The Clever Comma

1. The Clever Comma Or, The Pesky Comma

2. Commas • Commas are used in the gaps between words and ideas in a sentence to control the flow of information and to create relationships among the different groups of words and ideas. • We know from Maharishi Vedic Science that organizing power is located in the gap. • Think of commas as the organizing power in the gaps in sentences.

3. Where Commas Are Used • Commas are used before coordinating conjunctions, linking independent clauses. • Commas are used after introductory words, introductory phrases, or introductory subordinate clauses. • Commas are used between items in a series. • Commas are used with parenthetical and other miscellaneous elements, such as setting off non-restrictive clauses. • Commas may also be used simply to prevent confusion.

4. Commas used before coordinating conjunctions, linking independent clauses • Coordinating conjunctions include for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so (fanboys). Ex. I love dancing in the moonlight, and I love watching college basketball. Ex. We had the picnic indoors, for rain had started and was coming down in buckets. Ex. I’ve baked fourteen pies, so let’s eat.

5. Commas used after introductory words, phrases, or introductory subordinate clauses • Introductory Word Ex. Yes, I do want to learn how to paint • Introductory Phrase Ex. Struggling to hold my books, I tried to unlock the door but ended up dropping everything. • Introductory Subordinate Clause Ex. When the morning sun came up over the mountain, the first rays streamed down into my window. .

6. Commas used between items in a series • A series is considered 3 or more parallel items in a row. • Series can be made of words, phrases, or clauses. Ex. The oranges were sweet, juicy, and cold. Ex. I like to hike, to skate, and to swim. Ex. My mother, who taught kindergarten, who loved children, and who was always patient, also liked to have fun and cut loose non-restrictive relative clauses). Exception: If the elements in the series contain internal commas, then separate them with semicolons.

7. Commas used with parenthetical and other miscellaneous elements. • Commas are used with non restrictive elements (clauses, phrases, appositives). Ex. My father, who enjoyed a good laugh, loved practical jokes. (non-restrictive relative clause) • Commas are used with contrasted elements. Ex. I really prefer a temperate climate, not the extreme temperatures we have in Iowa. (contrasting negative point of view) • Commas are used with geographical names, items in dates, and addresses Ex. Fairfield, Iowa, is a small town. Ex. I arrived in Fairfield on December 20, 2006 and started work on January 1, 2007. Ex. My friend’s address is Jason Mank, 266 S. Biltmore, Asheville, NC 28101.

8. Commas used simply to prevent confusion • Sometimes commas are needed even though they are not grammatically necessary, simply to clarify meaning. Ex. Still, water is a necessary element for sustainable living. Ex. The day before, I had seen her at the store.

9. Where Commas Are NOT Used • Not between the subject and its verb nor between the verb and its object. • Not immediately preceding or following a coordinating conjunction, unless it links independent clauses. • Not between short words and phrases that are not parenthetical. • Not setting off restrictive elements. • Not immediately preceding the first element in a series nor following the last item in the series.

10. Summary • Commas indicate relationships between elements in a sentence. • Commas are required between certain specific elements. • Superfluous commas should be deleted.