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Common Comma Conundrums

Common Comma Conundrums. Common Errors. Most comma errors occur because the writer has not distinguished independent and dependent clauses . What is an independent clause (IC)?. Independent Clause. Consists of an “agent” or “actor” and a verb Can stand independently and make sense

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Common Comma Conundrums

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  1. Common Comma Conundrums

  2. Common Errors • Most comma errors occur because the writer has not distinguished independent and dependent clauses. • What is an independent clause (IC)?

  3. Independent Clause • Consists of an “agent” or “actor” and a verb • Can stand independently and make sense • Examples: • I love ice cream. • This project seems difficult.

  4. Two Types of Verbs • Linking verbs – express a state of being • Examples: • All forms of the verb “to be” (am, is, are, was, were, being, been) • And words like: feel(s) smell(s) seem(s) sound(s) become(s) taste(s) look(s) • Action Verbs – express an action • Examples: write revise read study run

  5. Summary of IC • IC = Subject + Verb (action or linking) • Examples?

  6. Dependent Clause • Consists of an agent and a verb (IC) but is introduced by a subordinating conjunction • Does not make sense when it stands alone • Must be followed by a comma • Examples: • After the class ended, • When the sun set, • Until you clean your room,

  7. Subordinating Conjunctions • Some examples of subordinating words: although after before because if once since unless until when while

  8. Summary of Dependent Clause (DC) • DC = Subordinating Conjunction+ IC, • Followed by a comma if beginning a sentence • Examples?

  9. What about Commas? • Dependent Clause ,Independent Clause DC , IC • Independent Clause ____ Dependent Clause IC DC

  10. Other Problem Areas:Comma Splice • Commas are often misused to connect two independent clauses without coordinating conjunction to help to connect them • Examples: • The milk was sour, we did not drink it. • I finished my essay at midnight, I went to bed.

  11. Coordinating Conjunctions • Words that link like sentence elements (clauses, nouns, verbs, prepositional phrases, etc.) • BOYFANS: But Or Yet For (not the preposition) And Nor So

  12. Comma Splice • You can avoid using a comma splice by simply adding a coordinating conjunction after the comma between the two independent clauses. • Examples: • The milk was sour, so we did not drink it. • I finished my essay at midnight, and I went to bed.

  13. Avoiding Comma Splices • Independent Clause , (coor. conj.)Independent Clause IC , (coor.conj) IC

  14. Other Problem Areas:The Oxford Comma • In a series of three or more like elements, a comma should be inserted before the final coordinating conjunction • For breakfast we ate eggs, waffles, and sausage.

  15. Why the Oxford Comma? • Example: For breakfast we ate eggs with bacon, waffles with syrup, and sausage with biscuits. • Without the Oxford comma, it is not clear that the sausage was served with the biscuits, as in a breakfast sandwich.

  16. Summary • DC , IC • IC ____ DC • IC , coor. conj. IC • 1 , 2 , and 3 (note the Oxford comma)

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