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The Comma

The Comma. What is the Comma?. The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because it separates the structural elements of sentences into manageable segments. It is one of the most used, and often misused, forms of punctuation. . What is it used for?. It is used to separate:

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The Comma

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  1. The Comma

  2. What is the Comma? • The comma is a valuable, useful punctuation device because it separates the structural elements of sentences into manageable segments. • It is one of the most used, and often misused, forms of punctuation.

  3. What is it used for? • It is used to separate: • The elements in a series • Two independent clauses • It is also used to set off: • Introductory phrases • Non-essential elements

  4. Separating Elements in a Series • The comma is used to separate three or more elements in a series. It creates a clearer sentence with less confusion. • I like to eat apples, oranges, and bananas. • The Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. • The candidate promised to lower taxes, protect the environment, reduce crime, and end unemployment.

  5. Separating two independent clauses. • It is important to use a comma to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. • He hit the ball, but he ran toward third base. • I like to play tennis with my friends, but I like to run by myself. • I want to go to the movies, and I want to go to dinner.

  6. How the comma is used to set off introductory phrases. • Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause. • You can recognize introductory phrases by Common starter words such as, after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. Also, Common introductory words, yes, however, well should be separated by a comma. • While I was eating, the doorbell rang. • Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class. • If you are sick, you should see a doctor. • When the rain stops coming down, we'll go play outside. • Well, perhaps he meant no harm. • Yes, I want to go on a date with you. • However, you may not be satisfied with the results.

  7. Commas should also be used to separate long prepositional phrases over 4 words. Having finished eating, he left the table. To get a seat,you'd better come early. After the test, but before dinner, I went swimming. The sun radiating intense heat, we sought shelter in the cafe. Continued (introductory phrases)…

  8. Setting off Non-Essential Elements • A pair of commas, in the middle of a sentence, should be used to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. • These are three questions you should ask yourself to help you decided whether the sentence element is essential. • If you leave out the clause, phrase, or word, does the sentence still make sense? • Does the clause, phrase, or word interrupt the flow of words in the original sentence? • If you move the element to a different position in the sentence, does the sentence still make sense? • If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, then the element in question is nonessential and should be set off with commas

  9. Continued (non-essential elements)… • Examples of sentences using commas to separate non-essential elements: • Clause: That Tuesday, which happens to be my birthday, is the only day when I am available to meet. • Phrase: This restaurant has an exciting atmosphere. The food, on the other hand, is rather bland. • Word: I appreciate your hard work. In this case, however, you seem to have over-exerted yourself.

  10. When not to use the Comma • Don't use a comma to separate the subject from the verb. • An eighteen-year old in California, is now considered an adult. (incorrect) • An eighteen-year old in California is now considered an adult. (correct) • Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb phrases in a compound predicate. • Don't put a comma between the two nouns, noun phrases, or noun clauses in a compound subject or compound object. • Don't put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast). • She was late for class, because her alarm clock was broken.(incorrect) • She was late for class because her alarm clock was broken, (correct)

  11. Outside Sources • Quiz on Comma Usage • In this quiz you will be given a paragraph and you have to change the sentences when needed • Quiz on Comma Usage • In this quiz you will be given sentences in which you have to choose the correct answer from 3 choices.

  12. Home What is the Comma? What is it used for? Separating Elements in a Series Separating two independent clauses How the Comma is used to set off introductory phrases Continued (introductory phrases) Setting off non-essential elements Continued (non-essential elements) When not to use the Comma Outside sources Contents

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