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Learn the six most important comma rules to enhance your writing skills. Understand how to use commas in lists, introductory phrases, interrupters, with conjunctions, and for direct quotes.
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Comma Capers Designed by Elisa Paramore
Introduction • Commas are used in writing for 5 main reasons: • To signal where ideas end • To show how ideas relate to one another • To show which ideas are emphasized • To show which ideas are down played • To signal which ideas are expressed in a person’s own words
Topics of Discussion • The 6 most important comma rules are: • To separate 3 or more items in a series • To set off introductory material in a sentence • On both sides of words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence • Between 2 complete thoughts connected by a conjunction • To set off a direct quote • To separate certain everyday material from a the rest of a sentence
Rule #1- Items in a Series • When using rule # 1 remember that the 3 items in the series can be single words, phrases or clauses. • Also remember that a comma is only used if the word “and” can be inserted between the items without sounding unnatural
Rule # 1 Examples • He ordered pie, cake and ice cream. (single items in a series • When I go to the country I like to swim, to hike, to ride horses and to pick wild flowers. (clauses in a series) • Before his first day of school, Shonda took her kindergartener on a tour of the school, she introduced him to the principal and she bought his school supplies. (Phrases ina series)
Rule # 1 Practice • The vacation brochure promised us fun relaxation and excitement. • The instructor explained that the class could write a paper on a childhood memory on a decision recently made or on a favorite teacher. • The trouble with the mayor is that she does not delegate responsibility she does not manage city finances and she does not work well with the city council members.
Rule # 2 - Introductory Phrases • When using rule #2, remember that the introductory material can be a single word, a beginning word group or a dependent clause.
Rule # 2- Examples • Although she promised to meet me for lunch, Caroline never arrived at the restaurant. (Introductory subordinate clause) • By the end of the first half of the tournament, our team had won nine games. (Introductory phrase) • Reluctantly, Mr. Simpson told his oldest employee that he was selling his business. (Introductory adverb)
Rule # 2 Practice • After we checked to be sure all the doors were locked we left the beach house until next summer. • As a result of the devastating heat wave the death toll rose to 108. • Frequently we accuse others of the behavior we dislike most in ourselves.
Rule # 3- Interrupters • When using rule #3 commas are used after transitional words or expressions if the word or expression is at the beginning of a sentence • Or at both the beginning and end if they appear in the middle of a sentence.
Rule # 3 - List of Interrupters • for example, in other words, that is • Accordingly, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, thus, therefore, if… then • Accepting the data, granted that, of course • In another sense, but conversely, despite, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, though, yet • Similarly, more over, also, too, in addition, likewise, next in importance • Add to this, besides, in addition to this, even more, to repeat, above all, indeed, more important • At the same time, likewise • Furthermore, first, finally, last, second, then • In brief, in conclusion, to sum up • Since then, after this, thereafter, at last, at length, from now on, afterwards, before, formerly, later, meanwhile, now, presently, subsequently, ultimately, since
Rule # 3 Examples • The students behavior at the concert, it seems to me, was exemplary. (Interrupter in the middle of the sentence) • Of course, not every one shares my concern for this issue. (Interrupter at the beginning of the sentence)
Rule #3- Practice • As a matter of fact the lamp does need a higher-wattage bulb. • This report I feel is inadequately prepared.
Rule # 4- With Conjuctions • When using rule #4, remember that each complete thought must have a subject and a verb • If either of the two parts of the compound sentence lacks a subject or a verb, then it is not a complete thought.Therefore a comma cannot be used.
Rule # 4 Examples • The match was over, yet the spectators refused to leave. • The match was over, but the spectators refused to leave. • At night the hummingbird becomes practically lifeless, and its body temperature drops to that of the surrounding air.
Rule # 4- Practice • Janice had been rejected many times yet she retained her sense of humor. • The students were lazy and insolent so the teacher assigned them extra pages to study. • Karen fastened red bows to the lamppost for the holiday season was fastapproaching.
