Comma Capers Designed by Elisa Paramore. Introduction n Commas are used in writing for 5 main reasons: n To signal where ideas end n To show how ideas.

Comma Capers

Designed byDesigned byElisa ParamoreElisa Paramore

Introduction

Commas are used in writing for 5 main Commas are used in writing for 5 main reasons:reasons:

To signal where ideas endTo signal where ideas end To show how ideas relate to one anotherTo show how ideas relate to one another To show which ideas are emphasizedTo show which ideas are emphasized To show which ideas are down playedTo show which ideas are down played To signal which ideas are expressed in a To signal which ideas are expressed in a

person’s own wordsperson’s own words

Topics of Discussion

The 6 most important comma rules are:The 6 most important comma rules are: To separate 3 or more items in a seriesTo separate 3 or more items in a series To set off introductory material in a sentenceTo set off introductory material in a sentence On both sides of words that interrupt the flow of On both sides of words that interrupt the flow of

thought in a sentencethought in a sentence Between 2 complete thoughts connected by a Between 2 complete thoughts connected by a

conjunctionconjunction To set off a direct quoteTo set off a direct quote To separate certain everyday material from a the rest To separate certain everyday material from a the rest

of a sentenceof a sentence

Rule #1- Items in a Series

When using rule # 1 remember that the 3 When using rule # 1 remember that the 3 items in the series can be single words, items in the series can be single words, phrases or clauses.phrases or clauses.

Also remember that a comma is only used if Also remember that a comma is only used if the word “and” can be inserted between the the word “and” can be inserted between the items without sounding unnaturalitems without sounding unnatural

Rule # 1 Examples

He ordered pie, cake and ice cream. (single items in He ordered pie, cake and ice cream. (single items in a seriesa series

When I go to the country I like to swim, to hike, to ride When I go to the country I like to swim, to hike, to ride horses and to pick wild flowers. (clauses in a series)horses and to pick wild flowers. (clauses in a series)

Before his first day of school, Shonda took her Before his first day of school, Shonda took her kindergartener on a tour of the school, she introduced kindergartener on a tour of the school, she introduced him to the principal and she bought his school him to the principal and she bought his school

supplies. (Phrases insupplies. (Phrases in a series)a series)

Rule # 1 Practice

The vacation brochure promised us fun relaxation The vacation brochure promised us fun relaxation and excitement.and excitement.

The instructor explained that the class could write a The instructor explained that the class could write a paper on a childhood memory on a decision recently paper on a childhood memory on a decision recently made or on a favorite teacher.made or on a favorite teacher.

The trouble with the mayor is that she does not The trouble with the mayor is that she does not delegate responsibility she does not manage city delegate responsibility she does not manage city finances and she does not work well with the city finances and she does not work well with the city council members.council members.

Rule # 2 - Introductory Phrases

When using rule #2, remember that the When using rule #2, remember that the introductory material can be a single introductory material can be a single word, a beginning word group or a word, a beginning word group or a dependent clause.dependent clause.

Rule # 2- Examples

Although she promised to meet me for lunch, Although she promised to meet me for lunch, Caroline never arrived at the restaurant. Caroline never arrived at the restaurant. (Introductory subordinate clause)(Introductory subordinate clause)

By the end of the first half of the tournament, By the end of the first half of the tournament, our team had won nine games. (Introductory our team had won nine games. (Introductory phrase)phrase)

Reluctantly, Mr. Simpson told his oldest Reluctantly, Mr. Simpson told his oldest employee that he was selling his business. employee that he was selling his business. (Introductory adverb)(Introductory adverb)

Rule # 2 Practice

After we checked to be sure all the After we checked to be sure all the doors were locked we left the beach doors were locked we left the beach house until next summer.house until next summer.

As a result of the devastating heat wave As a result of the devastating heat wave the death toll rose to 108.the death toll rose to 108.

Frequently we accuse others of the Frequently we accuse others of the behavior we dislike most in ourselves.behavior we dislike most in ourselves.

Rule # 3- Interrupters

When using rule #3 commas are used after When using rule #3 commas are used after transitional words or expressions if the word transitional words or expressions if the word or expression is at the beginning of a or expression is at the beginning of a sentencesentence

Or Or at both the beginning and end if they at both the beginning and end if they appear in the middle of a sentence.appear in the middle of a sentence.

