You might find yourself using “please” for a few different reasons. The different ways you can use “please” come with different comma rules, and it would help to know how all of these comma rules apply before writing it. This article will explain them to you.
Do You Put A Comma After “Please”?
You can put a comma after “please” when you are using it at the start of a sentence. When used in this way, we add emphasis to the request we’re making. Usually, it implies that someone repeatedly does something wrong, and we would like them to change it.
- Please, stop doing those things while I’m around.
As you can see, the comma is required to add emphasis. It shows that someone has a hard time following the rules or requests that you put forward for them.
However, the comma isn’t necessary. You can write the same sentence without it, and the meaning will shift slightly:
- Please stop doing those things while I’m around.
Without the comma, there is less emphasis on the overall action. Instead, we are simply asking that somebody please stop doing something. If we have to repeat the request, we might then choose to use a comma after it.
When Should I Use A Comma After “Please?
You should use a comma after “please” when it starts a sentence. You can also use it in the middle of a sentence, but only if “please” comes at the end of a clause that sets up a dependent clause.
“Please” At The Beginning Of A Sentence
“Please” at the beginning of a sentence is an introductory remark. When adding emphasis to the remark, you should include a comma to set it apart from the rest of the sentence.
- Please, stop pretending like you care about me. I get that I’m not your favorite person.
- Please, let me know when you have the time to get this sorted. We can’t keep doing this.
- Please, find it in your heart to make it up to her. She hasn’t done anything wrong, really.
- Please, tell me there’s something else I can do to make it up to you. I’m so sorry.
- Please, be the best version of yourself. I don’t want to see you ruin your life.
This emphasis allows us to show that we have a specific request for somebody to adhere to.
“Please” In The Middle Of A Sentence
“Please” can have a comma after it in the middle of a sentence too. It’s most common when we refer to someone saying “please” as an action, and the comma will come after it when we are adding more information to the sentence.
- If you please, you should be able to figure out a better way to do this.
- Oh, please, keep talking about how much fun you’re having with this.
- I think he said please, but I’m not entirely sure if he meant it.
- I heard her use the word please, but she isn’t usually that polite about anything.
- I’m not going to say please, and I don’t think it’s worth talking to me about it again.
When Should I Not Use A Comma After “Please?
You do not need to place a comma after “please” in many cases. If it’s at the beginning of a sentence, a comma can be omitted to remove the direct emphasis of “please.” If it’s in the middle of a sentence, it just means that “please” is used as a conjunction or verb.
“Please” At The Beginning Of A Sentence
Placing a comma after “please” at the beginning of a sentence isn’t necessary. If you choose to leave the comma out of your writing, it means you are not adding emphasis to the thing that you want someone to pay attention to.
- Please don’t say that again! I don’t want to hear about that from you.
- Please tell me there’s something more that can be done! This simply can’t be the end.
- Please don’t be foolish. You have a lot to live for, and I don’t think you realize what you’re doing.
- Please find out what went wrong with this project. I want to know how you ended up in this predicament.
- Please go there right now. I want to find out what’s going on, and you’re my only hope of doing that.
“Please” In The Middle Of A Sentence
“Please” is common in the middle of a sentence. It can be used as a verb, conjunction, or noun. It’s a great way of showing that you might need to “please” someone or might request help from somebody.
- I want to know what I can do to please you, but I don’t know where to begin.
- I’m not going to please them with my presentation. I can already tell that it’s bad.
- If you go to the beach, please bring me back some ice cream.
- If you get the chance to see him again, please tell him that I’m really sorry about what happened.
- Could you please help me find out a good way to get this done quickly?
Should There Be A Comma After “Please Note”?
You should not place a comma after “please note.” The full phrase should always be “please note that.” “That” replaces the need for a comma, so there is no need for us to use the comma after “please note” whenever we start a sentence in this way.
- Correct: Please note that I will be in charge of this operation going forward.
- Incorrect: Please note, someone will be in later today to find out more about this incident.
Should There Be A Comma After “Please Find Attached”?
“Please find attached” does not have a comma after it. It’s common to use this when you’re highlighting an attached document in an email. There is no need for punctuation after it because it breaks up the flow of what you’re trying to say.
- Correct: Please find attached the document that I’ve set up to help you with this task.
- Incorrect: Please find attached, the information that should be relevant to conduct this meeting.
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Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
