Commas Save Lives Comas however do not So

Commas Save Lives (Comas, however, do not)

So a Panda Walks into a Bar…

Commas in a Series • Commas in a series are used when there are three or more items in a series. • The comma is put behind each word until the conjunction (if there are three or more words). – Example: The store had red, green, yellow and blue hats on sale. • Also use commas in a series between adjectives that modify the same noun. – Example: The old, grumpy man likes lollipops.

The Oxford Comma

The Oxford (Serial) Comma • Oxford commas are also known as serial commas. • This comma comes before the conjunction and is technically optional. – Zombies like the cerebrum, cerebellum, and grey matter. • The Oxford Comma can clarify the meaning of a sentence when items in a list are not single words.

With an Oxford Comma “We invited the nuns, JFK, and Stalin. ”

Without an Oxford Comma “We invited the nuns, JFK and Stalin. ”

Commas and Introductory Elements • Commas are used after a mild introductory interjection. – Oh, that roller coaster made me sick! – However, if you like suspenseful rides, this roller coaster is for you. • Commas are used after introductory prepositional phrases that contain one or more other prepositional phrases – At the beginning of the play, Bartholomew forgot his lines. • Commas are used after an infinitive phrase, a participial phrase, or an adverb clause that begins a sentence. – Those shoes, to be honest, don’t go with the rest of your outfit. – Taking a deep breath, the jumper prepares for the dive. – When the jump is over, the exhilaration remains.

Commas and Interrupters • Commas are used to set off words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence. – David, by the way, prefers lobsters to octopus in his sushi. • Commas set off nouns of direct address. – Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, the show will begin promptly. • Use commas to set off nonessential appositives. – Agatha Christie, the famous British mystery writer, disappeared in 1924 and was missing for 10 days. • Use commas to set off nonessential clauses. – My neighbor, the one who lives on the 2 nd floor, is going to take me to school tomorrow.

Common Interrupters • • However I suppose By the way Of course Therefore Moreover In fact • • • Furthermore For example I believe After all Nevertheless

Sometimes introductory elements can come at the end…

Commas and Compound Sentences • Use a comma to separate independent clauses joined together by a conjunction in a compound sentence. – Sushi is a very popular food in many countries beyond Japan, but it is extremely popular in the United States. • DO NOT use a comma to separate the parts of a two-part compound predicate. – Example: Many Western regions claim to be the birthplace of the rodeo _ and hold annual exhibitions to celebrate the old West.

The Dreaded Comma Splice • When joining two independent clauses, you MUST use EITHER – Comma and a conjunction – Semicolon • Joining two independent clauses with just a comma is called a comma splice and results in a run-on sentence.

Use this… Comma …not that Coma

Resources • • • http: //oxforddictionaries. com/words/what-is-the-oxford-comma http: //3. bp. blogspot. com/_5 x 6 Jb. Md 7 BJQ/THKTCm 5 gh. PI/AAAAAb. A/-3 c 9 JHxv 1 k/s 1600/superhero-clip-art. jpg http: //www. babble. com/baby-names/baby-name-lists/movievillains/images/listimg. jpg http: //www. cartoonstock. com/newscartoons/cartoonists/rma/lowres/rman 14 96 l. jpg http: //4. bp. blogspot. com/_x. ZJENponh. Ac/S 4 MAl. G 6 yw 3 I/AAAABGw/a. Qnnrou. REs/the-comma. gif http: //www. oxbridgeediting. co. uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/cvmistakes-4128392932. jpg http: //www. eddiesnipes. com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/commas-savelives. jpg http: //www. englishmuse. com/wpcontent/uploads/2011/09/01205316170 a 00597 b 8 ec 62 e 34 d 4 acd 2. png http: //rlv. zcache. com/save_the_comma_stop_punctuation_abuse_t_shirtp 235459423408792960 zvh 3 u_400. jpg http: //robertstevenson. files. wordpress. com/2008/07/comma. jpg