Using Commas Writing Consultant Presentation EG 1003: Intro to Engineering and Design NYU’s Polytechnic School of Engineering.

Using Commas

Writing Consultant PresentationEG 1003: Intro to Engineering and DesignNYU’s Polytechnic School of Engineering

Using Commas

1. Introductory phrases

2. Items in a list

3. Coordinate adjectives

4. Interrupting words

5. Coordinating conjunctions

6. Subordinating conjunctions

In the eighteenth century, the first balloon with human passengers was flown.

However, the robot was precise. Using LabVIEW to create a VI took some

practice; nevertheless, it was easier than building a physical instrument.

Taking one’s time to brainstorm before designing a vehicle is crucial to success.

Whenever subject is delayed

Using Commas

1. Introductory phrases

2. Items in a list

3. Coordinate adjectives

4. Interrupting words

5. Coordinating conjunctions

6. Subordinating conjunctions

Lists of more than two items

In this lab, the lab PC, LabVIEW software, a data acquisition (DAQ) board, a breadboard, and LEDs were used.

Before the exam, one should review, say prayers, sleep well, and eat breakfast.

Before taking the exam, one should review, which means study one’s class notes and the reading assignments; get a good night’s sleep, especially at the end of the semester; say prayers, whether one is religious or not; and eat a nutritious, satisfying breakfast.

Supercommas with items with commas

Using Commas

1. Introductory phrases

2. Items in a list

3. Coordinate adjectives

4. Interrupting words

5. Coordinating conjunctions

6. Subordinating conjunctions

Adjectives that modify equally

The accurate, precise robot should be put on the market.

The diligent, painstaking process of product evaluation is vital in today’s world.

Using Commas

1. Introductory phrases

2. Items in a list

3. Coordinate adjectives

4. Interrupting words

5. Coordinating conjunctions

6. Subordinating conjunctions

The placement of commas, in fact, is a difficult matter even for native speakers.

Yes, it is true that printed material is edited and does not reflect the author’s expertise.

A Mindstorms kit, a modular construction set, was used in this lab.

Interruptions need 2 commas

The graphical programming language G is used in LabVIEW.

In Lab 5, “Digital Logic,” the objective was to design a logic circuit using LabVIEW.

Restrictive info has no commas

Using Commas

1. Introductory phrases

2. Items in a list

3. Coordinate adjectives

4. Interrupting words

5. Coordinating conjunctions

6. Subordinating conjunctions

Students write papers, so their professors comment on them.

Professors comment carefully, for their students have expended effort to write. 

Students write papers, yet they do not read them.

Two clauses and a comma

Students write papers and take exams.

Students write papers in English class and EG 1003.

Students and professors enjoy EG 1003.

When not to use a comma

Using Commas

1. Introductory phrases

2. Items in a list

3. Coordinate adjectives

4. Interrupting words

5. Coordinating conjunctions

6. Subordinating conjunctions

Whenever a subordinate clause comes first, there is a comma before the main clause.

There is no comma when the subordinate clause follows the main clause.

Two different situations

Because they were taught a bad lesson in high school, many students are afraid to start a sentence with “because.”

However, it is grammatically correct if you do have an independent clause afterward.

The problem is made worse because “however” is usually an adverb.

It is okay to start with because

Most students think commas are easy, although few really know how to use them.

Exception: contrasting material

Using Commas

1. Introductory phrases

2. Items in a list

3. Coordinate adjectives

4. Interrupting words

5. Coordinating conjunctions

6. Subordinating conjunctions