Comma Before Or After “In Addition”? Explained For Beginners

Comma rules are important to get right in English. This article will explore how “In addition” works as a prepositional phrase. There are a couple of ways we need to understand where to place the commas when using them, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of them.

Should I Place A Comma Before Or After “In Addition”?

There should be a comma after “in addition” when we are using it as an introductory phrase or when it’s part of a nonessential clause. You need a comma before “in addition” when it’s part of a nonessential clause or when included to emphasize a point mid-sentence.

You might find the following two examples useful to explain the main comma rules:

• After: In addition, you should make sure to look into this side of things before continuing.
• Before: I believe that, in addition to what I’ve said before, it’s important to keep working toward this outcome.

It’s more common for the comma to appear after because it makes more contextual sense. With that said, you’ll find that the comma is fairly popular regardless of where “in addition” falls in a sentence.

When Should I Place A Comma After “In Addition”?

There are two main reasons we would place a comma after “in addition.” The most common reason is when we start a sentence with it. In this way, we use it as an introductory statement, allowing us to add further information to something we said before.

You might also find that a comma comes after “in addition” when it’s part of a nonessential phrase. This is less common, as a nonessential phrase with “in addition” often contains more words than just those two.

“In Addition” At The Beginning Of A Sentence

1. In addition, I think it’s a good idea for you all to see me at the end of your shift today. We have much to discuss.
2. I’ll be here all week. In addition, I’d like a few of you to sign up to help out this weekend with the coming event.
3. In addition, I think it’s important that we work on our team-building skills. I’m sick of acting like everyone’s mother.
4. It’s not going to come to that. In addition, I’ve put measures in place to stop anything from going wrong.
5. In addition, we need a few more hands on deck with this one. It’s time for us to show them what we can do.

“In addition” can start a sentence in many cases. We use it in this way to add more information to something we might have said in a previous sentence.

“In Addition” As A Nonessential Phrase

1. I will be there, and, in addition, I will make sure that there is some way for us all to work closely with one another again.
2. I think that, in addition, it will be important for us to keep a close eye on this. We don’t want it getting away from us.
3. Of course, in addition, it’s times like this where our teamwork is going to be most important. Let’s stick to it, people.
4. I think that he’s okay, and, in addition, I believe he’s going to get us through this by the end of the day. Just wait.
5. She will be there and, in addition, will likely have an answer to all of these questions we’re asking. We just need to be patient.

“In addition” can be placed in the middle of a sentence when it’s a nonessential phrase. It typically comes after a conjunction or another introductory statement whenever it’s used in this way.

When Should I Place A Comma Before “In Addition”?

You should place a comma before “In addition” when it’s introducing a nonessential phrase. We can use this as an interjection in the middle of a sentence. Often, it does not add any new information. Instead, it helps to emphasize the added information already discussed.

Using “In addition” as a nonessential phrase is exactly that; nonessential. We could just as easily remove it from the sentence, and the meaning would still be made clear.

1. I will be there, and, in addition to that, I think you should take the time to come too. We need to team up with this.
2. I think it’s okay, in addition to what we’ve already discussed because I know what you’re capable of, and I know you can do it.
3. I will have to tell you the truth, in addition to the other stuff. I don’t think you will be able to cope anymore without it.

When Should I Place A Comma Before AND After “In Addition”?

Placing a comma before and after “in addition” is also quite common. You will find that it’s possible to write it in this way when “in addition” is the only phrase used in the nonessential clause.

In the previous section, it was possible for “in addition” to be followed by a larger string of words. This turned the nonessential phrase into more of a fuller sentence rather than a brief interjection.

However, it’s possible for us to just use “in addition” with no added words.

You’ll often find that this is done directly after a conjunction like “and” or “but.”

1. I will have to take him, but, in addition, I will need you to come along later in the day. I can’t be there on my own.
2. You can do this, and, in addition, I know you’ll find a way to help us all out once you’ve finished with it.
3. We can go there, and, in addition, we can find something interesting to do that we will all enjoy.

Is It Ever Correct To Use “In Addition” Without A Comma?

It’s possible to remove the comma from “in addition” completely. We can do this when “in addition” is part of an introductory phrase, but there are more words after it that have to complete the phrase before placing a comma.

1. In addition to being there alone, I found no one to come with me.
2. In addition to all of that, it was like everyone was against me.
3. In addition to what was said before, I have a few things that might be useful to mention.