Punctuation

1. Punctuation The Comma

2. What’s a comma for? • To slow the reader down • Helps a reader understand the rhythm and flow • Helps a reader to understand the meaning of a sentence

3. 11 Comma Rules

4. #1 Comma Rule • Separates two independent clauses (sentences) connected by a Coordinating Conjunction • FANBOYS – For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So • Bob was usually a quiet man, but he screamed upon entering the room.

5. #2 Comma Rule • Separate elements in a list or a series • Substitutes the word “and” • Bob packed his t-shirts, pants, and socks. • Instead of • Bob packed his t-shirts and pants and socks.

6. #3 Comma Rule • Separate introductory phrases and clauses from the independent clause • After catching his breath, Bob squatted next to the man and took his pulse. • Eating pizza, Tom suddenly felt sick.

7. #4 Comma Rule • Separate a series of adjectives • Replaces the word “and” • The nimble, fat raccoon began to climb into the garbage. • Instead of • The nimble and fat raccoon…

8. #5 Comma Rule • Use commas to set off an appositive • Mr. Bowden, my favorite teacher, is retiring this year.

9. #6 Comma Rule • Use a comma when words or phrases interrupt the sentence, and they could be removed and the sentence still makes sense. • What the candidate promised, in fact, is impossible to achieve. • Now then, let’s get back to work! • She wanted to drive the car, too.

10. #7 Comma Rule • To set off non-essential WHICH, WHO, WHOM, or THAT clauses (Clauses that you do not really need) • Bananas, which grow in the tropics, do not need refrigeration. • The old woman, who lives down the street, drives a red convertible.

11. #8 Comma Rule • To set off or around quoted elements • He said, “Can I borrow your car?” • “Can I borrow your car,” he said, “mine is in the shop.”

12. #8 Comma Rule Continued • Do not add a comma if the quote ends in a question mark or an exclamation point. • “What is that?” he asked. • “Watch out!” she screamed.

13. #9 Comma Rule • To separate city and state • He lived in Salam, Massachusetts. • He visited Albany, New York, on his way to New York City.

14. #10 Comma Rule • Between date and year • He was born on July 12, 1999. • Born on July 12, 1999, Mark would grow up to an astronaut.

15. #11 Comma Rule • After a greeting or closing in a letter • At the beginning of a letter • Dear mom, • At the closing of a letter • Sincerely,

16. When not to use a comma

17. Comma misuse #1 • Do not separate subject from the verb • The most important attribute of a ball player, is quick reflexes. **WRONG** • The most important attribute of a ball playeris quick reflexes. **CORRECT**

18. Comma misuse #2 • Do not separate VERBS or VERB PHRASES in a COMPOUND PREDICATE • Mark drove to the store, and bought some groceries. **WRONG** • Mark drove to the store and bought some groceries. **CORRECT**

19. Comma misuse #3 • When a dependent clause follows an independent clause • He feel asleep, after he worked all day. **WRONG** • You do use one when the dependent clause comes first • After he worked all day, he fell asleep. **CORRECT**

20. Comma misuse #4 • Do not add a comma if the quote ends in a question mark or an exclamation point. • “What is that?” he asked. • “Watch out!” she screamed.