Rule # 5- Direct Quotes • When using rule #5, remember to insert the comma after the explanation of who is talking if it comes at the beginning of the sentence • Or insert it after the direct quote and before the explanation of who is speaking if the explanation comes at the end of the sentence
Rule #5 Examples • Merry said, “ I have just found a real bargain.” (Explanation at the beginning) • “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” said Albert Einstein. (Explanation at the end) • “Imagination,” said Albert Einstein,”is more important than knowledge.” (Explanation in the middle)
Rule #5- Practice • Jimmy the Janitor said pick up the paper. • Your novel will be published next fall said the editor. • I hope said the teacher that this review will help you prepare for the test.
Rule # 6- Everyday Material • When using rule # 6, remember: • To use a comma to separate a direct address from the rest of the sentence • To separate a date from the year and another comma to separate the year from the rest of the sentence • To use a comma before both the opening and closing salutation of a letter • To use a comma to separate numbers that are more than 3 digits long
Rule # 6- Examples • Dorie, you must get ready for school now. (Remember to place a comma after a direct address of a person) • 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 year from the rest of a sentence.) • Dear John, ( Remember to place a comma at the end of a letters’ opening salutation.) • Yours Truly, ( Remember to place a comma after the closing salutation of a letter.) • Last year my salary was $ 1,000 per month. (Remember to place a comma in numbers that are more than 3 digits.)
Other Comma Uses • Place commas around non-essential information in a sentence • Place commas between the name of a city and state if given in a continuous line • Place commas between parts of an address if given in a continuous line • Place a comma immediately before non-essential material that is added to the end of a sentence • Use comas to separate 2 or more adjectives of equal importance that describe the same noun or group of words
Examples for Other Comma Uses • Uncle Ralph, who has been on the police force 20 years, believes handgun legislation is the key to reducing crime.(the phrase that starts with who is not needed for the sentence to make sense to the reader, therefore it is enclosed by commas) • My new address will be 5159 Edgewater Dr., Panama City Beach, Florida 25464. (If an address appears in a continuous line, remember to place commas between the street address and the city and then between the city and state.)
More Examples • Whether or not I pass the test is my responsibility, not my instructor’s. (Remember to place a comma before any extra information at the end of a sentence that is not needed for the reader to understand what the main idea is.) • An expensive, well-tailored suit is a necessary investment for a young executive. (Remember to insert a comma between modifiers such as expensive and well-tailored if the adjectives can be reversed and if the word and can be placed between them.)
When Not To Use a Comma • Do not use a comma to separate a subject and its verb • Do not use a comma to separate a verb from its object • Do not use a comma to separate a verb from its complement • Do not use a comma after the words like or such • Do not use a comma after the word that and a direct quote
Examples of When Not To Use Commas • The governor-elect, promised to work to change the way public education is funded in our state. (Remember not to separate a subject and its verb.) • The U.S. has a government, of the people.(Remember not to separate a preposition from its object.) • Carl, smacked the ball out of the park. (Remember not to separate a verb from its object.) • Louise will become a concert pianist if she continues to study. ( Remember not to separate a verb from its complement.)
More Examples • Kurt believes in some unusual ideas such as, reincarnation, transmigration and mental telepathy. (Remember not to use a comma after the words like or such.) • The school board president said that,”we are considering a ten-month school year.”(Remember not to use a comma between that and a directquote.)
Conclusion • I hope that this workshop has been helpful in regard to how to correctly use commas in your writing. If you have any questions about this topic or any other dealing with English please feel free to ask the Student Support Services English instructoror your class instructor. Please come by Student Support Services to fill out an Academic Enrichment Summary so that we may document your participation. If you are viewing this workshop via the internet you may click on the link in the directions box on the Workshops page to print one out or e-mail it to: rcrews@wallace.edu. Thank you and Happy Writing! Handouts available upon request. • EXIT
