Comma usage

Commas And Semicolons

This time it’s going to stick!

COMMA USAGEThe Basics

Commas x 4

L lists

U unnecessary phrases

C combining sentences with coordinating conjunctions

I introductory elementsThanks for the acronym, Mr. Kreher.

Lists

Rule: Place a comma after every item in the list.

Example:

I need to bring my backpack, my books, my calculator, and my outside reading book.

Lists

Rule: Place a comma after every item in the list.

Example:

I need to bring my

backpack, my books, my calculator, and my outside reading book.

Lists

Rule: Place a comma after every item in the list.

Write your own example.

Unnecessary Elements

Rule: Nonrestrictive clauses and phrases and other parenthetical elements are set off with commas.

Examples:

The girl behind the counter, who runs the whole place, handed me my change.

If you work hard, however, you might just succeed.

Unnecessary Elements

Rule: Nonrestrictive clauses and phrases and other parenthetical elements are set off with commas.

Note: These commas work in pairs.

Examples:

The girl behind the

counter, who runs the

whole place, handed me my change.

If you work hard, however, you might just succeed.

Commas Used as Scissors

Joe, the guy who lives down the street, gave me this rod and reel.

Commas Used to Set Off Direct Address

Joe, the guy who lives down the street gave me this rod and reel.

Commas Used as Scissors

Joe, the guy who lives down the

street, gave me this rod and reel.

Commas Used as Scissors

Joe, the guy who lives down the street gave me this rod and reel.

Commas work in pairs if unnecessary information comes in the middle of the sentence.

Unnecessary Elements

Rule: Nonrestrictive clauses and phrases and other parenthetical elements are set off with commas.

Write your own example.

Combining Sentences

F for

A and

N nor

B but

O or

Y yet

S so

Rule: Use coordinating conjunctions to connect two complete sentences (independent clauses).

Example:

I want to go to the store, but my father will not let me drive myself.

Combining Sentences

F for

A and

N nor

B but

O or

Y yet

S so

Rule: Use coordinating conjunctions to connect two complete sentences (independent clauses).

Example:

I want to go to the store, but my father will not let me drive myself.

Combining Sentences

F for

A and

N nor

B but

O or

Y yet

S so

Rule: Use coordinating conjunctions to connect two complete sentences (independent clauses).

Example:

I want to go to the store, but my father will not let me drive myself.

Combining Sentences

F for

A and

N nor

B but

O or

Y yet

S so

Rule: Use coordinating conjunctions to connect two complete sentences (independent clauses).

Example:

I want to go to the store, but my father will not let me drive myself.

Combining Sentences

F for

A and

N nor

B but

O or

Y yet

S so

Write your own example.

Introductory Elements

Rule: Use commas after introductory a)

clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.

Example:

Before you begin, be sure to read all of the directions.

Introductory Elements

Rule: Use commas after introductory a)

clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.

Example:

Before you begin, be sure to read all of the directions.

Introductory Elements

Rule: Use commas after introductory a)

clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.

Example:

Before you begin, be sure to read all of the directions.

Introductory Elements

Write your own example.

SEMICOLONSThe Basics

Semicolons Connect

Semicolons connect related sentences

Rule:

Each side of the semicolon must be an independent clause.

Each side should be able to stand alone.

Example

I shouldn’t be driving; I haven’t slept in two days.

Semicolons connect related sentences

Rule:

Each side of the semicolon must be an independent clause.

Each side should be able to stand alone.

Example

I shouldn’t be driving; I haven’t slept in two days.

Semicolons connect related sentences

Rule:

Each side of the semicolon must be an independent clause.

Each side should be able to stand alone.

Example

I shouldn’t be driving; I haven’t slept in two days.

Semicolons connect related sentences

Rule:

Each side of the semicolon must be an independent clause.

Each side should be able to stand alone.

Example

I shouldn’t be driving; I haven’t slept in two days.

Semicolons connect related sentences

Rule:

Each side of the semicolon must be an independent clause.

Each side should be able to stand alone.

Now you write an example.

Semicolons connect with conjunctive adverbs

NOT• For• And• Nor• But• Or• Yet• So

• accordingly• furthermore • moreover • similarly• also• hence • namely • still• anyway

• however• nevertheless

• then• besides• incidentally• next• thereafter• certainly• indeed• nonetheless

• therefore• consequently

• now• thus• finally• likewise• otherwise• further• meanwhile

Conjunctive Adverb

Steve loves to dance; however, he is not a good dancer.

I drank a lot of water; therefore, I have to use the little girls room.

I am a young rebel; often, I break the rules that society has put in front of me.

If we do not retaliate, our nation will be destroyed; furthermore, our soldiers will have died in vain.