What purpose does a comma before "please" at the end of a sentence serve?

Question

I'm not quite sure of why this rule is implemented. A lot of answers I see just state that it's a rule without offering an explanation why. As far as I can tell, it doesn't really do anything to aid clarity, which is the only reason as to why it would be used that I can think of.

I don't believe that any of the following are any less clear without a comma preceding "please":

"Jamie, can you help your mother with the gardening please."

"Can you pick me up a little later please?"

"I would like strawberry ice cream with my chocolate cake please."

Can anyone help clear up the specific reasoning behind the choice to use a comma(,) please? Thank you

Tamguatlay · Accepted Answer

A comma marks a pause before 'please' when the sentences are spoken. I cannot think of any other reason.

Clive · Answer

Here's my thought.

A comma indicates a slight pause in speech.
We tend to pause before adding 'please', possibly to give it a little emphasis.

JJDouglas · Answer

I thought placing commas in text where you would pause if you were reading it out loud was a false rule?

CalifJim · Answer

JJDouglasI thought placing commas in text where you would pause if you were reading it out loud was a false rule?

Yes. That's what I've read, too. So if you don't believe the "voice pause" principle, you'll have to chalk it up to unreasoned tradition.

CJ

Clive · Answer

I find the vocal pause idea a very useful approach to teaching the use of commas.

What purpose does a comma before "please" at the end of a sentence serve?

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