Is There a Comma After “Unfortunately”?

Understanding the proper use of “unfortunately” in sentences, especially regarding comma placement, can significantly impact the clarity and tone of your writing. This guide will explore the rules for using commas with “unfortunately,” providing correct and incorrect examples to help illustrate each point.

When to Use Commas with “Unfortunately”

Rule 1: Beginning a Sentence

Correct Usage:

• Unfortunately, the event was canceled due to rain.
• Unfortunately, we cannot approve your application at this time.

Incorrect Usage:

• Unfortunately the event was canceled due to rain.
• Unfortunately we cannot approve your application at this time.

Explanation: When “unfortunately” starts a sentence, it should be followed by a comma to separate it from the main clause, indicating a pause.

Rule 2: Middle of a Sentence

Correct Usage:

• The picnic, unfortunately, was ruined by the sudden storm.
• Our team, unfortunately, lost the game by a narrow margin.

Incorrect Usage:

• The picnic unfortunately was ruined by the sudden storm.
• Our team unfortunately lost the game by a narrow margin.

Explanation: Use commas around “unfortunately” when it interrupts the flow of a sentence to add a parenthetical element.

Rule 3: Before “Unfortunately” at the End of a Sentence

Correct Usage:

• The concert was postponed, unfortunately.
• We missed the deadline, unfortunately.

Incorrect Usage:

• The concert was postponed unfortunately.
• We missed the deadline unfortunately.

Explanation: A comma before “unfortunately” at the end of a sentence sets it off as an afterthought or additional comment.

Rule 4: “Unfortunately” Without Commas for Direct Commentary

Correct Usage:

• She unfortunately will not be able to attend.
• They unfortunately did not meet the qualifications.

Incorrect Usage:

• She, unfortunately, will not be able to attend.
• They, unfortunately, did not meet the qualifications.

Explanation: When “unfortunately” directly modifies a verb and serves as an integral part of the statement, commas are not necessary.

Read More: Is There a Comma Before and After “Indeed”?

Rule 5: “Unfortunately” in Responses

Correct Usage:

• “Will you be joining us?” “Unfortunately, no.”
• “Did the project succeed?” “Unfortunately, it did not.”

Incorrect Usage:

• “Will you be joining us?” “Unfortunately no.”
• “Did the project succeed?” “Unfortunately it did not.”

Explanation: In responses, “unfortunately” is often followed by a comma when leading into a further explanation or confirmation.

Rule 6: “Unfortunately” with Conjunctions

Correct Usage:

• It was, unfortunately, a total loss, and we must start over.
• The day was, unfortunately, coming to an end, but we had one last plan.

Incorrect Usage:

• It was unfortunately, a total loss, and we must start over.
• The day was unfortunately, coming to an end, but we had one last plan.

Explanation: When “unfortunately” is used with conjunctions to add a comment in the middle of a sentence, it should be enclosed by commas.

Rule 7: Emphasizing a Specific Point

Correct Usage:

• Unfortunately, the only solution is to restart the entire process.
• Unfortunately, we have no other option but to cancel.

Incorrect Usage:

• Unfortunately the only solution is to restart the entire process.
• Unfortunately we have no other option but to cancel.

Explanation: Use a comma after “unfortunately” when it introduces a sentence to emphasize the unfortunate nature of the statement.

Rule 8: “Unfortunately” in a List

Correct Usage:

• Several factors contributed to the failure, including, unfortunately, poor planning.
• Among the guests were, unfortunately, some uninvited attendees.

Incorrect Usage:

• Several factors contributed to the failure including, unfortunately, poor planning.
• Among the guests were unfortunately, some uninvited attendees.

Explanation: When “unfortunately” is used to add emphasis within a list or among other elements, it’s typically preceded by a comma.

Rule 9: Contrast or Surprise

Correct Usage:

• The outcome was, unfortunately, not what we expected.
• The response was, unfortunately, less enthusiastic than anticipated.

Incorrect Usage:

• The outcome was unfortunately not what we expected.
• The response was unfortunately less enthusiastic than anticipated.

Explanation: Use commas around “unfortunately” when it introduces a contrast or a surprising element to enhance readability.

Rule 10: “Unfortunately” for Sudden Shifts

Correct Usage:

• We had planned to proceed; unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances arose.
• The weather was perfect for the event; unfortunately, other problems occurred.

Incorrect Usage:

• We had planned to proceed unfortunately unforeseen circumstances arose.
• The weather was perfect for the event unfortunately other problems occurred.

Explanation: A comma or semicolon before “unfortunately” and a comma after can indicate a sudden shift or introduction of an unexpected factor.