Rule # 3 - List of Interrupters

for example, in other words, that is for example, in other words, that is Accordingly, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, thus, therefore, if… Accordingly, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, thus, therefore, if…

thenthen Accepting the data, granted that, of courseAccepting the data, granted that, of course In another sense, but conversely, despite, however, nevertheless, on the In another sense, but conversely, despite, however, nevertheless, on the

contrary, on the other hand, though, yetcontrary, on the other hand, though, yet Similarly, more over, also, too, in addition, likewise, next in importanceSimilarly, more over, also, too, in addition, likewise, next in importance Add to this, besides, in addition to this, even more, to repeat, above all, indeed, Add to this, besides, in addition to this, even more, to repeat, above all, indeed,

more importantmore important At the same time, likewiseAt the same time, likewise Furthermore, first, finally, last, second, thenFurthermore, first, finally, last, second, then In brief, in conclusion, to sum up In brief, in conclusion, to sum up Since then, after this, thereafter, at last, at length, from now on, afterwards, Since then, after this, thereafter, at last, at length, from now on, afterwards,

before, formerly, later, meanwhile, now, presently, subsequently, ultimately, before, formerly, later, meanwhile, now, presently, subsequently, ultimately, sincesince

Rule # 3 Examples

The students behavior at the concert, it The students behavior at the concert, it seems to me, was exemplary. seems to me, was exemplary. (Interrupter in the middle of the (Interrupter in the middle of the sentence)sentence)

Of course, not every one shares my Of course, not every one shares my concern for this issue. (Interrupter at the concern for this issue. (Interrupter at the beginning of the sentence)beginning of the sentence)

Rule #3- Practice

As a matter of fact the lamp does need As a matter of fact the lamp does need a higher-wattage bulb.a higher-wattage bulb.

This report I feel is inadequately This report I feel is inadequately prepared.prepared.

Rule # 4- With Conjuctions

When using rule #4, remember that each When using rule #4, remember that each complete thought must have a subject and a complete thought must have a subject and a verbverb

If either of the two parts of the compound If either of the two parts of the compound sentence lacks a subject or a verb, then it is sentence lacks a subject or a verb, then it is not a complete thought.Therefore a comma not a complete thought.Therefore a comma cannot be used.cannot be used.

Rule # 4 Examples

The match was over, yet the spectators The match was over, yet the spectators refused to leave.refused to leave.

The match was over, but the spectators The match was over, but the spectators refused to leave.refused to leave.

At night the hummingbird becomes At night the hummingbird becomes practically lifeless, and its body practically lifeless, and its body temperature drops to that of the temperature drops to that of the surrounding air.surrounding air.

Rule # 4- Practice

Janice had been rejected many times yet she Janice had been rejected many times yet she retained her sense of humor.retained her sense of humor.

The students were lazy and insolent so the The students were lazy and insolent so the teacher assigned them extra pages to study.teacher assigned them extra pages to study.

Karen fastened red bows to the lamppost for Karen fastened red bows to the lamppost for the holiday season was fastthe holiday season was fast approaching.approaching.

Rule # 5- Direct Quotes

When using rule #5, remember to insert the When using rule #5, remember to insert the comma after the explanation of who is talking comma after the explanation of who is talking if it comes at the beginning of the sentenceif it comes at the beginning of the sentence

Or Or insert it after the direct quote and before insert it after the direct quote and before the explanation of who is speaking if the the explanation of who is speaking if the explanation comes at the end of the sentenceexplanation comes at the end of the sentence

Rule #5 Examples

Merry said, “ I have just found a real Merry said, “ I have just found a real bargain.” (Explanation at the beginning)bargain.” (Explanation at the beginning)

““Imagination is more important than Imagination is more important than knowledge,” said Albert Einstein. knowledge,” said Albert Einstein. (Explanation at the end)(Explanation at the end)

““Imagination,” said Albert Einstein,”is Imagination,” said Albert Einstein,”is more important than knowledge.” more important than knowledge.” (Explanation in the middle)(Explanation in the middle)

Rule #5- Practice

Jimmy the Janitor said pick up the Jimmy the Janitor said pick up the paper.paper.

Your novel will be published next fall Your novel will be published next fall said the editor.said the editor.

I hope said the teacher that this review I hope said the teacher that this review will help you prepare for the test.will help you prepare for the test.

Rule # 6- Everyday Material

When using rule # 6, remember:When using rule # 6, remember: To use a comma to separate a direct address from To use a comma to separate a direct address from

the rest of the sentencethe rest of the sentence To separate a date from the year and another comma To separate a date from the year and another comma

to separate the year from the rest of the sentenceto separate the year from the rest of the sentence To use a comma before both the opening and closing To use a comma before both the opening and closing

salutation of a lettersalutation of a letter To use a comma to separate numbers that are more To use a comma to separate numbers that are more

than 3 digits longthan 3 digits long

Rule # 6- Examples

Dorie, you must get ready for school now. (Remember to place Dorie, you must get ready for school now. (Remember to place a comma after a direct address of a person)a comma after a direct address of a person)

Today’s date is August 18, 1999, the first day of fall semester. Today’s date is August 18, 1999, the first day of fall semester. (Remember to separate the day of the month from the year and (Remember to separate the day of the month from the year and the year from the rest of a sentence.)the year from the rest of a sentence.)

