Why do comma rules matter Because a comma
Why do comma “rules” matter? • Because a comma can mean the difference between life and death… “Let’s eat Grandpa!” “Let’s eat, Grandpa!”
#1. Compound Sentence • Use a comma BEFORE a conjunction in a compound sentence to separate the two independent clauses. Conjunctions = For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet So (FANBOYS) Independent Clause = a complete sentence
#1. Example • Mr. Dunlavy wanted to play baseball with his sons, so he finished his camping duties early.
#1. CS cont’d • You do not need a comma in short compound sentences when the connection between the two clauses is close. • It rained and it sleeted and it snowed.
Which sentence is correct? 1. Sam does not like green eggs and ham but he has not tried them. 2. Sam does not like green eggs and ham, but he has not tried them. Answer: #2
#2. Series • Use commas to separate items in a series of 3 or more. , ,
#2. Example • The American flag is red, white, and blue.
The Oxford Comma The comma before the conjunction is not actually necessary…but some people prefer to use it to avoid confusion. It is known as the Oxford comma. So, “the American flag is red, white and blue, ” is also acceptable.
#3. Modifying Adjectives • Use a comma to separate 2 or more adjectives modifying the same noun if “and” could be used between them without changing the meaning.
If they can be switched, use a comma. Ex: a large, heavy box a heavy, large box
#3. Example The glamorous, stunning wedding of Smith took place in Chicago. Mr. & vs. The stunning, glamorous wedding of Mr. & Mrs. Smith took place in Chicago.
Ms. Bessette enjoys drawing bright orange buildings. Vs. Ms. Bessette enjoys drawing orange bright buildings. (No!)
Ask Yourself: • Can the adjectives be switched without changing the meaning of the phrase? “a bright orange” versus “orange bright” -Can’t be switched? Then do NOT use a comma.
#4. Non-Restrictive Clause • A non-restrictive clause is one that is not essential to the meaning of a sentence, but adds an idea to the sentence. • Usually begins with: who, whom, which, or that
#4. Example • The thief, who entered through the window, went straight to the safe.
#4. Cont’d • NEVER use commas when the clause is restrictive (necessary to the meaning of the sentence). • The thief who had entered through the window went straight to the safe; the other burglar searched for the plasma television.
#5. Restatement/Appositive • Use a comma/s to set off restatements or appositives with modifiers from the rest of a simple sentence. Mr. Friebel, a proud father of two daughters, loves watching college football.
#5. Example • Homer, author of The Odyssey, lived in ancient Greece.
#5. Restatement cont’d • When a restatement is very closely related to the word it modifies and seems to be a part of that word, no comma is needed. • Ex: His cousin Arthur… William the Conqueror The Greek philosopher Plato…
#6. Introductory Word/Clause • Use a comma to set off introductory or transitional words • Ex: Well, Yes, No, Why, Oh, First, etc.
#6. Example Why, yes, Mrs. Corelitz, we love learning grammar in your English I class.
Introductory clauses that begin with… After, Although, As if, As long as, As though, Because, Before, Even though, If, In order that, Since, So that, Unless, Until, Whenever, Wherever, While…need commas! After her family went hiking, Mrs. Scholz graded papers.
#7 – Direct Quote • Use a comma to set off a direct quote. According to Mr. Lange, “Life is what you make it!”
#7. Example • Also use a comma after direct quote… Mr. Esau says, “Safety first is my mantra when using power tools!” a
# 8. Word Left Out • Use a comma to indicate the omission of a word or words. • To err is human; to forgive, divine.
#8 Example The woman radiated wealth; the man, poverty.
#9. Direct Address • Words used in direct address are set off by commas, including questions at the end of sentences (tag questions).
#9. Examples • Santa, please bring me a pony. • I don’t know, Dad, where you left your banjo. • I sure love commas, don’t you?
#10. Dates • Sets off the year from the month in full dates and the year from the rest of the sentence • Oceanic Flight 815 crashed on September 22, 2001, and landed on a seemingly deserted island.
#11. Addresses • Sets off the city and state in geographical names (But the state and zip code are NEVER separated by a comma). • Write me at 111 Twin Oaks Road, Akron, Ohio 70911, after the first of the month.
#12. Letters • Use a comma after the greeting and after the closing of a letter.
#12. Example Dear Olympic Committee, Please pick me to be on the synchronized swim team. I won’t let you down! Sincerely, Mrs. Billie
Other Comma Uses • Separates series of four or more figures into thousands, millions, and so on (3, 700, 563) • Sets off titles and degrees from surnames and from the rest of a sentence. (Martin Luther King Jr. , )
Congratulations. You have now crossed over into…the rest of your academic career!
Works Cited American Werewoulfe in Limerick. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. <http: //americanwerewoulfeinlimerick. blogspot. com/2011_01_01_archive. html>. "Diamond Necklace. | SVWsticker. com. " Submit Article Free to Get Free Article Submission Backlink for Your Site | SVWsticker. com. 2010. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. <http: //www. svwsticker. com/diamond-necklace. html>. "Hyundai Elantra - Light Blue Rear Angle View - New Cars & Used Cars on Furious Car. " Furiouscar - New Cars, Used Cars, Car Prices, Car Reviews & Car Image. 2011. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. <http: //furiouscar. com/2011 -hyundai-elantra-with-sporty-design-and-morepowerful-engine/hyundai-elantra-light-blue-rear-angle-view/>. Premshree Pillai. "Commas Cartoons and Comics. " Cartoon. Stock - Cartoon Pictures, Political Cartoons, Animations. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. <http: //www. cartoonstock. com/directory/c/commas. asp>. "Study Guide for The Odyssey. " University of Oregon. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. <http: //pages. uoregon. edu/howard/? p=337>.
Trotting Pony. " The Hedonistic Imperative. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. <http: //www. hedweb. com/animimag/cool-pony. htm>. "‘Twilight Zone’ Movie Gets Screenwriter - Screen Rant. " Screen Rant: Movie News, Movie Reviews, Movie Trailers, TV News. 2011. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. <http: //screenrant. com/twilight-zone-movie-screenwriter-robf-17890/>. Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. <http: //www. flickr. com/>.
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