COMMAS WHEN AND WHEN NOT TO USE THEM

COMMAS: WHEN AND WHEN NOT TO USE THEM By: Kelsey Quaile

IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE USING COMMAS…JUST REMEMBER PELICAN! Parenthetical elements Elliptical constructions Lists and series Introductory elements Compound sentences Antithetical elements Non-essential elements Nigel from Finding Nemo

PARENTHETICAL ELEMENTS Give extra information/detail Not needed for understanding sentence meaning Should be surrounded by commas Example: � Dory, the forgetful fish, can speak whale!

ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTIONS “Sometimes commas are used to indicate omitted material in a sentence that can be understood from context” � From the Duke Writing Studio website Example: � Goldfish only live for a few months; sea turtles, over 100 years!

LISTS AND SERIES Used in a series of three or more elements Commas present between elements that aren’t already separated by conjunctions Final comma in the list is optional Example: � The main characters are Nemo, Marlin, and Dory � Or… � The main characters are Nemo, Marlin and Dory.

INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS Words/phrases/dependent clauses that start sentences Need to be followed by a comma Also applies to exclamations and direct address Examples: � After the shark encounter, the ship exploded! � Watch out, the seagulls are coming! � I’ve missed you, Dad!

COMPOUND SENTENCES Linking independent clauses by using a coordinating conjunction FANBOYS � For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So Comma placed before FANBOYS Example: � Nemo has a wimpy fin, so he has a hard time swimming.

ANTITHETICAL ELEMENTS Used to express contrast Phrases that refer to the same thing or have the same function Example: � Nemo’s mother was eaten by a barracuda, not a shark.

NON-ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS Essential vs. Non-essential AKA: Restrictive vs. Non-restrictive Typically “that” vs. “which” Commas are not used with essential “that” Commas are used with non-essential “which” Examples: � The address that Dory remembered was written on the scuba-diver’s goggles. � The address, which Dory remembered, was written on the scuba-diver’s goggles.

THERE ARE, OF COURSE, OTHER TIMES TO USE COMMAS… …but they didn’t fit into the PELICAN acronym! Quotations � Comma usually placed before quote Interrupters � Commas usually placed around interrupters Conjunctive adverbs � However, although, nevertheless, whereas, etc. � When linking to independent clauses, a semi-colon is placed before and a comma is placed after a conjunctive adverb.

QUICK REVIEW! Where should commas be placed in the following sentences? Which rules are being used? � Marlin with the help of Dory searched for Nemo throughout the film. � In the end they find Nemo and they have made many friends along the way. � Marlin and Dory face sharks whales jellyfish crabs and sea turtles during their journey. � Unbelievable the fish escape from the dentist’s office! � The goggles gave Marlin and Dory the directions that lead them to Sydney.

COMMA USAGE HANDOUTS http: //twp. duke. edu/uploads/media_items/commas. original. pdf https: //owl. english. purdue. edu/owlprint/607/