Comma Capers

Developed byDeveloped byElisa P. ParamoreElisa P. Paramore

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES COUNSELORCOUNSELOR

Introduction

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

1. To signal where ideas end1. To signal where ideas end

2. To show how ideas relate to one another2. To show how ideas relate to one another

3. To show which ideas are emphasized3. To show which ideas are emphasized

4. To show which ideas are down played4. To show which ideas are down played

5. To signal which ideas are expressed in a person’s 5. To signal which ideas are expressed in a person’s own wordsown words

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Topics of Discussion

The 6 most important comma rules are:The 6 most important comma rules are:1. To separate 3 or more items in a series1. To separate 3 or more items in a series2. To set off introductory material in a sentence2. To set off introductory material in a sentence3. On both sides of words that interrupt the flow of thought 3. On both sides of words that interrupt the flow of thought

in a sentencein a sentence4. Between 2 complete thoughts connected by a conjunction4. Between 2 complete thoughts connected by a conjunction5. To set off a direct quote5. To set off a direct quote6. To separate certain everyday material from a the rest of a 6. To separate certain everyday material from a the rest of a

sentencesentence

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Rule #1- Items in a Series

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

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

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Rule # 1 Examples

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

2. When I go to the country I like to swim, to hike, to 2. When I go to the country I like to swim, to hike, to ride horses and to pick wild flowers. (clauses in a ride horses and to pick wild flowers. (clauses in a series)series)

3. Before his first day of school, Shonda took her 3. Before his first day of school, Shonda took her kindergartener on a tour of the school, she kindergartener on a tour of the school, she introduced him to the principal and she bought his introduced him to the principal and she bought his school supplies. (Phrases inschool supplies. (Phrases in a series)a series)

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Rule # 1 Practice

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

2. The instructor explained that the class could 2. The instructor explained that the class could write a paper on a childhood memory on a write a paper on a childhood memory on a decision recently made or on a favorite teacher.decision recently made or on a favorite teacher.

3. The trouble with the mayor is that she does not 3. 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.

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Rule # 2 - Introductory Phrases

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

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Rule # 2- Examples

1. 1. 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)

2. By the end of the first half of the tournament, our 2. By the end of the first half of the tournament, our team had won nine games. (Introductory phrase)team had won nine games. (Introductory phrase)

3. Reluctantly, Mr. Simpson told his oldest employee 3. Reluctantly, Mr. Simpson told his oldest employee that he was selling his business. (Introductory that he was selling his business. (Introductory adverb)adverb)

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Rule # 2 Practice

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

2. As a result of the devastating heat wave the 2. As a result of the devastating heat wave the death toll rose to 108.death toll rose to 108.

3. Frequently we accuse others of the 3. Frequently we accuse others of the behavior we dislike most in ourselves.behavior we dislike most in ourselves.

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Rule # 3- Interupters

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

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

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Rule # 3 - List of Interupters for example, in other words, that is for example, in other words, that is Accordingly, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, thus, therefore, Accordingly, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, thus, therefore,

if… thenif… then 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, Add to this, besides, in addition to this, even more, to repeat, above all,

indeed, more importantindeed, more 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

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Rule # 3 Examples

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

2. Of course, not every one shares my concern 2. Of course, not every one shares my concern for this issue. (Interrupter at the beginning for this issue. (Interrupter at the beginning of the sentence)of the sentence)

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Rule #3- Practice

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

4. This report I feel is inadequately prepared.4. This report I feel is inadequately prepared.

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Rule # 4- With Conjuctions

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

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 not a sentence lacks a subject or a verb, then it is not a complete thought.Therefore a comma cannot be complete thought.Therefore a comma cannot be used.used.

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Rule # 4 Examples

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

2. The match was over, but the spectators 2. The match was over, but the spectators refused to leave.refused to leave.

3. At night the hummingbird becomes 3. At night the hummingbird becomes practically lifeless, and its body temperature practically lifeless, and its body temperature drops to that of the surrounding air.drops to that of the surrounding air.

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Rule # 4- Practice

1. 1. 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.

2. The students were lazy and insolent so the teacher 2. The students were lazy and insolent so the teacher assigned them extra pages to study.assigned them extra pages to study.

3. Karen fastened red bows to the lamppost for the 3. Karen fastened red bows to the lamppost for the

holiday season was fastholiday season was fast approaching.approaching.