Dear John, ( Remember to place a comma at the end of a Dear John, ( Remember to place a comma at the end of a letters’ opening salutation.)letters’ opening salutation.)

Yours Truly, ( Remember to place a comma after the closing Yours Truly, ( Remember to place a comma after the closing salutation of a letter.)salutation of a letter.)

Last year my salary was $ 1,000 per month. (Remember to Last year my salary was $ 1,000 per month. (Remember to place a comma in numbers that are more than 3 digits.)place a comma in numbers that are more than 3 digits.)

Other Comma Uses

Place commas around non-essential information in a sentencePlace commas around non-essential information in a sentence Place commas between the name of a city and state if given in Place commas between the name of a city and state if given in

a continuous linea continuous line Place commas between parts of an address if given in a Place commas between parts of an address if given in a

continuous linecontinuous line Place a comma immediately before non-essential material that Place a comma immediately before non-essential material that

is added to the end of a sentenceis added to the end of a sentence Use comas to separate 2 or more adjectives of equal Use comas to separate 2 or more adjectives of equal

importance that describe the same noun or group of wordsimportance that describe the same noun or group of words

Examples for Other Comma Uses

Uncle Ralph, who has been on the police force 20 Uncle Ralph, who has been on the police force 20 years, believes handgun legislation is the key to years, believes handgun legislation is the key to reducing crime.(the phrase that starts with reducing crime.(the phrase that starts with who who is not is not needed for the sentence to make sense to the needed for the sentence to make sense to the reader, therefore it is enclosed by commas)reader, therefore it is enclosed by commas)

My new address will be 5159 Edgewater Dr., My new address will be 5159 Edgewater Dr., Panama City Beach, Florida 25464. (If an address Panama City Beach, Florida 25464. (If an address appears in a continuous line, remember to place appears in a continuous line, remember to place commas between the street address and the city and commas between the street address and the city and then between the city and state.)then between the city and state.)

More Examples

Whether or not I pass the test is my responsibility, not Whether or not I pass the test is my responsibility, not my instructor’s. (Remember to place a comma before my instructor’s. (Remember to place a comma before any extra information at the end of a sentence that is any extra information at the end of a sentence that is not needed for the reader to understand what the not needed for the reader to understand what the main idea is.)main idea is.)

An expensive, well-tailored suit is a necessary An expensive, well-tailored suit is a necessary investment for a young executive. (Remember to investment for a young executive. (Remember to insert a comma between modifiers such as expensive insert a comma between modifiers such as expensive and well-tailored if the adjectives can be reversed and well-tailored if the adjectives can be reversed and if the word and can be placed between them.)and if the word and can be placed between them.)

When Not To Use a Comma

Do not use a comma to separate a subject and its Do not use a comma to separate a subject and its verbverb

Do not use a comma to separate a verb from its Do not use a comma to separate a verb from its objectobject

Do not use a comma to separate a verb from its Do not use a comma to separate a verb from its complementcomplement

Do not use a comma after the words like or suchDo not use a comma after the words like or such Do not use a comma after the word Do not use a comma after the word that that and a direct and a direct

quotequote

Examples of When Not To Use Commas

The governor-elect, promised to work to change the The governor-elect, promised to work to change the way public education is funded in our state. way public education is funded in our state. (Remember not to separate a subject and its verb.)(Remember not to separate a subject and its verb.)

The U.S. has a government, of the people.The U.S. has a government, of the people.(Remember not to separate a preposition from its (Remember not to separate a preposition from its object.)object.)

Carl, smacked the ball out of the park. (Remember Carl, smacked the ball out of the park. (Remember not to separate a verb from its object.)not to separate a verb from its object.)

Louise will become a concert pianist if she continues Louise will become a concert pianist if she continues to study. ( Remember not to separate a verb from its to study. ( Remember not to separate a verb from its complement.)complement.)

More Examples

Kurt believes in some unusual ideas such as, Kurt believes in some unusual ideas such as, reincarnation, transmigration and mental reincarnation, transmigration and mental telepathy. (Remember not to use a comma telepathy. (Remember not to use a comma after the words like or such.) after the words like or such.)

The school board president said that,”we are The school board president said that,”we are considering a ten-month school considering a ten-month school year.”(Remember not to use a comma year.”(Remember not to use a comma between that and a directbetween that and a direct quote.)quote.)

Conclusion I hope that this workshop has been helpful in regard I hope that this workshop has been helpful in regard

to how to correctly use commas in your writing. If you to how to correctly use commas in your writing. If you have any questions about this topic or any other have any questions about this topic or any other dealing with English please feel free to ask the dealing with English please feel free to ask the

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