Comma Use Around Interrupters

Interrupters are little thoughts in the middle of a thought, added to show emotion, tone or emphasis. When we use an interrupter in the middle of the sentence, it should be emphasized with commas. Without the use of commas, the flow of the sentence may be awkward for the reader. Interrupters are easily identified by saying the sentence out loud; you’ll naturally pause where the commas should be.

Queen Victoria was, as they say, a formidable woman.

The interrupter as they say needs a comma before and after it to emphasise its separation from the rest of the sentence.

Having demonstrated a decided lack of ethics, the CEO was, needless to say, dismissed from the company.

It does, indeed, look like rain.

Names can also be interrupters.

What, Susan, do you think?

Now, where do you suppose, Davey, your shoes might have gone this time?

Here are some more common interrupters: in fact, to say the least, however, generally speaking, sadly, happily, and unfortunately.