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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 comma after the explanation of who is talking if it comes at the beginning of the talking if it comes at the beginning of the sentencesentence

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 explanation comes at the end of the sentencesentence

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Rule #5 Examples

1. 1. 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)

2. “Imagination is more important than 2. “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” said Albert Einstein. knowledge,” said Albert Einstein. (Explanation at the end)(Explanation at the end)

3. “Imagination,” said Albert Einstein,”is 3. “Imagination,” said Albert Einstein,”is more important than knowledge.” more important than knowledge.” (Explanation in the middle)(Explanation in the middle)

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Rule #5- Practice

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

2. Your novel will be published next fall said 2. Your novel will be published next fall said the editor.the editor.

3. I hope said the teacher that this review will 3. I hope said the teacher that this review will help you prepare for the test.help you prepare for the test.

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Rule # 6- Everyday Material

When using rule # 6, remember:When using rule # 6, remember:1. To use a comma to separate a direct address from 1. To use a comma to separate a direct address from

the rest of the sentencethe rest of the sentence2. To separate a date from the year and another 2. To separate a date from the year and another

comma to separate the year from the rest of the comma to separate the year from the rest of the sentencesentence

3. To use a comma before both the opening and 3. To use a comma before both the opening and closing salutation of a letterclosing salutation of a letter

4. To use a comma to separate numbers that are more 4. To use a comma to separate numbers that are more than 3 digits longthan 3 digits long

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Rule # 6- Examples

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

2. Today’s date is August 18, 1999, the first day of fall semester. 2. 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 the (Remember to separate the day of the month from the year and the year from the rest of a sentence.)year from the rest of a sentence.)

3. Dear John, ( Remember to place a comma at the end of a letters’ 3. Dear John, ( Remember to place a comma at the end of a letters’ opening salutation.)opening salutation.)

4. Yours Truly, ( Remember to place a comma after the closing salutation 4. Yours Truly, ( Remember to place a comma after the closing salutation of a letter.)of a letter.)

5. Last year my salary was $ 1,000 per month. (Remember to place a 5. Last year my salary was $ 1,000 per month. (Remember to place a comma in numbers that are more than 3 digits.)comma in numbers that are more than 3 digits.)

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Other Comma Uses

Place commas around non-essential information in a Place commas around non-essential information in a sentencesentence

Place commas between the name of a city and state if Place commas between the name of a city and state if given in a continuous linegiven in a 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 Place a comma immediately before non-essential material that is added to the end of a sentencethat is 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

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Examples for Other Comma Uses

1. 1. 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 is not needed for the sentence to make sense to the not needed for the sentence to make sense to the reader, therefore it is enclosed by commas)reader, therefore it is enclosed by commas)

2. My new address will be 5159 Edgewater Dr., 2. 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 commas between the street address and the city and then between the city and state.)and then between the city and state.)

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More Examples

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

4. An expensive, well-tailored suit is a necessary investment 4. An expensive, well-tailored suit is a necessary investment for a young executive. (Remember to insert a comma for a young executive. (Remember to insert a comma between modifiers such as expensive and well-tailored if between modifiers such as expensive and well-tailored if the adjectives can be reversed and if the word and can be the adjectives can be reversed and if the word and can be placed between them.)placed between them.)

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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 and a

direct quotedirect quote

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Examples of When Not To Use Commas

1. 1. The governor-elect, promised to work to change The governor-elect, promised to work to change the way public education is funded in our state. the 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.)

2. The U.S. has a government, of the people.2. 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.)

3. Carl, smacked the ball out of the park. (Remember 3. 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.)

4. Louise will become a concert pianist if she 4. Louise will become a concert pianist if she continues to study. ( Remember not to separate a continues to study. ( Remember not to separate a verb from its complement.)verb from its complement.)

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More Examples

5. 5. Kurt believes in some unusual ideas such Kurt believes in some unusual ideas such as, reincarnation, transmigration and mental as, 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.)

6. The school board president said that,”we 6. The school board president said that,”we are considering a ten-month school are 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.)

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Conclusion

Although this seminar discussed many Although this seminar discussed many different rules for the proper use of different rules for the proper use of commas, they can be learned with practice. commas, they can be learned with practice. That is the reason practice slides were That is the reason practice slides were inserted after explaining each of the rules inserted after explaining each of the rules and presenting examples of each of them. and presenting examples of each of them.

Important Note

I hope that this workshop has been helpful in I hope that this workshop has been helpful in regard to how to correctly use commas in your regard to how to correctly use commas in your writing. If you have any questions about this topic writing. If you have any questions about this topic or any other punctuation mark(s), please feel free or any other punctuation mark(s), please feel free to contact Student Support Services staff Elisa to contact Student Support Services staff Elisa Paramore or Jason Griggs. Paramore or Jason Griggs.

It is important that you complete the Academic It is important that you complete the Academic Seminar Evaluation form in order that your Seminar Evaluation form in order that your participation may be documented. You may do participation may be documented. You may do this online or in the Student Support Services this online or in the Student Support Services office. Thank you and Happy Writing!office. Thank you and Happy Writing!

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EXIT