Prof.

James Click Fall 2010

Everything You Need to Know About Using Commas (Almost) The comma is one of the most common and important punctuation marks because it is used to identify and manage different parts of a sentence. Understanding how to use commas properly is critical to becoming a clear and persuasive writer. Comma Usage:

I.

Use commas to separate INDEPENDENT CLAUSES when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. (FANBOYS) Ex- The semester was finally over, but I still had three papers to finish. Ex- The student rephrased her question, yet the professor still could not understand. Ex- I spent all weekend writing this paper, so the last thing I need is a new paper assignment.

II. Use commas after introductory clauses. Common starter words for
introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. Ex- When I woke up the next morning, my wallet was gone and there was no sign of my girlfriend. Ex- Since she was going to the store, I asked her to pick up some carrots and a six-pack. However, don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast). Ex- He failed the class, because he never attended the Writing Center. (INCORRECT) Ex- Her kids called me daddy since I looked like her ex-husband. (CORRECT) Ex- Janet was quite depressed, although we had been married that day. (CORRECT because it indicates extreme contrast)

III. Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses,
phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. Ex- I enjoy your company; your food, on the other hand, is something you need to work on. Ex- My car, which was given to me by my grandfather, catches fire every time I start the engine.

Prof. James Click Fall 2010

Clues to help you decide whether a clause is not essential (use commas) or essential (no commas): 1) If you leave out the clause, phrase, or word, does the sentence still make sense? 2) Does the clause, phrase, or word interrupt the flow of words in the original sentence? 3) Does the clause begin with the word which? If so, it is not essential (use commas). If the clause begins with the word that, it is essential (no commas). Ex- The movie that I borrowed from you was excellent. (NO COMMAS around that I borrowed from you because the clause is essential to understanding the meaning of the sentence) Ex- The movie she recommended, which was made in 1993, was quite boring. (USE COMMAS around which was made in 1993 because the clause is not essential to understanding the meaning of the sentence)

IV. Use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written
in a series. The commas before the final member of the series (before and) is optional. Ex- The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment. Ex- My favorite cuisines are Mexican, Thai, and Indian.

V. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe

the same noun. Coordinate adjectives are adjectives with equal ("co"ordinate) status in describing the noun; neither adjective is subordinate to the other. You can decide if two adjectives in a row are coordinate by asking the following questions: 1) Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are written in reverse order? 2) Does the sentence make sense if the adjectives are written with and between them? If you answer yes to either one of these questions, then a comma should be used to separate the adjectives. Ex- She was an angry, irresponsible child. (COORDINATE ADJECTIVES, angry & irresponsible separately modify the noun child- use commas to separate) Ex- She always wears a blue satin blouse. (NON-COORDINATE ADJECTIVES, blue modifies satin, which in turn modifies blouse- do not separate with a comma)

VI. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the
month and day), addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in names.

Prof. James Click Fall 2010

Ex- We are planning to move to Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington. Ex- On September 11, 2001, I was living at 721 OFarrell Street, San Francisco, California.

VII. Use a comma to shift between the main discourse of a sentence and a
quotation. Ex- In 1848, Marx wrote, "Workers of the world, unite!" Ex- When the student was asked why he cheated on the test, he said, I didnt realize copying someone elses answers is cheating. However, if a quote is preceded by the word that, then no comma is used. Ex- The author believes that several schools will close before the end of the year.

VIII.

Use commas wherever necessary to prevent possible confusion or misreading. Ex- Shelley having drowned Byron presided over the funeral ceremonies on the beach. (INCORRECT) Ex- Shelley having drowned, Byron presided over the funeral ceremonies on the beach. (CORRECT)

Common Comma-Related Mistakes to Avoid:

I.

Do not use a comma to separate independent clauses unless it is paired with a coordinating conjunction. When only a comma separates two independent clauses, it is called a comma splice. Ex- I was excited to see her, I had always regretted breaking up with her. (INCORRECT) Ex- I was excited to see her; I had always regretted breaking up with her. (CORRECT)

II. Don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate)
clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast). Ex- The cat scratched at the door, while I was eating. (INCORRECT) Ex- The cat scratched at the door while I was eating. (CORRECT)

Prof. James Click Fall 2010

Ex- I no longer attend the class, because I have no chance of earning a passing grade. (INCORRECT) Ex- I no longer attend the class because I have no chance of earning a passing grade. (CORRECT)

III. Don't use a comma to separate the subject from the verb.
Ex- An eighteen-year old in California, is now considered an adult. (INCORRECT) Ex- An eighteen-year old in California is now considered an adult. (CORRECT)

IV. Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb phrases in a compound
predicate. Ex- I turned the corner, and crashed into a patrol car. (INCORRECT) Ex- I turned the corner and crashed into a patrol car. (CORRECT)