Punctuation Using Commas with Parenthetical Expressions A parenthetical

Punctuation

Using Commas with Parenthetical Expressions A parenthetical expression is a word or phrase that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use commas to set off parenthetical expressions. – A parenthetical expression in the middle of a sentence needs two commas. – A parenthetical expression at the end of a sentence needs only one.

Different Kinds of Parenthetical Expressions Names of People Being Addressed Certain Adverbs Common Expressions Contrasting Expressions

Examples of Names of People Being Addressed: 1. ) Listen carefully, Bob and Lucinda, while I explain. 2. )That’s a logical conclusion, Pete.

Examples of Certain Adverbs: 1. )The other sand dune, therefore, is several meters higher. 2. )Roberta will not be able to go with us, however.

Examples of Common Expressions: 1. ) The sand, I think, is scarce on Peruvian deserts. 2. ) They believe in her ability, of course.

Examples of Contrasting Expressions: 1. )These dunes, not those, resemble crescents. 2. ) The decision should be mine, not yours.

Assignment: Pg. 604 Exercise 15.

Using Commas with Nonessential Expressions To determine when a phrase or clause should be set off with commas, decide whether the phrase or clause is essential or nonessential to the meaning of the sentence. Use commas to set off nonessential expressions.

Appositives and Appositive Phrases Essential: The 1943 movie Sahara takes place in North Africa. Nonessential: Sahara, a 1943 movie, takes place in North Africa.

Participial Phrases Essential: The man waiting in the van is our guide. Nonessential: Pat, waiting in the van, asked us to hurry.

Adjective Clauses Essential: We need someone who can lead us to oasis. We cheered enthusiastically for Darius, who could lead us to the oasis.

Assignment: Pg. 605, Exercise 16.

Using Commas with Dates and Geographical Names Dates usually have several parts, including months, days, and years. Commas prevent such dates from being unclear. When a date is made up of two or more parts, use commas after each item except in the case of a month followed by a day. Examples: – Saturday, July 20, is their anniversary. – January 1, 1945, was the beginning of an exciting year. – September 7, 1999, was my first day of school.

When a geographical name is made up of two or more parts, use a comma after each item. Example: Amos moved from Tripoli, Libya, to Fez, Morroco.

Assignment: Pg. 606, Exercise 17.

Other Uses of Commas Use a comma after each item in an address made up of two or more parts. Example: Write to Maxwell Hunnicutt, 54 Monmouth Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243. Fewer Commas are needed when an address is stacked, such as in a letter or on an envelope. – Example: Maxwell Hunnicutt 54 Monmouth Avenue Dallas, Texas

Use a commas after the salutation in personal letter and after the closing in letters. Example of Salutations: – Dear Bill, – Dear Aunt Harriet and Uncle Bill, Example of Closings: – – – Sincerely, Best wishes, Yours truly,

Numbers Need Commas Too! With numbers of more than three digits, insert a comma before every third digit, counting from the right. – 1, 750 feet – 4, 608, 787

Assignment: Pg. 608, Exercise 18.