Using Commas Correctly Use commas to n Punctuate

Use commas to … n Punctuate and join parts of sentences n Punctuate names,

Do not… n n use a comma because it sounds as though it should

Use commas between items in a series (three or more words, phrases, or clauses)

Use a comma between two adjectives when and is omitted but could be inserted.

Use a comma before and, but, nor, for, so, and yet (fanboys)when joining independent

Use a comma after an INTRODUCTORY EXPRESSION Some examples… n n Very short introductory

n n n Introductory expressions that include a verb: When you are ready to

EXCEPTION: Commas are NOT required after short place and time introductions, unless a comma

Use a comma before a sharply contrasting or opposing expression. These often begin with

Use commas to set off nonessential expressions: We hope, with all sincerity, that you

Use commas: n n To separate city/state or province/ country names: Dover, Massachusetts Vancouver,

Use commas: n After a personal name followed by a professional degree or title:

Use commas in mid-sentence: n To enclose a person’s name. We hope, Mr. Chow,

Use commas with quotation marks: n n May asked, “Do you like to ski?

Do not use a comma before a quotation that blends into the rest of

Use commas with numbers that have more than four digits (thousands are optional) :

• Do not use commas: § In street addresses: 16253 Happiness Way §

Slides: 18

Download presentation

Using Commas Correctly

Use commas to … n Punctuate and join parts of sentences n Punctuate names, locations, dates, abbreviations, quotations, and numbers English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 2 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Do not… n n use a comma because it sounds as though it should be there. use a comma just because a sentence is long. use a comma before every and. Use a comma between two independent clauses (this is a comma splice!). English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 3 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Use commas between items in a series (three or more words, phrases, or clauses) n n We enjoy wine, cheese, and fresh bread. We are going to fly to Paris, take the train to Italy, and then drive back. English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 4 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Use a comma between two adjectives when and is omitted but could be inserted. n n n A cold, dark night descended. They gazed at the deep, frigid snow. Many elderly people struggled to stay warm. English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 5 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Use a comma before and, but, nor, for, so, and yet (fanboys)when joining independent clauses. n n Mary mailed out all the invitations, but she forgot the stamps. Mary mailed out all the invitations but forgot the stamps. EXCEPT when the two independent clauses are short (less than 10 words) and joined by and or or George went and I didn’t. § Call me at home or send me email. n English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 6 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Use a comma after an INTRODUCTORY EXPRESSION Some examples… n n Very short introductory phrases: Once inside, the man rented skis. For now, longer skis can be rented. Introductory expressions using yes, no, well, or oh: Yes, I expect to go skiing. Well, I suppose I can take your place. English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 7 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

n n n Introductory expressions that include a verb: When you are ready to ski, call me. If you are going to come, don’t be late. Introductory expressions using a name: Mr. Smith, are you going with us? After dependent Clauses: To save both fuel and time, we’ll go together. English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 8 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

EXCEPTION: Commas are NOT required after short place and time introductions, unless a comma would add clarity or emphasis. n In Aspen the snow is perfect for skiing. n. Within three hours we should arrive. English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 9 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Use a comma before a sharply contrasting or opposing expression. These often begin with such words as but, seldom, never, not or yet. Most scientists support theory of global warming, but not all. n We open the store at 10 a. m. , never before. n English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 10 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Use commas to set off nonessential expressions: We hope, with all sincerity, that you can come. n We understand, however, if you cannot. Or when renaming a noun (this is called an appositive): n Jim O’Doule, a noted expert, will attend. n Jim, who is a brilliant person, was voted class president. n The insect, a cockroach, is crawling across the kitchen table. n English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 11 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Use commas: n n To separate city/state or province/ country names: Dover, Massachusetts Vancouver, BC, Canada To enclose names of a state, province, or country in the middle of a sentence. I ski in Aspen, Colorado, every year. English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 12 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Use commas: n After a personal name followed by a professional degree or title: Winston Lewis, DDS Barbara Cohen, President n To enclose a title after a name in the middle of a sentence. Bill Adams, Department Chair, and Tom Abdul, Ph. D, Professor of Economics, will speak. English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 13 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Use commas in mid-sentence: n To enclose a person’s name. We hope, Mr. Chow, that you will go with us. n To enclose the year in a date. On May 4, 1970, we opened our first store. n To enclose a reference to a date. At 9 a. m. , Tuesday, May 4, the service will begin. English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 14 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Use commas with quotation marks: n n May asked, “Do you like to ski? ” “I love to ski, ” May said. “One thing I know, ” May said, “is that I love to ski. ” May said, “I love to ski, ” and then she fell. English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 15 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Do not use a comma before a quotation that blends into the rest of the sentence. The protestors urged politicians to “clean the air now” during the march. English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 16 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

Use commas with numbers that have more than four digits (thousands are optional) : n n n $1, 000 or $1000 $10, 000 $1, 000 English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 17 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.

• Do not use commas: § In street addresses: 16253 Happiness Way § In reference numbers: Invoice no. 68275 § Between the Province and Postal code: Halifax, NS B 3 M 1 N 9 § With only the month and year: May 1970 § In international date style: 4 May 1970 English for Careers: Business, Professional, and Technical, 10 th ed. Smith and Moore 18 © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved.