma Before “Of Course” At End Of Sentence

Now let’s see how “of course” works at the end of a sentence. We use the comma before it this time, but there will be a period after it to make sure we’re following the grammar rules.

1. He needs you, of course.
2. I’ll be ready to help you when the time comes, of course.
3. I’m happy to be there for you, of course.
4. You shouldn’t have seen that, of course.
5. I’ll stop you, of course.
6. She’ll be ready when she’s ready, of course.
7. I can’t stop you, of course.

“Of course” at the end of a sentence is rare, but it works when we want to show that the previous statement was obvious and didn’t need to be stated. We use it to emphasize the power of the statement.

Examples Of How To Use “Of Course” In The Middle Of A Sentence

Finally, we’ll look at using “of course” in the middle of a sentence, which is one of the more common ways you can use it.

1. I will, of course, be there when it’s time.
2. You have to understand, of course, that you can’t do this alone.
3. She must, of course, change her trajectory.
4. I can, of course, help you out, dear.
5. They will, of course, find the answers soon enough.
6. We should, of course, move on.
7. It’s not always easy, of course, but you knew that.

“Of course” in the middle of a sentence adds additional information to show that something is obvious in the rest of the sentence. We can remove it, and the sentence will still be grammatically correct.

What Is The Correct Punctuation For “And Of Course”?

Correct punctuation for “and of course” is with a comma on either side of the phrase. If we start a sentence with it, we use a comma after “course.” If we put it in the middle of the sentence, commas come before and after the full phrase “and of course.”

1. And of course, it’ll help if you make yourself scarce.
2. I should have known, and of course, things have been made more clear.
3. It’s not that easy, and of course, you knew that already.
4. I won’t be ready in time, and of course, you’ll do this without me.
5. And of course, I can’t stop you!

Can You Start A Sentence With “And Of Course”?

It’s possible to start a sentence with “and of course,” which we made apparent in the examples above. If you’re going to do this, it usually has to directly link back to the previous statement; otherwise, the “and” won’t work.

“And” can start a sentence, and “and of course” is no different from this rule.

Where Should I Place A Comma In “Which Of Course?

“Which of course” needs a comma before and after “of course.” We also have to place a comma before “which” if we’re placing the full phrase in the middle of the sentence.

1. Things have changed here, which, of course, make it hard for us to communicate.
2. I can’t find my keys, which, of course, means we’re not going to make it out tonight!
3. This is my home, which, of course, is where I’ve lived for the last three years.
4. He wasn’t saying much, which, of course, is unlike him.
5. She isn’t going to be there, which, of course, breaks my heart.

Where Should I Place A Comma In “Unless Of Course?

“Unless of course” needs a comma before and after “of course” to show that it’s a parenthetical element. However, we don’t need to place a comma before “unless,” even when it’s in the middle of the sentence.

1. I can stop unless, of course, you enjoy it.
2. I should tell you about it unless, of course, you don’t want to know.
3. He could help you unless, of course, you don’t think you need help.
4. Where should we go today unless, of course, you want to stay home?
5. I can’t find where it is unless, of course, you’ve already moved it.

Where Should I Place A Comma In “I Will Of Course?

“I will of course” needs a comma before and after “of course” because it’s a parenthetical element in the phrase. We could simply use “I will” without “of course” and it would still make sense.

1. I will, of course, be happy to help.
2. I will, of course, be held accountable.
3. I will, of course, make sure they’re ready.
4. I will, of course, make it up to you in good time.
5. I will, of course, stop talking about it if that helps you.

Where Should I Place A Comma In “I Am Of Course?

“I am of course” follows the same rules as “I will,” where we need a comma before and after “of course.” “I am” still works in the sentence if we remove “Of course,” which is why the commas are important.

1. I am, of course, referring to you being the villain here.
2. I am, of course, unsure about what I need to do next.
3. I am, of course, offering my services if you truly need them.
4. I am, of course, going to help you here.
5. I am, of course, ready to play.

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