The Comma What is the Comma z The

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The Comma

The Comma

What is the Comma? z The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because

What is the Comma? z The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because it separates the structural elements of sentences into manageable segments. z It is one of the most used, and often misused, forms of punctuation.

What is it used for? z. It is used to separate: • The elements

What is it used for? z. It is used to separate: • The elements in a series • Two independent clauses z. It is also used to set off: • Introductory phrases • Non-essential elements

Separating Elements in a Series z The comma is used to separate three or

Separating Elements in a Series z The comma is used to separate three or more elements in a series. It creates a clearer sentence with less confusion. y I like to eat apples, oranges, and bananas. y The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. y The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.

Separating two independent clauses. z It is important to use a comma to separate

Separating two independent clauses. z It is important to use a comma to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, nor, so, yet. x He hit the ball, but he ran toward third base. x I like to play tennis with my friends, but I like to run by myself. x I want to go to the movies, and I want to go to dinner.

How the comma is used to set off introductory phrases. z Use commas after

How the comma is used to set off introductory phrases. z Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. z You can recognize introductory phrases by Common starter words such as, after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. Also, Common introductory words, yes, however, well should be separated by a comma. x x x x While I was eating, the doorbell rang. Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class. If you are sick, you should see a doctor. When the rain stops coming down, we'll go play outside. Well, perhaps he meant no harm. Yes, I want to go on a date with you. However, you may not be satisfied with the results.

Continued (introductory phrases)… z Commas should also be used to separate long prepositional phrases

Continued (introductory phrases)… z Commas should also be used to separate long prepositional phrases over 4 words. x Having finished eating, he left the table. x To get a seat, you'd better come early. x After the test, but before dinner, I went swimming. x The sun radiating intense heat, we sought shelter in the cafe.

Setting off Non-Essential Elements z A pair of commas, in the middle of a

Setting off Non-Essential Elements z A pair of commas, in the middle of a sentence, should be used to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. y These are three questions you should ask yourself to help you decided whether the sentence element is essential. x If you leave out the clause, phrase, or word, does the sentence still make sense? x Does the clause, phrase, or word interrupt the flow of words in the original sentence? x If you move the element to a different position in the sentence, does the sentence still make sense? y If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, then the element in question is nonessential and should be set off with commas

Continued z (non-essential elements)… Examples of sentences using commas to separate non-essential elements: y

Continued z (non-essential elements)… Examples of sentences using commas to separate non-essential elements: y Clause: That Tuesday, which happens to be my birthday, is the only day when I am available to meet. y Phrase: This restaurant has an exciting atmosphere. The food, on the other hand, is rather bland. y Word: I appreciate your hard work. In this case, however, you seem to have overexerted yourself.

When not to use the Comma z Don't use a comma to separate the

When not to use the Comma z Don't use a comma to separate the subject from the verb. x An eighteen-year old in California, is now considered an adult. (incorrect) x An eighteen-year old in California is now considered an adult. (correct) z Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb phrases in a compound predicate. z Don't put a comma between the two nouns, noun phrases, or noun clauses in a compound subject or compound object. z Don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast). x She was late for class, because her alarm clock was broken. (incorrect) x She was late for class because her alarm clock was broken, (correct)

Outside Sources z Quiz on Comma Usage y In this quiz you will be

Outside Sources z Quiz on Comma Usage y In this quiz you will be given a paragraph and you have to change the sentences when needed z Quiz on Comma Usage y In this quiz you will be given sentences in which you have to choose the correct answer from 3 choices.

Contents Home What is the Comma? What is it used for? Separating Elements in

Contents Home What is the Comma? What is it used for? Separating Elements in a Series Separating two independent clauses How the Comma is used to set off introductory phrases Continued (introductory phrases) Setting off non-essential elements Continued (non-essential elements) When not to use the Comma Outside sources